In an era of misogyny and objectification, it’s no secret that women have it a lot harder as they try to make it in the music industry. From Kehlani being attacked for her suicide attempt, to Ariana Grande being harassed while with her boyfriend, it’s hard for women to not only defend themselves, but their craft. So today we shall take a look back on the shitty year of 2016 and reflect on some of its highlights, specifically in regards to great albums by our favorite women.
1. Britney Spears / Glory
The 35-year-old pop princess stormed back onto the music scene to remind us that age ain’t nothin’ but a number! Pulling out some of her best moves, the blond bombshell let us have it with her amazing ‘Piece Of Me’ show in Vegas, and then wowed us even more with the release of her ninth studio album ‘Glory’. Pulling inspiration from some of pop music’s newest cuties, like Selena Gomez, Spears delivered a show-stopping album that we consider to be pop perfection! From the sultry ‘Slumber Party,’ to the enchanting ‘Just Like Me,’ Britney lets us know she’s still got it. And just like her predecessor Madonna, we don’t see her stopping anytime soon.
2. Beyoncé / LEMONADE
The groundbreaking visual for Beyoncé’s 6th studio album manifested itself as a short film this time around, after the success of her surprise drop, self-titled fifth album. In the film, she addressed and cryptically confirmed the cheating allegations that rose after her sister Solange’s attack on her husband in an elevator. Taking the prressure of the media and tossing it onto her back, she powered through the drama for her fellow women and decided to put her heartache into song, creating a feminine holy grail for years to come. The story begins with the intuitive ‘Pray You Catch Me,’ and ends with the resurrecting ‘All Night’ before transferring into the black power, feminist anthem ‘Formation.’ As usual, Queen Bey has left her high heeled footprint in the music industry for years to come.
3. Ariana Grande / Dangerous Woman
The release of Ariana Grande’s highly anticipated third studio album was preceded by its lead single, and the album’s title track, ‘Dangerous Woman.’ The sultry ballad about a dangerous love affair and the empowerment that came with it reminded us just how good a “bad girl” can be. The album itself could be a jab to the “Good Girl Gone Bad” image placed upon females in the industry, and Ari wastes no time embracing that image for her female fans and turning it into a positive, releasing some of the best music of her career.
4. Rihanna / ANTi
After a 3 year hiatus, Rihanna finally made her triumphant return to the music industry with her highly anticipated 8th studio album, “ANTi.” Completely denying the role model image the media has attempted to craft for her since her career’s genesis, she assumes the role of the “Anti Hero.” After quietly switching labels in 2014, she declares her independence as an artist with the album’s opening track ‘Consideration (feat. SZA).’ Like a phoenix, Fenty destroys the image we knew and rises from the ashes of her own legacy to craft a brand new image.
5. Lady Gaga / JOANNE
The imminent return of Lady Gaga kept the press on their toes after she wrapped up her affiliation with Jazz legend Tony Bennett. Unsure of where pop’s headmistress would strike next, we were caught off guard when she struck us right in the soul with her sheer voice. Stripping down the gimmicky costumes and crazy wigs, the Joanne singer snatched the public with the raw, vocally charged lead single to her 5th studio effort, ‘Perfect Illusion.’ Following up her vocally inclined burst back onto the scene, she gave us a glimpse into the real Stephanie and her true heart with songs like ‘Million Reasons’ and ‘Angel Down.’
6. Fifth Harmony / 7/27
7/27 marks the formation of the group during their time on The X-Factor and the beginning of the magical journey of 5H. Despite Camilla Cabello’s recent split from the group, these girls had an amazing year for their sophomore release. From the infectious ‘Work From Home’ to the island flare of ‘All in My Head (Flex),’ these ladies put girl groups back on the map and carved their mark on this generation.
7. Solange / A Seat At The Table
Growing up in the shadow of BEYONCE seems taxing, but Solo makes it look easy. This year she shook the table with her junior album ‘A Seat At The Table’ and let us know that Queen Bey isn’t the only Knowles with a vision. The futuristic, afrocentric, girl power project spawned moving hits like ‘Cranes In The Sky,’ and its corresponding video, which made waves on just about every platform. Although this is the first time Solo has gotten such a huge buzz from her music, we’re sure we’ll see more from her in 2017.
These ladies are still making an impact with their music, and we can’t wait to see more from them and many other female artists in the new year! Let’s hope this wave of girl power doesn’t die out anytime soon, and we continue to get women to inspire each other and keep it going.
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