It’s a man’s world, but these ladies are out to prove that it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or girl. Female rock stars don’t always get the attention they deserve, but B-Sides is here to change that. So, let’s give it up for girl power. Below are the gals that really know how to wail. Feel free to let us know which chicks you think rock in the comments.
9.) Iggy Azalea
The newest artist on the list night just be the hottest in the world right now. She’s recently finished up a world tour, and is now nominated for 7 VMAs. Vin diesel recently announced that she would star in Fast and Furious 7. And if that wasn’t proof enough, check out the president being forced to rap “Fancy” thanks to the power of youtube. View below.
8.) Gwen Stefani
Whether you’re a fan of Stefani from the 90’s or the 00’s you can’t deny her influence. Gwen is the rare artist that is just as famous for punk rock as she is for bubble gum pop. In fact, we can’t think of anyone that occupies the same cultural space as No Doubt‘s front-woman. Gwen will even be brought on as a judge for NBC’s The Voice alongside Pharell as well as permanent judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Your favorite piece of work from her may be the soft rock “Cool” or the energetic back up vocals provided for Sublime’s “Saw Red” but either way this voice is unignorable.
7.) Ann Wilson
The only singer with pipes to rival Ann in her generation bit the head of a live bat on stage. Heart’s lead singer has shaken listener’s to their core’s wit her displays in “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” and “Barracuda.” Below is Ann bringing Robert Plant to tears with her performance of “Stairway to Heaven.”
6.) Janis Joplin
Soaked in whiskey, this old school rockette gave credibility women in psychedelic music. No offense to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, but Janis is the queen of sixties female rock and roll. Never mind the intense mega-hit “Piece of My Heart,” she was a tour de force with a wide catalogue that shouldn’t be forgotten. Songs like “Cry Baby,” and “Move Over” made her band, Big Brother and The Holding Co. a group to be reckoned with thanks to her gritty voice.
5 Haley Williams
Bubbly and cute, Haley gives a breath of life to what could have been “just another emo band” from the late 00’s. Williams showed off her talent in hits like “Misery Business” and more recently in “Ain’t It Fun.” She’s been every rock fan’s pixie haired crush since Paramore broke on to the scene with their first album, All We Know is Falling in 2005. Below you can watch her sing the female part of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” with fun.’s Nate Ruess.
4 Florence Welch
Every syllable sung by this waifish brit sounds like it might be her last. The emotion in her voice is agonizingly apparent. with only two albums under their belt Florence + The Machine are certain to be remembered as staples of the indie rock movement. “Dog Days,” “Only If For a Night” and “Shake It Out” are all mournful and touching examples of Welch’s emotional capacity. Not to mention that she and her machine gave us one of the best MTV unplugged performances this side of Nirvana. This past June Welch announced that the third studio album is on it’s way. Between now and its release fans will wait on baited breath, because if the past is any indication the next effort by this band will be as sad as it is beautiful.
3 Anna Kendrick
The theatrical child star, turned twilight co-star turned pop singer is on her way to being the next great voice of this generation. “Cups” took the world by storm a last year and stayed on the charts even after Pitch Perfect left theaters. Kendrick will be the star of the film adaptation of the Disney fairytale musical “Into the Woods” as well as the movie version of Off-Broadway sensation “The Last Five Years.” Below you can see her performing as a little kid, singing the song “Life Upon The Wicked Stage” from Cabaret.
2 Pussy Riot
In a time when true punk rock doesn’t pack much of a powerful punch the way it used to in most of the western world, a Russian protest group/rock band is fighting the power in a less than subtle way. The name should be the first clue toward Pussy Riot’s in your face attitude. Their anti establishment songs have titles like “Kill The Sexists,” “Mother of God, Drive Putin Away,” and “Putin Has Pissed Himself” these girls have redefined the impact of punk rock, even when behind bars. Currently the leaders (pictured above) are in the US promoting their message far away from the Russian governments jackbooted thugs.
1 Stevie Nicks
Fleetwood Mac’s leading lady is one of the greatest lead singers alive, female or no. Nicks has performed on and off for forty years. Her hits are classics. “Landslide,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Go Your Own Way” have a special place in the collective unconscious of rock music. There isn’t much to say about this genius singer/songwriter that hasn’t already been said. If you need any reminding of her greatness, check out the 1976 performance of “Rihannon” below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.