As you should know I like all types of music, but recently I have been listening to a lot of female singer songwriters. This genre goes way back and exploded with the women’s movement in the 60’s – see Joni Mitchell, Joan Beaz, Joan Armatrading and even Carly Simon. It seems as if the women’s movement is going backwards now, a symptom of our apathetic society possibly… But there are still some great voices out there singing about women’s lives and issues. And more importantly what is more beautiful that a woman’s voice (or you could just leave voice out of that statement). Here are a few that are currently at the top of my list:
Emmy Lou Harris – Perhaps the most distinctive female voice, for years Emmy has brought us amazing song after song.
Victoria Williams – kind of like Bob Dylan or Tom Waits… not the prettiest voice, but you just can’t stop listening. Victoria suffers from MS and along with some friends has done some great albums as a benefit to find a cure for the disease.
Ani Difranco – A true voice for women and she plays a mean guitar. Ani is one of the best poets of our generation and worth a listen whether you are looking for a pick me up or a sobering tale.
Maddy Prior – For those that like the traditional music of the British Isles try Maddy. She will become a favorite.
Lisa Loeb – Probably not the best writer, but a hauntingly pure voice (and I think she’s hot).
Voices on the Verge – Three great songstresses got together to form this group that has some outstanding harmonies.
Lucinda Williams – All about grit and tough times. Simply awesome.
Laura Love – A mix of grunge, Caribbean, reggae, and folk with a continental flavor, Laura has a gift for the upbeat and the sublime. Great with a cup of coffee on a rainy day.
Tori Amos – Great songs better playing, unique sound and most of all passionate.
Melissa Etheridge – Wow, what power and passion. Best thing to ever come out of Leavenworth Kansas.
Susan Werner – A little known artist out of Iowa, Susan’s talent is writing a song that brings you to the moment she is writing about.
