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Deep Tracks — Radio Misfits 18 — Girl Power

Photo by Tim Shepherd on Unsplash

This edition is all about women who rock. Genre is irrelevant. In this episode, soul to rock, the spotlight shines specifically on songs penned by and performed by women. Radio is still guilty of playing the same retreads over and over.

Every era of popular music, women have been central to the creative process, performances, and emerging trends in all genres of music. Men tend to represent the majority of entertainers in most musical styles, however with out the contributions of talented women, many of the hit songs would never have been written or recorded.

This short list of under the radar hits are primed for a daring radio DJ to drop the needle, press play or whatever they do these days.

Jenny Lewis — The Next Messiah

Teen actor gone indie rock legend. Radio is missing out on this track. Prior to her solo career, she was a member of L.A. indie icons Rilo Kiley. An intro reminiscent of the Doors, another L.A. group, the 8-plus minute song is an indie/soul/classic rock fusion. Throw in a helping of blues too. The song is a chameleon. One might think the song was a Janis Joplin hit. Lewis lacks the raw vocal power of Janis. She makes up for it with compelling lyrics. Fans of her music (there are a lot of them) will have a mixed emotion, appreciation/contempt for big radio to jump on the band wagon. One moment a giddy elation Jenny is getting her well-deserved due and then a realization now everyone knows. All things equal, the song is ripe for radio dominance.

Chaka Khan — We Got Each Other

An R&B royal, Ms. Khan is more than a smooth voice. She is a songwriter too. Most of the charting songs from her illustrious career were written by studio writers or popular performers, her creative peers. This upbeat song is an original. The horns and funky bass bump out a great rhythm. Lyrically it is a nod to romance. An affirmation of a rock-solid relationship. A great theme for radio stations to add to the rotation. There aren’t many Chaka songs still getting consistent airplay, adding one more of her songs will be refreshing for the legions of fans she’s earned of the years.

Angie Stone — No More Rain in This Cloud

A journeywoman artist, former backup singer, former member of an all-girl group, then by the late 90s she finally earned solo success. Her debut album, “Black Diamond” is a deeply underrated album. Top to bottom, the songs deliver. A favorite on the record, at one time it was a moderate radio success. Lyrically her song is full of soul. No vocal fireworks needed. Her mid-range vocal fit the laid back, hybrid soul and rock track. The lyrics tell a story of empowerment. A fitting song for our contemporary times. Technology has improved lives; it has also diminished one’s individuality. A belief in overcoming a difficult moment in life is just another dark cloud, that will fade. The sun will shine.

Liz Phair — Firewalker

A change of pace for the firebrand. A singer-songwriter known for her smash hit, “Supernova”. A song still popular on radio, there’s a whole catalog of hers to pick out at least one more for the rotation. An accomplished indie rocker, despite the lack of radio play. This song is a departure from her witty and bombastic lyrics. A shoe gazer track gone rock. The stripped-down sound is slow, melodic. An indie rock anthem waiting to be a surprise legacy song gone big hit. Hints of the Beatles and Stones will light up the phones.

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Thank you for indulging my writings.

I write about three topics: music, tourism, and sustainability.

By profession, I am a: Travel Designer. My goal is creating for you: a vacation, holiday, road trip or travels as epic as possible.

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My personal website, find me @ https://uxfol.io/joshblackprofessional

Music
Women In Music
Rock And Roll
Rhythm And Blues
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