Mixing it up in a New Year.

[sinkwriter]

On January 1st, I talked about a need for this new year (and new decade) to be a fresh start for me, an opportunity to refocus and continue to strive for fulfillment, positivity, and accomplishment -- physically, mentally, professionally, creatively, all of it.

I've got a long freaking way to go.

In order to keep nudging myself forward, I want to come up with little tools to inspire myself and fire me up when it feels like I've been doused with a bucket of cold water. Metaphorically speaking.

;)

Of course, not everything in life can be solved by little tricks and tools, but I'm talking about those times when your thoughts are less than loving about yourself, your body, your talents, whatever it is about yourself that you tend to pick apart when you're not feeling particularly self-nurturing or confident.

One option that almost always revs me up is music, so -- silly or no -- what I'd like to do is come up with a mix of songs that sparks my energy, something that screams "Women rock!" and therefore I rock. When I need the reminder, you know?

I've got a list I've been working on here and there over the past months; right now it's got about 11 potential songs, but I feel like it's incomplete. I know there's probably plenty of music I'm forgetting or phasing out on or that I just don't know and should know.

So I ask you all: what awesome songs do you listen to that fill you up with great gorgeous girrrrrl power?

It can be anything... Instrumental or vocal. Sung by a woman, a man, or a full band. Slow song or fast song. Gentle folk piece or rip-roaring guitar solo rock song. Just so long as it's something kick-ass that reminds you of the strength and power of women. Or something that has a message about smart women. Or about being yourself. Or about anything that makes you feel alive and wonderful and loved and strong and smart and beautiful.

Tell me, what songs fulfill this for you? I'd love your input. ♥

Comments

[ellisbell1848.livejournal.com]

Mixed up World - Sophie Ellis Bexter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltmUEkaPDNo

[antinous-wild.livejournal.com]

I have A LOT.

It's kind of silly, but "Because I'm Awesome" by the Dollyrots always works for me. XD I also LOVE "Don't Rain On My Parade" as covered by Lea Michele -- it always makes me feel like I can do ANYTHING. Same with "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. Also: "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray, "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (it's cheesy but it's JUST what I need sometimes), "So Much Better" from Legally Blonde: The Musical, "Not a Pretty Girl" by Ani Difranco, "Scar" by Missy Higgins, "La Vie Boheme" and "Take Me or Leave Me" from RENT, "She's My Man" by the Scissor Sisters, "Were the World Mine" from the movie of the same name, and "Woman King" by Iron & Wine (or anything, really, from the Woman King album).

Musicals are a really great place to find music like this, as several of my choices indicate. ;)

[siapom.livejournal.com]

I'm sort of taking a similar journey. (And shall open a new community soon. fyi) Anyway, I wish you the best of luck! Not that you'll need it. :)

And, this is my latest favorite...

[readthesubtext.livejournal.com]

I am woman, hear me roar! Sherry, I am your girl power guru :D These are all songs that never fail to elevate my flagging spirits and put a major spring in my step when I'm hiking for a mile to the bus stop every day. They're predominantly rock/R'n'B/get up and dance the night away kind of tracks.

'Brass in Pocket' by The Pretenders: "I'm gonna make you see, there's nobody else here, no-one like me. I'm special, so special, I've got have some of your attention - GIVE IT TO ME."

'Can't Hold Us Down' by Christina Aguilera. I think I sent you the lyrics when we were discussing this before?

'Standing In The Way of Control' by The Gossip. Fucking awesome rock anthem that always make me feel like I could take on the world and come out fighting. You must check this one out if you don't already know it.

'Soak Up The Sun' by Sheryl Crow: "I'm gonna soak up the sun, gonna tell everyone to lighten up. I wanna tell them that I've got no-one to blame, 'cos every time I feel lame, I'm looking up." Really uplifting song that helps you to put things into perspective. Ditto for 'All I Wanna Do' and 'Everyday is a Winding Road.'

'There's Hope' by India.Arie: "Back when I had a little, I thought that I needed a lot. A little was over rated, but a lot was a little too complicated. You see; zero didn't satisfy me; a million didn't make me happy. That's when I learned a lesson... that it's all about your perception."

'18 Wheeler' by Pink: "You can push me out the window, I'll just get back up. You can run over me with your 18 wheeler truck and I won't give a fuck. You can hang me like a slave; I'll go underground. You can run over me with your 18 wheeler, but you can't keep me down."

Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani: "So I'm gonna fight, gonna give it my all, gonna make you fall, gonna sock it to you. That's right, I'm the last one standing, another one bites the dust. A few times I've been 'round that track, so it's not just gonna happen like that, 'cos I ain't no hollaback girl." The beat just makes me wanna get up and dance, ghetto style.

'Not The Doctor' by Alanis Morissette. You probably already know the lyrics, but it's a great testament to being assertive. Oh, and 'You Oughta Know' and 'Hand In Pocket,' of course.

'Independent Woman' and 'Survivor' by Destiny's Child. Both really empowering. And great to get down and dirty to.

'You'll See' by Madonna - "All by myself, I don't need anyone at all, I know I'll survive, I know I'll stay alive. All on my own, I don't need anyone this time; it will be mine, no-one can take it from me. You'll see."

'Dancing With Myself' by Billy Idol

'Black Eyes, Blue Tears' and 'Honey, I'm Home' by Shania Twain: "With all this stress, I must confess, this could be worse than PMS." So damn catchy.

'Crash' by The Primitives.

'Goodbye Earl' by The Dixie Chicks.

'Where I Find My Heaven' by The Gigolo Aunts.

'Manic Monday' by The Bangles

'Dreams' and 'Zombie' by The Cranberries.

'Closer I Am To Fine' by The Indigo Girls.

'Flashdance'/'Fame' by Irene Cara.

'Lady Marmalade' by Pink, Christina et al.

'Shiny, Happy People' by REM.

'The Only Way Is Up' by Yazz.

'I Don't Need A Man' by The Pussycat Dolls: 'I don't need a man to make it happen, I get off being free. I don't need a man to make me feel good, I get off doing my thing. I don't need a ring around my finger, to make me feel complete. So let me break it down, I can get off when you ain't around."

'Milkshake' by Kelis

'Allstar' by Smashmouth

'Maneater' by Nelly Furtado.

'Living On Prayer' by Bon Jovi.

'Dancing In The Dark' by Bruce Springsteen: "I ain't nothing but tired. I'm just tired and bored with myself. Come on baby, I could use just a little help. You can't start a fire, can't start a fire without a spark. This gun's for hire, even if we're just dancing in the dark."

'One Way or Another' by Blondie.

God, I could go on forever. But I must stop. And go to bed. Arrrgh.

Hope you're well, aside from the moments of self-doubt :(

PS - How're you getting on with Huff? Has it offended all of your sensibilities yet? What did you think of TJ's cameo? :D

If this is riddled with grammatical errors and typos, it's because I'm dead on my feet and too tired to be anal. Except now I kind of want to boogie, too. Damn it ;)

[accordingtomel.livejournal.com]

This is a fantastic idea Sherry!! Now I'm going to need to take a look through all the music I have and I'll have to get back to you on this one! But I think music is such a powerful force in my own life, and so I don't think you should ever call this idea silly. It's FANTASTIC! *hugs* I'll be back! :D

ETA: Okie, I'm back with a list for you! Some of these songs aren't specifically "girl-power", but they're all songs that I find positive, empowering and uplifting :) Also, I realize just how weird my music tastes really are, LOL!

"No One" - Aly & AJ (Yes.....kind of teeny-bopper, but this song is actually really beautiful and you should listen to it *nods* ;D)

"It's my Life" - Bon Jovi

"Alive" - Edwin (Just a general encouragement about life! I've always found strength in this incredibly positive song! :D)

"One Girl Revolution" - Superchick

I second these recs by Gem:

"Independent Women" - Destiny's Child

"Survivor" - Destiny's Child

"You Oughta Know" - Alanis Morissette

I also think that pretty much everything by Pink is a testament to girl!power :D Also, Rihanna has some good powerful type songs! :)

Not quite sure this is exactly what you're looking for, but it's the best I can do at the moment, LOL! ;)

[dacian-goddess.livejournal.com]

I'm doing one of those long, impressed whistles (mentally, mind, here at lovely half two in the morning) at some of the choices just above. :D Girl power songs are just awesome.

Aside from the listings offered up-thread, my list tends to vary by season and mood as well as where I am mentally. Lately, for instance, it's been tracks by Damone and Auf Der Maur which have put me in an upbeat, 'I'm the bestest,' mood. Certain songs by Garbage get me roaring, as well.

Coherence is slipping from me, so I'll just finish off by saying this is a great, brilliant resolution you're sticking to here, and I think it does have some potential for a domino effect. In reading of your quest to be inspired and forward-moving, I think you're inspiring a number of us to start revving our own engines and, to thoroughly mix my metaphors, grab life by those proverbial horns. ♥

[seagray.livejournal.com]

A couple of oldies:

Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (because you can't be serious ALL the time!)

[skftex.livejournal.com]

Hmmm I'm gonna have to go searching because a lot of good stuff is already listed. Great idea Sherry! :D

[skftex.livejournal.com]

Hi Sherry! No clue if you like country music but since its what I mainly listen to most of the songs I thought of come from there...

This One's for the Girl-Martina McBride (its a really nice upbeat song celebrating women)
She Let Herself Go-George Strait (I promise if you haven't heard it, it isn't what the title implies ;) )
Something 'Bout a Woman-Lady Antebellum

I had some more but they are written down at home and I'll have to remember to bring them to school to post or wait til I get a new computer.

I've noticed you have had a ton of suggestions so I think the problem is going to be limiting the playlist rather than actually finding good songs for it!