25 empowering anthems to celebrate Women's History Month

On Christina Aguilera's 2002 album "Stripped," the powerhouse vocalist took more creative control with highlighting feminism, sensuality and independence. On the album's fourth single, "Can't Hold Us Down," Aguilera comes through swinging with a statement on double standards, starting with the first line, "So, what am I not supposed to have an opinion? / Should I keep quiet just because I'm a woman?" It's an essential anthem that encourages women to speak up and demand respect. 

From the 2002 soundtrack "Charlie's Angels," girl group Destiny's Child released its longest-running No. 1 single, "Independent Women, Pt. 1." Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle use the song to express the importance of depending on oneself, whether in a relationship or not. On the second verse, Beyoncé sings, "Do what I want, live how I want to live / I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get / Ladies it ain't easy being independent." Whether it's a house, car, or clothes, independent women can get what they want. 

"I'm Every Woman" became Chaka Khan's first solo hit in 1978, and Whitney Houston released a more upbeat version 15 years later. The song was the second single on the 1992 soundtrack "The Bodyguard." It's not always easy for artists to make their own renditions of a previous hit, but from one diva to the next, Houston's version not only helped gain a newer audience, but the song also paid homage to Khan. 

Rising star Alessia Cara used her debut album, "Know-It-All," to highlight the highs and lows of the teenage years. Although her single "Scars To Your Beautiful" isn't limited to a certain age demographic, the song focuses on body image and being positive about one's physical attributes. Many people deal with body insecurities; however Alessia sings, "But there's hope that's waiting for you in the dark / You should know you're beautiful just the way you are."

There is no doubt how much Beyoncé has given fans anthems to live by, and it was no different on her 2011 hit, "Run the World (Girls)." However, the production led by hitmaker The-Dream was a different sound for Queen Bey, incorporating more marching band, African, and electronic influences. "Run the World (Girls)" recognizes women for working hard, going after their dreams and not letting anyone stop them.  

In recent years, pop princess Ariana Grande has continuously elevated her music for mature audiences. This new sound is evident on Grande's 2018 single "God is a woman," in which the singer encourages women to be comfortable with their sexual liberation. 

Throughout Kelly Clarkson's near 20-year career, the "American Idol" winner has released a number of anthems about empowerment. On her 2011 single "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," Clarkson tells the common tale of emotions after enduring a heartbreak. The singer realizes that her past lover may want to see her down and out, but she realizes, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger / Stand a little taller / Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone." 

One of the things that adds to the strength of women is the circle of people they surround themselves with. Ciara and Kelly Rowland know this all too well on their hit collaboration, "Girl Gang." Not only does the song highlight a girl's night out, but it also stresses the importance of keeping ride-or-die friends around. 

Sometimes women are put down with phrases like "A woman should stay in a woman's place" or "Don't make a scene," to a point of policing a woman's existence and opinions. However, on Katy Perry's hit single "Roar," the singer encourages women to find their voices and use them loudly. Perry emphasizes her point on the hook, "I got the eye of a tiger, a fighter / Dancing through the fire / 'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar." 

On the Scott Storch-produced single "Fighter," Christina Aguilera emphasizes the strength of a woman. It's no question how at times women deal with betrayal, disloyalty and defeat, but "Fighter" showcases her gratitude for the trials because they make her stronger in the end. 

Lizzo is a rising star who believes in self-love and body positivity. It's evident on her 2019 single "Juice," which encourages people to look in the mirror and love what they see. If women need a little self-esteem booster, just put "Juice" on repeat as Lizzo sings, "If I'm shining, everybody gonna shine / I was born like this, don't even gotta try." 

Diana Ross has never shied away from making her presence known in any setting. On Ross' 1980 single "I'm Coming Out," the singer stresses the feeling of having a new revelation on life and how one presents themselves to the world. The enticing hook says it all as she sings, "I'm coming out / I want the world to know / Got to let it show." 

Life is always throwing curve balls, and one of Destiny's Child's biggest tracks is about making it through all trials. "Survivor" highlights dealing with naysayers and haters but proving them wrong and never giving up.

People are living in a time in which more women are uplifting each other and letting the world know. Alicia Keys does just that on her 2012 single "Girl On Fire" to celebrate the achievements of women. "Everybody stands as she goes by / 'Cause they see the flame that's in her eyes / Watch her when she's lighting up the night." 

Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu have always been known for going against the grain and carving out their own lanes. On their 2013 single "Q.U.E.E.N." an acronym for Queer, Untouchables, Emigrants, Excommunicated, Negroid, the soulful singers stress the importance of people being themselves, unapologetically. While critics will always have opinions and try to categorize individuals, they should love themselves, even if it makes others uncomfortable. 

There is a popular phrase that says, "Create the life of your dreams," and Jill Scott touches on the essence of that on her 2004 hit single, "Golden." Sometimes women can feel imprisoned, whether that's in their homes, careers or a relationships, but Scott stresses the beauty of having newfound freedom. 

There are times when women are disrespected and get called out of their name, but Queen Latifah stressed they shouldn't take the nonsense on her 1993 hit "U.N.I.T.Y." Although Latifah was highlighting the song in regard to women in hip-hop being disrespected with harassment and violence, the song is true for women in all walks of life. 

Sometimes women are seen as weak, especially after a breakup. However, on Britney Spears' 2000 hit "Stronger," she sings about how she will continue living her best life. 

Women are often criticized for their looks, work ethic and intelligence, but there's a fine line between being cocky and confident. On Demi Lovato's 2015 hit "Confident," she questions, "What's wrong with being confident?" as she believes women should be exuding the feeling of being in control. 

Sometimes women are criticized for the job titles they hold in addition to the duties they take care of in the household. Donna Summer, the queen of Disco, uses her hit single "She Works Hard for the Money" to emphasize how much women give their life to their work and how people should appreciate it. 

When Janet Jackson released her hit 1986 song "Control," it marked a breakthrough in terms of the desire to break away from family members' rules and put her life into her own hands. Making decisions her own way, calling all the shots — a timeless independent anthem. 

There are times when women may feel like outcasts or small to others, but it's important to shake those fears. The 2013 hit single "Brave" by pop singer Sara Bareilles highlights the importance of showing strength even during life's weakest moments. 

Although Lady Gaga's hit "Born This Way" was released nearly a decade ago, it sounds like a song that will be played for ages. It's an essential self-love anthem in which Gaga reflects on being encouraged by her mother to love herself and believe that she was created perfectly. 

Lion Babe frontwoman Jillian Hervey is known for showcasing her larger-than-life hairstyles and eccentric fashion sense; however her style is also showcased in the band's music. The 2015 single "Wonder Woman" is not only named after the superhero, but it also beams with a theme of self-worth and respect. 

Rapsody's third studio album, "Eve," is an ode to black women, and the rapper named each track after some of her heroes, including Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, Aaliyah and Oprah Winfrey. One of the album's standout tracks is "Afeni," named after late activist Afeni Shakur, in which Rapsody samples a Tupac track and uses the song to celebrate black motherhood.