From Patti Smith to Alanis Morrisette, Chrissie Hynde to Florence Welch and Annie Lennox - here are women who, often defying expectation, followed their authentic artistic vision and gave us music to see us through the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. Some brandishing whip-smart confidence, others more subdued in nature - each as talented and captivating as the next. Far from being handed success, there are many hurdles these women had to jump to make it in the industry, especially in the earlier days of rock'n'roll. To mark St.Brigid's day, we at Radio Nova have compiled a commemorative list of the women we believe shaped music. Read on for a welcome reminder of some of the greats in music history.
From Florence & The Machine's third studio album ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, Ship To Wreck is about self-destructive tendencies, as frontwoman Florence explains: “how you can make something only to tear it down, enjoy/destroy, create/devastate etc”. It was a highly personal record for the singer, who has made waves since the band came on the scene in 2007.
The music video was filmed in Florence Welch’s own house, where most of the songs for this album were written.
Swedish pop-rock heroes The Cardigans released this song in 1998. The second track on Gran Turismo, its sound is relatively down-tempo when compared to their other singles, but just as good. Its music video’s warped, science-fiction aesthetic is in-keeping with the impossibility of re-winding life - much as we may wish we could.
Alanis wrote this song with producing partner Glen Ballard when she was only 23, having returned from an enlightening trip to India. Textured production and soft-rock synths lay the groundwork for Morissette’s introspective lyrics about taking stock and letting go. This track shows Morissette was wise beyond her years.
This song was actually written by Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty in 1967, but Tina and then-husband Ike’s rendition left us coming back again and again to its driving, horn-packed arrangement and Tina’s raspy, intensified vocals. ‘Proud Mary’ was a cover the pair had been enjoying success with on stage at live-shows, and on Tina’s suggestion it ended up being the second single from their 1970 album Workin’ Together.
‘Black Velvet’ is an ode to Elvis Presley’s one-of-a-kind voice and legacy. The ballad was brought to life by Canadian Singer-songwriter Alannah Myle’s characteristic vocals and remains a timeless hit. Myles won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the song in 1991.
The music video was partially shot on Myles' family ranch in Buckhorn, Ontario.
If there’s one thing that makes Catatonia’s 1999 album ‘Equally Cursed And Blessed’ so great, it’s Cerys Matthews singing in her native Welsh accent on Road Rage's blazing chorus. Released to wide acclaim, Road Rage’s lyrics were actually based on a disturbing news-story at the time, the murder of Lee Harvey by his girlfriend Tracie Andrews. Harvey’s bereaved mother wrote in her book "at least the group's singer Cerys Matthews had the decency to return my call and explain that she hadn't intended to cause any offence”.
Sunday girl (1979) was released as a follow-up single to the iconic ‘Heart Of Glass’ and was a number one hit in Ireland. Guitarist Chris Stein wrote the song himself and asked Debbie Harry to put her stamp on it… and stamp she did. What many don’t know is that the song is about Harry’s runaway cat, whose name was Sunday Man. "The cat ran away and we were very sad” Stein explained, describing the song as a plaintive, evocative number. Sunday Man must have been mad to run away from such a legendary owner.
Christine McVie’s angelic voice lends a bittersweet sense of nostalgia to this timeless classic. The song comes from Fleetwood Mac’s 14th studio album ‘Tango In The Night, and while her then-husband Eddy Quintela is listed in the writing credits, McVie recalled that she wrote the song at her pool with a pad and paper, and his role in its creation was minimal.
Nutbush City Limits commemorates Turner’s rural hometown of Nutbush in Tennessee, and is one of the last hits she released together with Ike, her then-husband. Turner re-recorded several different versions of the song since its original release in August 1973, including the popular 1991 dance remix included on her compilation album Simply the Best.
Written by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart as a cast-off to an unfaithful lover, ‘Thorn In My Side’ became Eurythmics’ ninth top 10 single. The second track on the duo’s 1986 album ‘Revenge’, its cold and seething lyrics are masked by an infectious melody, not to mention the wonderfully theatrical music video.
It’s become a favourite here on Radio Nova since its release in 2011, but did you know that Florence Welch wrote ‘Shake It Out’ while suffering from a hangover? She told MTV news: “you know when you feel like you’re stuck in yourself, you keep repeating certain patterns of behavior, and you kind of want to cut out that part of you and restart yourself”. Pounding drums, tambourines and church organs set a tall backdrop for Welsh’s voice to surmount - and from the passion in the song’s delivery, you can tell she got the catharsis she was after.
This song’s hook packs a punch of 90s angst and enthusiasm at the same time. Sheryl initially wrote it about a friend who died by suicide, exploring "that feeling of, 'I don't even know who I am in my life anymore.'" Over the years she says it’s resonated with people in a different way, and she’s still seeing the song in new ways, thanks to its reception at her concerts to this day. It was the lead single from Crow’s self-titled 1996 album.
Always raw and honest with their song-lyrics, Tracy Chapman had one of the most rare and unique voices in popular rock music’s history. ‘Give Me One Reason’ was her biggest US hit, and earned her a Grammy award for best rock song. Pitchfork said the song was, "strutting along a plucked, head-nodding guitar melody and Chapman’s grainy alto. Centering on an imbalanced relationship, each verse grows more frustrated from a lack of reciprocity; then the band kicks in and the pleading in her voice becomes cathartic, begging for a reason to stay while knowing it won’t come."
Another song that undoubtedly shaped music history is this 1995 single from Morissette’s album ‘Jagged Little Pill’. Featuring a harmonica solo played by Alanis herself, producer Glen Ballard said reverently of the writing process: “She was so intelligent and ready to take a chance on doing something that might have no commercial application.” Remaining authentic did, however, pay-off for Morissette, with the song being her first to reach number 1 in her native Canada. The music video also received critical-acclaim, the idea for which was Morisette’s, according to director Mark Kohr.
The voice, the attitude, the respect for R&B’s roots - (In the lyrics she mentions "Ray" and "Mr. Hathaway", in reference to soul legends Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway) - Amy Winehouse was one-of-a-kind and made this fact known with only two albums. The singer’s public battles with substance misuse contribute to Rehab’s meaning and continuing legacy. It is one of the signature songs from her stunning second album - Back To Black (2006).
Brass In Pocket is loved for its effortlessly determined pace and old-school swagger. It’s the third single from The Pretender’s 1979 self-titled album, and according to primary song-writer, the influential Chrissie Hynde, the song is about the cockiness that one needs to effectively perform. The humour, conviction and style evident in the music video illustrate this perfectly, with lead vocalist, guitarist and founding member Hynde front and centre, of course.
Released in February 1980, Atomic is considered to be one of Blondie’s best songs. The music video, carried by a spell-binding performance from the one and only Debbie Harry, is as futuristic 80s as it gets. Harry recalls of the composition process: "He (Jimmy Destri) was trying to do something like 'Heart of Glass', and then somehow or another we gave it the Spaghetti Western treatment.” No wonder that classic guitar riff sounded familiar!
Life wouldn’t be the same without ‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac - not here at Nova anyway. Pitchfork called "Everywhere" the best song on Tango in the Night (1987), writing that the tune "describes a kind of devotion so deeply felt that it produces weightlessness in a person.” Such was the effect of rock legend Christine McVie’s songwriting.
'When You’re Gone' is the third single from The Cranberries’ third studio album, To the Faithful Departed (1996). Dolores O’Riordan’s tragic death in 2018 sparked even more adoration for the song. Live at a gig in Paris in 2010, Dolores spoke to the crowd and said about it: “Every time I sing this song I can see my grand-parents, cause when people died, did they really go? Or are they with us? You know you wonder.” R.E.M’s Michael Stipe said of working closely with the singer: "There’s a storytelling tradition in Ireland that’s handed down, and she wound up inheriting both that and the Irish sense of humour." She impacted countless people the world over with these gifts.
Annie Lennox was unashamed to express multitudes, her song-writing and her artistic vision were ahead of their time. 'Love Is A Stranger' (1982), with its unmistakable synth-infused melody, speaks boldly of love and its torturous ways, and Lennox’s vocals used on the track were, remarkably, recorded in one take.
'You’ve Got The Love', from Florence & the Machine’s debut album Lungs (2009), is a cover of The Source's 1986 song of the same name. A big soulful number to begin with, Welch makes it her own with her distinctive voice. She says of the song "As a kid, going to clubs and raves, this song made me feel love." Welch says its resonance with audiences at live shows is palpable.
‘Just A Girl is the lead single on No Doubt’s album ‘Tragic Kingdom’ (1995). The lyrics are scathingly satirical, with a delivering instrumental to really hammer home their point. Watch the empowering and wonderfully 90s music video below, where Gwen Stefani humourously releases herself from the constraints of being 'just a girl'.
This powerful 1977 anthem comes in at 28, and remains the best-known song of Patti Smith’s catalog for good reason. It starts out low and rumbling, and builds into an epic hymn-like masterpiece. In an interview with Alison Beard in 2023, Smith said of performing- which she continues to do to this day at 78 years of age-: "The most important thing as a performer is to offer a transformative experience to others. I want people to leave our concerts feeling invigorated to do their own work, start their own band, write their own poetry, go out in the streets and protest, or vote." Smith's enduring sense of purpose is something to admire.
“Oh life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you think everything’s ok” ... Ironic (1996), and its music video starring Alanis Morissette (x3) is just one example of Jagged Little Pill’s cultural legacy. Glen Ballard commented on the flow of working with Morissette, recalling: Oh God, we were just having fun. I thought 'I don't know what this is—what genre it is—who knows? It's just good’”.
‘Back To Black’ (2006) speaks for itself, full of mourning and musicality that beggars belief. Winehouse always paid subtle homage to the greats in her music, and the song is often praised for its throwback sound to girl groups from the 1960s. The music video, aptly in black and white, depicts a funeral, as Winehouse sings of betrayal and lost love.
My Favourite Game’s distinctive guitar hook alongside Nine Persson’s lyricism and pleading vocals made this The Cardigan’s most commercially successful song on ‘Gran Turismo’ (1998). The drums were recorded using analogue tape compression giving it that nostalgic feel. The song is about the futility of staying in a relationship you know is failing, and the once controversial yet iconic music video depicts lead-singer Nina driving a Cadillac convertible through the desert and into oblivion.
Sinéad O’Connor was loved for her rebellious ways - even if many disagreed at the time. She was a true trailblazer and always prioritised authenticity, and holding power to account. It was simply her nature. Mandinka was released as the second single from her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra (1987). Max Bell from Number One wrote that “her scruff of the neck grabbing confidence makes you forget completely that you've no idea what a mandinka is.” Very true!
About Stevie Nicks, but written and sung by Lindsey Buckingham, Go Your Own Way was the first single released off ‘Rumours’ in 1976. Interestingly, Lindsey kept the lyrics "Packing up, shacking up is all you wanna do" despite Nick’s saying that he concocted that narrative to irritate her. "Every time those words would come onstage, I wanted to go over and kill him.” She said.
Linger was the first song Dolores O’Riordan wrote for The Cranberries. She created it off the back of a demo tape they gave her to take home after one of their first rehearsals. It ended up on their debut studio album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? (1993). According to guitarist Niall Hogan, “It's only really since Dolores passed away that I've grown a proper appreciation for songs like 'Linger' and 'Dreams'. They were just songs in the set list for us; everybody else was losing their mind about them. And when I listen to them now I realise how great they are”. O’Riordan’s un-quantifiable influence still lingers on.
Few song intros hook you in like the start of 'I Love Rock and Roll' by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. A 1981 cover of The Arrows' original by 23 year-old Jett became their highest-charting hit. 40+ years later, people are still coming back to this song. Thank you, Joan Jett!
'Call Me' was composed by Italian disco producer Giorgio Moroder as the main theme song of the 1980 film American Gigolo, and was released by Blondie in 1980 as a single. The showstopper song is a mixture of pop, rock and punk, combined brilliantly with Debbie’s unique voice. "Call Me" was No. 1 for six consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains a classic for good reason.
This 2008 hit song we all know and love was inspired by a giant text installment titled "Dog Days Are Over" by artist Ugo Rondinone, which lead singer Florence Welch used to see every day, riding her bike over Waterloo Bridge in London. The expression "Dog Days" refers to difficult times. Whoever saw this live at Oxegen 2010 will understand its transformative power (when sung jumping up and down in the rain). Watch that here:
Written by Nicks and released in 1989, her voice really shines on this one, if we do say so ourselves. It’s inspired by her relationship with Rupert Hine, who, as Nicks put it: “It always seemed to me that whenever Rupert walked into one of these old, dark castle rooms, that the rooms were on fire.” Her ability to shape and create atmosphere through music was truly something.
Another incredible song from her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, few break-up anthems top this one. The accompanying music video was aptly filmed in Death Valley, and, rather than lying down teary-eyed and reminiscing, it features Alanis rolling around, headbanging, whipping her hair and shouting at the top of her lungs. Expression was something of a superpower for Morissette, and it made for super music that stood the test of time.
Many will be familiar with Boyzone’s 1997 cover of this track, but although Tracy Chapman’s original 1988 version wasn’t as successful as some of her other works, the soul and intensity of ‘Baby Can I Hold You Tonight’ is one of the reasons Chapman was so influential.
“What’s going on?” - If Linda Perry was singing these lyrics in 1993 - what would she be singing now in 2025? This song came off the band’s only album Bigger, Better, Faster, More! . Although David Tickle is officially credited as a producer of the record, it was Linda Perry who produced the song we know that blew up all over the world. Perry took matters into her own hands and organised a re-recording of the song in one day, with the label's co-owner agreeing that he preferred the re-recorded version, establishing it as the final version of the song.
Love Is A Battlefield, a single from powerhouse Benatar's album Live from Earth (1983), went on to sell over a million copies. In 1984, the song won Benatar her fourth consecutive Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The music video was one of the first to include the use of dialogue mixed into the track, and was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video.
The Chain"by Fleetwood Mac was released on their 1977 album Rumours. Christine Mc Vie and Stevie Nick’s otherworldly, crescendoed harmonies built this song into the success it was and remains. The rage and heartache in the official live performance video is tangible - who knows how they managed to channel that into an outstanding performance.
Dreams is particularly special because it was The Cranberries’ debut single, released in 1992. It’s about feeling really in love for the first time. In 2017, a year prior to Dolores O’Riordan’s death, the song was released as an acoustic, stripped-down version on the band's Something Else album - less vividly expressed, more down-tempo, but with all the majesty of the original release. Incredibly, Dolores was only 20 years of age when the song was first released.
Written by frontwoman Chrissie Hynde, 'Don't Get Me Wrong' was the first single released from The Pretenders’ fourth studio album, Get Close (1986). Chrissie’s strong yet sweet vocals shine over the strutting rhythm to which you can’t help but move and sing-along to. An 80s rock classic featuring another woman who shaped modern rock music.
One of the best known Blondie recordings co-written by Debbie Harry, “Heart Of Glass” was featured on the band's third studio album, Parallel Lines (1978)
Its lyrics “Once I had a love and it was divine, soon found out- I was losing my mind” are darkly humorous, masked by the song’s famous disco beat and catchy simplicity.
Songwriter, composer, pianist and singer - Aretha Franklin was multitalented and unmatched in her contribution to music history. Franklin rearranged this Otis Redding song in 1967 and it became her best known song. Respect was featured on Franklin's 1967 breakthrough Atlantic Records debut album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.
Heart covered this i-ten original on their 1987 album Bad Animals. As well as being many’s karaoke song of choice, it has been described (by music magazine Cashbox) as "a potent, emotion-drenched rock ballad that features Ann Wilson's signature billowing, riveting vocal performance." A classic.
This song was written by Prince and first appeared on The Family’s only album (1985). 5 years later it was released as the second single from O’Connor’s album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got and became a worldwide hit. “Nothing Compares” had a 6 week run at number 1 in Ireland. It never gets old.
Bring Me To Life is from Evanescence’s debut album Fallen (2003). Amazingly, the song was written by Amy Lee at age 19 about things she realised she had been missing in life. Still finding her lyrical voice at the time, Lee remarked "the more honest I was, the more powerful I felt". The male vocals were forced by the label against Lee's wishes in order to market it in 'the musical landscape of the time'. Nonetheless, Lee’s voice soars over this guitar heavy track, which is no easy feat no matter who you are.
Released on her 1988 self-titled debut studio album, Fast Car had a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to various covers, which never reached the success levels of the original. Powerful yet unpretentious, Fast Car is storytelling at its best, from one of the women who shaped rock and roll.
This song never aged, still as mesmeric as it was when it was released in January 1983 as part of their second album. The music video stars Annie Lennox with orange cropped hair and wearing a man's business suit - a bold and androgynous look which proved to be ahead of her time. She said of the decision: “We wanted our visual statements to be strong and powerful, because we knew they’d be there forever” - indeed, this song won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
It was the lead single from her 1985 album Hounds Of Love. According to Bush, Running Up That Hill is about swapping places with another person in an attempt to understand things from their perspective. The song’s resurgence in popularity off the back of the hit TV series Stranger Things is testament to its timelessness. Kate Bush was hugely influential on modern music, and echoes of her style can be heard in the music of so many that went after her.
Dreams was written and sung by Stevie Nicks for the band's eleventh studio album, Rumours (1977). Nick’s wrote the song in a quiet moment, at a time when the band were facing a lot of personal difficulties. She told Blender Magazine: "One day when I wasn't required in the main studio, I took a Fender Rhodes piano and went into another studio … I sat down on the bed with my keyboard in front of me, I found a drum pattern, switched my little cassette player on and wrote 'Dreams' in about 10 minutes.” When she took the demo back to the band, apparently “they weren’t nuts about it”! But it went on to become the band’s only number one single in the U.S.
Dolories O’Riordan wrote ‘Zombie’ as a protest song in 1994, in response to the death of two children in an IRA bombing in Warrington, England, during The Troubles. While Island Records feared releasing a politically charged song at the time, needless to say it is now one of the defining songs of the alternative rock era. Zombie has been described as uncharacteristic of the band's other work, with its distorted, blown-out guitar and vocals that growl with an intensity that reflects the subject matter. Dolores was adamant that she wanted more strength than usual in the drumming for the song. In a league all her own, O’Riordan’s influence is kept alive by 'Zombie's' continuing resonance.
Well, that brings us to the end of our journey through the decades, celebrating the women who shaped music. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it together, and perhaps it's given you renewed appreciation for the songs that grace it and the women who made them.
