(Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Tibet House)
Chicago — March is Women’s History Month and what better way to celebrate the women in your life than listening and jamming out to good music? It’s been a year in quarantine and while Zoom cocktails and group texts have been able to keep us close when we are apart, there is no greater feeling than catching up with your friends and finally being in the same place at the same time, no distance required.
No matter what your first activity is — a girl’s night out, a girl’s night in or just spending time together in person after a year apart — we have created the soundtrack to get you ready for wherever the night may take you and your best friends.
The best part? Every song on this list is performed by a woman!
Four Songs for Getting Together Again
The past 365 days have been difficult, and not being able to be with your best friends is one of the hardest parts. When you do finally meet again in person, be sure to have these songs — and some hand sanitizer — for everyone.
1.“Hard Feelings/Loveless” by Lorde
Hard feelings don’t even begin to sum up the past year, but if any song can sum up the pain of being separated from our loved ones, it’s this nonstop vibe from Lorde’s sophomore album “Melodrama.”
2.“The Wire” by HAIM
We get it, a year apart means that there has been a lot going on and general awkward feelings all around. Eliminate the oddness and replace it with the pleasant poppiness of HAIM to make the first get-together in forever a more comfortable one for all.
3.“Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers
You don’t have to be in Japan to feel a world away from your loved ones. A state or few houses away certainly feels like it right now. Regroup with your squad by bringing in Phoebe Bridgers and this ramped-up hit off her 2020 album “Punisher.”
4.“Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn
Who says that love songs are just for your significant other? The love that we feel for our friends is completely real and after not seeing them in person for a year or more, it only makes sense that we want to be together and remember how special that kind of love is.
Four Songs to Make Your Group Feel Badass
No one said that being a woman was easy. Whether you are a mom who has spent the last year balancing working from home with raising a kid, or a college student struggling to stay motivated, you can continue to tough it out. These songs will help you feel like a true badass as you get ready for a night with your girls.
1.“I Give You Power” by Arcade Fire and Mavis Staples
To say that Chicago icon Mavis Staples has a powerful voice is an understatement. Her voice electrifies you to the core and you’ll feel captivated from start to finish. One listen to this intense ballad won’t be enough.
2.“Oo La La” by Beth Ditto
There are singers and there is Beth Ditto, who can fire up a track with strong lyrics and spirituous vocals in under four minutes. You’ll feel like moving the instant the music hits your ears.
3.“Get Happy (NVDES Edit)” by The Knocks feat. Blu DeTiger
As you gather your girls for the first time in what seems like forever, you feel happy, wholesome and relaxed. This is a song that perfectly blends all three of those feels. It’s really that simple.
4. “You Can’t Rule Me” by Lucinda Williams
If there was ever a voice for power and motivation, it would be Lucinda Williams. The twangy vibes in her newest song thrives and sets you alive by reminding listeners that you are untouchable — and even more so with your friends by your side.
Four Songs for Your First Girls' Night Out
Whether it’s the bar, the club or a simple house party, set the scene no matter your destination with songs by these bass-dropping babes.
1. “Janet Reno Mad” by Awkwafina
If there was ever a song to hype up that rebellious side of you, this track was made for you. Awkwafina’s anthem, mixed with a perfect blend of psychedelic beats that don’t stop dropping, is the perfect pre-party track.
2. “Masseduction” by St. Vincent
St. Vincent not only has a way with words, but her guitar amplifies this already pumped up jam to bring even the shyest wallflower onto the scene. For an even sultrier take on the track, check out her performance with Dua Lipa at the 2019 Grammy awards.
3. “She’s Kerosene” by The Interrupters
“She’s Kerosene” will light a flame under your feet. The ska-punk style of this L.A. quartet gets you from 0 to 100 so fast that there is no way you can’t have this firestarter on your list.
4. “P.O.W.A” by M.I.A.
M.I.A. has never been shy about her self-acceptance and any further proof is available in the form of "P.O.W.A", where she fearlessly raps that “They try to shut me down/I’ve still got the power/They try to hate me/But I still be that lover.”
Four Songs for a Virtual Girls' Night
Still not comfortable heading out in public? No problem. Fire up Zoom, pour your drink of choice, and enjoy your virtual girls' night in with this background soundtrack.
1. “After Life” by Ashe
This trippy track combines Ashe’s sweet and airy vocals with an equally mellow melody to create a peaceful vibe no matter where you’re calling from. Sound familiar? This song has also been featured in many Taco Bell commercials over the past few years.
2. “Get It Together” by India.Arie
We may feel like we are going through things alone right now but even when we are apart, we are all still struggling and doing the best we can together. Listening to India.Arie’s soulful ballad is sure to keep your spirits up and know that you will be together soon.
3. “Set It Free (Remix)” by Now Now and MUNA
Having spent the last 365 days alone and on Zoom, the chorus of “You’re lonely, honey, can’t you see what I see?” feels more relatable than it should be. Tune out the loneliness with the remixed version of Now Now’s hit featuring the all-female L.A. trio MUNA.
4. “Swan Song” by Lana Del Rey
Any Lana Del Rey song provides a mellow ambience for a night in, but “Swan Song” has a bittersweet nature to it. Even without the in-person socializing, your friends are still there and you will all be together when the world is safer and more stable. Until then, make sure your internet connection is stable too!