Mix Tape of the Day: March 8, 2015 - Girl Power!

It's International Women's Day!  Let's celebrate with some of the best songs about female empowerment and independence.

1. Respect - Aretha Franklin (1967) Aretha Franklin took this song from Otis Redding, where the original context was about a man complaining about having no respect from his wife.  By switching the roles, Franklin created an anthem for the entire female population.

2. Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves - Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin (1985) Aretha Franklin's iconic status as a role model made her the perfect collaborator for this song.  Celebrating women's history rocks!

3. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (1978) Many empowering songs feature the narrator's discovery that they are so much more than their relationships.  :I Will Survive" is the poster child for this subgenre.

4. Survivor - Destiny's Child (2001) Serving as a spiritual successor to "I Will Survive," Destiny's Child takes a more proactive approach, claiming that they can move on quickly and without complaint.  And it doesn't just have to apply to relationships.  Any pitfalls in life can be climbed out of.

5. I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross (1980) Also used as a gay pride anthem, "I'm Coming Out" celebrates the freedom of being true to yourself and escaping oppression.

6. Wannabe - Spice Girls (1996) In a market filled with boy bands, the Spice Girls burst onto the scene, claiming "Girl Power!" as their rallying cry.  While the Spice Girls have since moved on, their catchphrase has remained a part of our cultural lexicon.

7. Bitch - Meredith Brooks (1997) Speaking of repurposing words, Meredith Brooks claimed this derogatory slur towards woman as her own, feeling no shame at all.  She's complicated and has flaws.  We all do.  Accept it.

8. You Don't Own Me - Lesley Gore (1963) A powerful song during the second wave feminist movement of the '60s, "You Don't Own Me" takes a stand against all guys who treat their women like property.  And at 17, that's a very bold move on Gore's part.

9. This One's for the Girls - Martina McBride (2003) McBride speaks directly to girls and women everywhere, giving support, letting them know that life can and will get better.  Plus, it's nice to have a song that acknowledges our Spaghetti-O's consumption.

10. Bad Reputation - Joan Jett (1980) A great punk rock song or the greatest punk rock song? No one has to fit into anyone's boxes.

11. Shake It Out - Florence and the Machine (2011) Hey, sometimes, life will get you down.  So when it gets too overwhelming, just shake it out.

12. Skyscraper - Demi Lovato (2011) Raspy-voiced Demi Lovato delivers a powerful performance in this emotionally devastating song.  It really feels like every struggle can be overcome when you listen to this song.

13. Beautiful - Christina Aguilera (2002) Finally, we end with a more direct message to the listener.  While most of the rest of these songs feature empowering statements for the singer that listeners can sing along to and imagine themselves in the role, this is a song specifically about "you."  You are important.  You are worthy.  You are beautiful.