‘XPN’s Top Songs By Female Artists Poll: My Ballot
Every year, WXPN does an 885 Countdown featuring different themes. This year, for the first time, they’re featuring best songs by female artists, which can include groups as well. For at least the last ten years, I think the importance of the music of female artists has significantly outshined that of their male counterparts. Here’s the ballot I submitted. I didn’t include ‘Fast Car’ because I figure it needs no help from me. I wasn’t going to submit my #2 choice for the same reason, but it’s simply undeniable.
If you want to participate, the deadline is Monday, and you can fill out your ballot here:
https://xpn.org/vote-885-greatest-songs-by-women/
My Top 10, in reverse numerical order:
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1. My favorite song (at least for now) by my favorite female artist of all-time:
What would be on your lists?
Not sure about my full list, but I do know Joni Mitchell and the Roches would be on it. Don’t think that’s the Joni song I’d pick, but any one of about 75 would do. Also from your list, probably something by Aretha. When the dust settles, I might have Laura Nyro and Nanci Griffith there too. This does get me thinking.
Ya got ’til Monday…
I couldn’t whittle it down to 20 let alone 10.
I know. Used some ‘strategery’. Wanted the Roches in the countdown, wanted Laura Nyro to get her due, same with Nanci Griffith. I was blown away by the first songs I ever heard from Hurray For the Riff Raff, Kaci Musgraves and Phoebe Bridgers, so I wanted them on the list.
I feel like ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’ doesn’t get the credit it deserves, and neither does Ann Peebles.
All of which is to say that these aren’t necessarily my favorite songs by female artists but, like you, how do you narrow it down? Just wanted them on the countdown.
I wasn’t thinking about it re: ballot strategy. I see your point.
Just thought of the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.”
Also any of several Bacharach songs by Dionne Warwick. Patti Smith?
All great. You only have ten…
That Roches song was a real blast from the past. Took me straight back to the carefree autumn of 1982. Nice.
Saw ’em on a surprisingly sympatico double-bill at the Tower. They opened for Laurie Anderson. On top of everything else, they were really funny.