You’re a mom. You’re exhausted by definition. You’ve been wearing those same sweatpants for three days straight. But, if you’re like me, a good girl power jam is just what you need to make you want to throw on some heels and red lipstick and run this town (or at least the PTA meeting). By now, Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls),” Katy Perry’s “Roar,” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” are probably staples in your collection (if not, they definitely should be). But, if you’re looking for a few more solid selections to sing while you’re dancing with your littles or to pump you up while you’re heading to an important meeting, look no further. These hits, old and new, are sure to fit the bill.
“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
I know, I know. This one is probably already on your playlist, too. But, it’s too good to leave off and currently on repeat in my car.
“This is for my Girls” – Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Lea Michele, Kelly Rowland, Zendaya, Janelle Monae, Chloe X Halle, Jada Grace
This song was written as part of Michelle Obama’s #62MillionGirls campaign, and all proceeds go to The Peace Corps Let Girls Learn Fund. Jam on for a good cause and preview it here. This song has no official music video, but the First Lady and Missy Elliott gave it a go during Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Skip to 9:25 in the video to catch the song, or watch the whole thing to see FLOTUS’s Stevie Wonder and Beyonce skills.
Rise Up – Andra Day
To be honest, I have no words to describe the amazingness that is this song. It’s like church in your headphones.
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (From DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls”)
It’s impossible to listen to this song without following JT’s instructions to just dance. Also, Justin Timberlake.
“Beautiful” – Christina Aguilera
This is an oldie, but a goodie. There’s nothing like belting out to your daughter that she’s beautiful in every single way.
“After Life” – Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson will always have a special place in my heart because her song “The Way I Am” was the first dance song at my wedding. “After Life” does not disappoint and the video is so sweet, too.
“Learn Me Right” – Birdy/Mumford & Sons (featured in the movie “Brave”)
It wouldn’t be a mom playlist without at least one Disney song. The scene with Merida and her mom catching fish in the river with this song in the background gets me every time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUoZN4cpfmM
“On Top of the World” – Imagine Dragons
I don’t care who you are; this is a classic feel good song.
“You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
Ok, so this isn’t exactly a mom power ballad. But, there’s something about Ray LaMontagne’s soulful voice telling me that I’m the best thing that ever happened to him that makes me feel like a million bucks.
“Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys
This is one of several Alicia Keys songs that could easily be on any mom’s playlist. Needless to say, this song is hot!
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
Few ladies do girl power as well as Kelly Clarkson. This song may be about a breakup, but it’s a great pick me up when I’m in the trenches with my preschooler.
“Welcome to My House” – Flo Rida
I’ll admit that there is a decent amount of misogyny going on in this song (and video FYI). If you can get past that, it will have you rolling the windows down and turning the volume up.
“Put Your Records On” – Corrinne Bailey Rae
This song will never go out of style.
“Perfect” – Pink
Another iconic girl power artist, Pink, reminds us that we’re perfect just the way we are. This is another one of those songs with a refrain that I love singing to my daughter.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This song has been inspiring us since 1967.
Honorable Mentions
This list probably could have included hundreds of songs. Here are a few more that are playlist worthy.
- “Feeling Good” – Nina Simone
- R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – Aretha Franklin
- “Uptown Funk” – Bruno Mars
- “Confident” – Demi Lovato
- “No” – Meghan Trainor
- “Who Says” – Selena Gomez
