Isolation Motivation – Playlist by Emily Hyatt
There’s no denying that 2020 has been off to a really rough start. People across the world have been struggling through one of the worst pandemics in decades. Being trapped at home can be grueling and unproductive. Luckily for us, there are multitudes of fierce female artists that lift us up with their heart, their soul, their art. Even though I’m a journalist, this playlist is very subjective to what I like/think other people would like. Sorry about it.
Motivation (Normani)- It’s basically the namesake, of course I had to include it.
A-YO (Lady Gaga)- One of Gaga’s more underrated songs, it will definitely make you want to get up and smoke a Marlboro (which you should NOT do, it’s bad for your lungs).
Dead Weight (PVRIS)- If you haven’t heard of PVRIS, you’re missing out on the sheer talent of Lynn Gunn. Female-fronted rock bands need more love and this upbeat jam will make you fall for them.
Savage (Megan Thee Stallion)- You might recognize this from memes but it’s actually an incredible song that will make you feel like the baddest b*tch around…like most of Megan’s music does.
So What (P!nk)- A throwback that remains iconic plus “I’m alright, I’m just fine” is how we all wish we felt right now.
Tempo (Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott)- Anything by Lizzo is a “bop,” as the kids say, and adding Missy just makes it that much better.
Good Thing (Kehlani & Zedd)- Kehlani is my favorite artist and Zedd is one of my favorite DJs and together they made a song that will remind you that you are all you need.
KARMA (Raja Kumari)- I ADORE Raja and the raw power she sings with makes me want to take down the patriarchy with my fists.
What I Need (Kehlani & Hayley Kiyoko)- Two queer icons making you wanna shake it around your room.
Like a Girl (Lizzo)- “Only X’s that I care about are all up in my chromosomes”: no one will ever top this line.
Waterloo (Cher)- If you love ABBA and “Mamma Mia 2” and Cher, it’s a match made in Heaven.
Nutbush City Limits (Tina Turner)– It’s the song I danced to when I found out I got accepted into my first internship. Tina is always there for you.
Ain’t It Fun (Paramore)- Even in a pandemic, be like Hayley Williams and “don’t go cryin’ to your mama.”
Bad Reputation (Joan Jett)- You’re gonna need a leather jacket for this.
Diva (Beyonce)- Remember that you are the “female version of a hustler.”
The Schuyler Sisters (Renée Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas Jones)- “WHEN I MEET THOMAS JEFFERSON, IMMA TELL HIM TO INCLUDE WOMEN IN THE SEQUEL! WERK!” Thank you, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom (Selena)– The Queen of Tejano always makes you twirl.
U + Ur Hand (P!nk)- A sick burn to ward off any f*ckbois trying to slip into your quarantined DMs.
I’m Alive (Céline Dion)– Friendly Canadian reminder to take a deep breath and remember that you’re alive .
Pimpin (Megan Thee Stallion)– One of my favorite tracks from Megan’s 2019 album “Fever”; “Bitch I’m a pimp, where is my cane / Hoe get too close and get slapped with the rain” = poetry
El Anillo (Jennifer Lopez)– I can’t listen to this in a casual setting because it always makes me wanna drop it.
Consideration (Rihanna & SZA)– Two INCREDIBLE women teaching the children how to be independent.
Django Jane (Janelle Monáe)– My jaw hit the floor when I first heard this song and I remain floored two years later.
I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)- It’s pretty self-explanatory, no?
Run the World (Girls) (Beyoncé)- WE RUN THIS MOTHA! (Especially motivating if you’re from Houston.)
Edge of Seventeen (Stevie Nicks)– Stevie Nicks was chosen to play the White Witch in “American Horror Story” for a reason; she’ll charm you out of your funk.
Sway with Me (Saweetie & GALXARA)– The “Birds of Prey” soundtrack was filled with amazing tracks but this one will make you sway.
QUE NO SALGA LA LUNA (Rosalía)- Rosalía is a powerhouse of talent and this song sweeps you away with her unbelievable vocals.
Kill of the Night (Gin Wigmore)– Brings a whole new definition to “slaying.”
I Love Me (Demi Lovato)– Demi’s latest single is the ultimate self-love anthem.
Underdog (Alicia Keys)– A perfect tune for those who are especially struggling through this unprecedented time.
MONOPOLY (Ariana Grande & Victoria Monét)- This best friend duo prompts you to embrace yourself and own it.
Spellbound (Siouxsie and the Banshees)– A classic rock hit from a strong woman.
Shake It Out (Florence + The Machine)– “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” If Florence Welch said it, it must be true.
Fast In My Car (Paramore)- Makes you wanna (safely) drive fast in your car…but do NOT get out and walk around unless you have to.
Applause (Lady Gaga)- An underrated throwback that’s always fun to make up a dance to.
Whole Lotta Woman (Kelly Clarkson)- bodypostivitybodypostivitybodypostivity <3
Arise (Flyleaf)- Flyleaf is an amazing female-fronted rock band and this song from my favorite album is the ultimate uplifting melody.
Gaslighter (Dixie Chicks)- The Dixie Chicks are iconic and their latest release will spurn your ex in the best way possible.
Pose (Rihanna)- Will make you want to slow-motion walk away from an explosion with sunglasses on.
Mother’s Daughter (Miley Cyrus)- “Don’t f*ck with my freedom,” Miley says. Well, someone, or rather something, did f*ck with our freedom but that doesn’t mean we can’t sing it out anyway.
Work Bitch (Britney Spears)- You better work, b*tch, even in isolation.
Last Friday Night (Katy Perry)- Unfortunately, none of us went to a party last Friday night so we’ll live that fantasy through Katy.
Woman (Kesha)- say it with me: “I’M A MOTHERF*CKIN WOMAN!”
Rumour Has It (Adele)- An old burn song from the good ole days.
Waka Waka (Shakira)- It might make you think of the World Cup, but it will still make you dance.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)- Isolation takes this song to a whole other meaning.
Think (Aretha)- “FREEDOM! OH FREEEEDOM!” We’ll have the freedom to go out again, one day.
Lady Marmalade (Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, P!nk)- A truly formidable woman squad to keep you on your toes.
Man! I Feel Like a Woman (Shania Twain)- Let’s go, girls, let’s get out of this negative mindset.
Valerie (Amy Winehouse)- Sorry, Valerie, you can’t come on over but the song is still wonderful.
The Sweet Escape (Gwen Stefani)- A sweet escape from reality.
Hella Good (No Doubt)- If you’re not familiar with No Doubt, I have no doubt this is a great introduction.
Supalonely (BENEE)- Project your lonely feelings through a fun, catchy beat.
Boss Bitch (Doja Cat)- I love Doja and this song just goes to show how incredible she is.
Don’t Rain on my Parade (Barbara Streisand)- Caution: you’ve reached the show tunes section. But this Broadway classic is very fitting, whether you’re directing at your own thoughts or the constant negative news.
Six (Six)- Just to clarify: both the musical and the song are called “Six.” Anyway, the musical is fantastic and this song reminds women to stick together, even in the face of King Henry VIII.
Woman Like Me (Little Mix & Nicki Minaj)- Little Mix made a big bop with this one.
I Do (Cardi B, SZA)- A definite confidence booster, featuring two stunning women.
Normal Girl (SZA)- Even though SZA wants it, it’s okay to not be a normal girl right now.
All Me (Kehlani, Keyshia Cole)- It took FOREVER for Kehlani to drop this single but it was well worth the wait.
Amor Prohibido (Selena)- Our forbidden love is going outside but listening to Selena sing is a close second.
Hot Girl Summer (Megan Thee Stallion & Nicki Minaj)- The prospect of summer is still up in the air but we can still be Hot™ all by ourselves.
Level Up (Ciara)- Fun isolation activity: learning the dance to this music video
Con Altura (Rosalía)- This song’s reggaeton mixed with modern flamenco and Middle Eastern beats are sure to make you move.
Seven Wonders (Fleetwood Mac)- Surely living through a pandemic is one of the seven wonders Stevie was referring to.
I Like It Heavy (Halestorm)- Another astounding female-fronted band, Halestorm is one of my favorite bands. This is my favorite song because the sheer confidence she sings with manifests in me and hopefully it will do the same for you.
World Away (Tonight Alive)- “I know I will survive this, I’ll be the strongest person I know.” <3
Heartbeat Song (Kelly Clarkson)- Jonathan Van Ness constantly claims he’s a Kelly Clarkson song for a reason: they’re always uplifting, full of passion and sound beautiful.
Bubblegum Bitch (MARINA)- One of the best song titles I’ve ever seen and it’s endlessly catchy.
Confident (Demi Lovato)- There’s nothing wrong with being confident; in fact, I’d say it’s encouraged right now.
Love Myself (Hailee Steinfeld)- Be like Hailee; love yourself.
I’m a Mess (Bebe Rexha)- We might be a mess but at least we can sing about it.
Barracuda (Heart)- This will probably always remind me of that scene from “Shrek 3” but it is first and foremost a rock classic.
Move Your Body (Sia)- Remember to move your body!(-: