Editor's Note:  Recently, a friend and I were discussing break-up songs, and it occurred to me that I’d written about this topic once upon a time.  So, I looked it up, and it was among the first essays I'd posted back when I launched ShulmanSays in 2009.  Moreover, I still stand by every one of these selections more than a decade-and-a-half later.  So, with some updated images, videos, and my thoughts on each song's fiercest lyrics, here it is.  

I tend to use music as medicine, and when I’m feeling forlorn, there’s nothing better for my get-up and go than a fierce anthem with a fabulous female vocal.  Mmmmm!  It probably has something to do with a chemical imbalance, or some such nonsense.

Anyhoo... Many people have been asking me to do some posts about my take on pop culture.  I guess it makes sense. It’s my “thing” after all.  So, for those who asked, this one’s for you.

So, I was watching Ugly Betty (although I’ll be damned if there’s a connection) when I started putting together a Playlist [for anyone over 35, this is what we would’ve referred to back in the day as a “mixtape”] of songs that embody that feeling of pushing through, wiping off the grit, and saying “Ha!  Here I am!  Learn it!”

That said, here are a half-dozen of my favorite empowerment songs brought to you for no reason other than to provide a bit of catharsis so you can get on the road to feeling good about yourself.  Enjoy!

6.  “The Boss” by Diana Ross

Love taught Miss Ross “who was the boss,” and did so with a fantastic bassline and a terrific rhythm section.  Another triumph for the incomparable (and married) songwriting/production team of Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson.  

Fiercest Lyrics:  I could tempt / Touch delight / Just because you fell for me / Why should I feel uptight? / Love had to show me one thing

5.  ”Kiss You Off” by Scissor Sisters

The metaphor of men as lipstick and finding “a brand new shade” is a bit of clever, witty erudition from the band’s in-house glamazon, Ana Matronic.  And the beat?  Made for the catwalk, Sweetie.

Fiercest Lyrics:  Kiss you off these lips of mine / Kiss you off for a custom shine / Pissed yours truly off this time / It's why I ain't just kissin' you / I'm kissin' you off

4.  “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Perhaps the most famous disco anthem of all (I have vinyl versions recorded in Spanish and Japanese), it still stands up as advertised and survives to this day.

Fiercest Lyrics:  I should have changed that stupid lock / I should have made you leave your key / If I’d have known for just one second / You’d be back to bother me

3.  “Moving On Up” by M People

This sassy UK import was all the rage in the ’90s due to Heather Small’s saucy vocals and an over-it sense of elegant blasé.

Fiercest Lyrics: Just who do you think you are? / This time you’ve gone too far / Just who do you think you are? / Take it like a man, baby / If that’s what you are

2.  “You’ll Never Know” by Hi-Gloss

A rare House track from the early ’80s, I was turned on to this delicious cup of bitterness by one of my musical senseis, Billy Beyond.  The fact that the cover art is so yummy is just a bonus!

Fiercest Lyrics:  You were not the first, my love / Don't kid yourself / You sure won't be the last / You have just yourself to blame / A fool’s a fool / By any other name

…and the most empowering anthem out there, according to ShulmanSays—which should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who knows me—is:

1.  “This Is My Life” by Dame Shirley Bassey

DSB throws down the gauntlet, declares that she doesn’t “give a DAMN! for lost emotions,” and lets you know why she’s earned the moniker Burley Shassey.  A vocal tour de force!

Fiercest Lyrics:  This is my life / And I don't give a DAMN! for lost emotions / I've such a lot of love I've got to give / Let me live / Let me live

Get into it!
#Music