By Magnolia Wang ’19, Arts Editor

Tired of Taylor Swift’s mushy love ballads?  Need a refresher from decade-old Beyonce songs?  From rap to R&B, here are 10 rising female singers that’ll empower you and your playlist.  

1. Carlie Hanson.  Her new hit, “Only One”, shows off her large vocal range as she goes from low mutters to high-pitched ostinatos.  Hanson achieves the perfect balances between indie and pop. If you are a fan of Tori Kelly’s soprano vocals but could go without the high-pitched screaming, Hanson’s got those laid-back vibes.  
2. Lorde.  This singer’s chant-like, husky voice is quite unique, and her well-received album Melodrama is filled with a moody, melancholic sharpness.  In the album, Lorde flaunts her wide vocal range, which pairs well with futuristic beats and piano undertones.  “Whether I’m working out or hanging with friends, I find myself listening to Lorde non-stop– her music is so versatile,” comments one of my friends, who also happens to be a Lorde fan.  Lorde’s catchy yet sleek album samples a diverse range of genres, making it perfect for any occasion.
3. Dua Lipa.  London singer Dua Lipa’s feisty hit “New Rules” not only exudes upbeat vibes and a catchy chorus, but is also filled with feminist lyrics: “Now I’m standing back from it//I finally see the pattern.” Lipa also features EDM and soul on her self-titled album, Dua Lipa.  If you like Amy Winehouse’s velvety voice or Lana Del Ray’s deep resonance, Lipa’s the one for you.  
4. Alessia Cara.  The nineteen-year-old singer of “Here”, the song that peaked at number five on Billboard Top 100, is an anthem for many teenagers because of its down-to-earth lyrics.  Alessia Cara goes against the “popular” enthusiasm for wild partying and instead conveys her uncomfortableness in the song. Another one of my peers commented, “I love Alessia Cara! Whenever I’m having a bad day, her songs remind me that everything’s okay.” Cara’s elegant voice graced with beautiful vibrato, combined with her positive lyrics, makes her a powerful singer.
5. Noname.  Oh, the irony!  Her popular debut album, Telefone was released in August 2016, showcasing her stylistic tones.  Noname flaunts her soft rap with a bit of attitude. In “Diddy Bop”, Noname harmonizes gracefully, contributing to the peacefulness of the song.  You’ll love her smooth style, which is reminiscent of Chance the Rapper’s lullaby-like rhythm.
6. Young M.a. Rapper Young M.a. brings out tomboy tones in her single “Hot Sauce,” a unique mix of swagger and attitude.  In an interview, Young M.a. said that growing up in a rough neighborhood helped her to develop confidence and bravery, and now she seeks to incorporate this into her art.  Even better, Young Ma.’s loose enunciation makes her a favorite among hardcore rappers themselves.
7. Blackpink.  For all the Kpop fans, girl group Blackpink is definitely worth a listen. Consisting of members Jennie, Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo, Blackpink incorporates powerful lyrics into their songs.  In Boombayah, Lisa raps, “I don’t want a boy//I need a man.”  Blackpink really does it all- all four members are singers, rappers, songwriters, and models.  Blackpink’s bass-heavy songs bring out the girls’ swagger, complementing their edgy vocals and attitudes.  
8. Melanie Martinez.  After competing in The Voice, Martinez went on to produce her own album, Crybaby.  Martinez’s voice ranges from whispery low to high-pitched yelps in her hit single, “Pity Party”.  Martinez’s songs are based off of her own feelings of love, danger and madness, which often hit home for many listeners.    
9. Elle King.  A versatile singer, songwriter, and banjoist, King sings pop, blues, and rock and roll.  King’s gritty voice and hair-raising riffs makes her album Love Stuff  irresistible.  Despite her tambourine-laced hits like “Ex’s and Oh’s,” King also goes acoustic in “Kocaine Karolina” and “Song of Sorrow”.  King puts her heart and emotion into her songs, making them relatable and personal.
10. Daya.  At a mere nineteen years old, Daya has already produced multiple chart toppers, especially in her breakthrough album Sit Still, Look Pretty.  Daya infuses her folksy, wavering voice with uplifting, prominent beats.  Not only are the songs pleasing to the ears, Daya’s all about female empowerment, and incorporates empowering lyrics in her songs. In her song, Sit Still, Look Pretty, she sings, “This gal right here’s gonna rule the world…no I don’t wanna sit still, look pretty”, which can ease even the grumpiest out of a bad mood.  

These fierce female singers flaunt their prowess in vocals, witty lyrics, and unapologetic sass that you’ll fall for.  Whether you’re relaxing on the weekend or need a pick-me-up after a long day at school, these ladies and their powerful songs will pump you up!