GIRL POWER. That is this week's theme. Strong, powerful female artists expressing themselves unabashedly.

DANGEROUS WOMAN - Ariana Grande

YOU OUGHTA KNOW - Alanis Morissette

Cliche and cheesy, but undeniably fun and empowering, Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger' is a great song to put on after a break up, or fight, or whatever to reassure you that you are the amazing woman you have always been.

The indie rock band Eliza and the Bear, have created an anthematic track, with chorus vocals and echoed instruments, that it indie-rock-pop fusion at its finest. The chorus is catchy and the guitars are upbeat, definitely one for the road.

Despite hailing from New York, this song sounds so British to me. I don't know if it's the odd, slightly monotonous vocals, or the classic sounding guitars, but something about this screams London to me. Maybe I just associate weird lyrics with my home country, who knows.

 Clever lyrics and upbeat, happy, summer feeling music makes this track fab for the beginning of summer. (Also, if you're a fan of Fun. you'll love this - very similar) 

The intro this track reminded me very much of the Duffy album 'Rockferry', but the very distinctive vocals of Alex Turner make this sound like an addition to 'A.M.' I personally don't think this is a bad thing, I love A.M. so this is now on my repeat.

New wave 'Sad Boy Pop' is being championed by Lontalius. This synth-pop indie break-up song if for the time when you finally get over the feelings of betrayal, or anger, or pain and realise that the relationship you once had is better than having nothing. As Tennyson said, 'It is better to loved and lost, than to never have loved at all' - interestingly the poem this come from took 17 years for Tennyson to write, and Lontalius' debut album is called  'I'll forget 17'.

STANLEY PARK - Aoife O'Donovan

This incredibly moving song is a perfect slow-tempo, cry-your-eyes-out tune. Great for anyone who's left home for the first time, in a new job or feeling homesick. A wonderful song.

DISTRACTION - Raye

This is such a road trip song. A constant bass drum and catchy guitars keep this song fun and almost folk-pop anthemic.


If you liked these and want to keep up with what I'm loving - follow me on Spotify @ Ally Smith - where you can listen to all my Music Monday's in one place!