Your Top Ten Female Artists

[UnwindedDreams]

I thought it would be interesting to see who's everyone's top girls are...
Here's mine
In order
Stevie Nicks
Ann Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Cyndi Lauper
Bonnie Raitt
Sheryl Crow
Blondie
Madonna
Tina Turner
Cher

[ryan8472]

1. Stevie Nicks
- Madonna
- Ann Wilson
- Terri Nunn
- Cyndi Lauper
- Pat Benatar
- Debbie Harry
- Dido
- Annie Lennox
- Chrissie Hynde

That's what I could come up with. :p

Edit: I can't believe I left off Chrissie and Annie!

[David]

I thought it would be interesting to see who's everyone's top girls are.

Christine McVie
Stevie Nicks
Joni Mitchell
Chrissie Hynde
Kate Bush
Rickie Lee Jones
Grace Jones
Chaka Khan
Emmylou Harris
Dionne Warwick

[xdreamsunwindx]

Damnit, this is going to be hard.

1) Chrissie Hynde
2) Debbie Harry
3) Patti Smith
4) Ronnie Spector
5) Siouxsie Sioux
6) Nico
7) Shirley Manson
8) Penelope Houston
9) Dusty Springfield
10) Aimee Mann

Also, Beth Gibbons, Sharin Foo (Raveonettes), the girls from Elastica, Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), etc. And of course, Stevie. There are too many for me to list.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Christine McVie
Judy Garland
Amy Grant
Mariah Carey
Sara Groves
Faith Hill
Liza Minnelli
Shania Twain
Vanessa Carlton
Sheryl Crow...

That's the list that just came off the top of my head...

[CreepingDeath]

Alrighty-

Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Carole King
Bonnie Raitt
Annie Lennox
Madonna
Dolly Parton
Debbie Harry
Ann Wilson
Karen Carpenter

[Miss Vicky]

As a general rule, I am NOT a fan of female artists, so this is a tough one.

1. Chrissie Hynde
2. Mama Cass Elliott
3. Bekka Bramlett (That voice! OMFG)
4. Stevie Nicks (Though I'm not a fan, she does have some great songs)
5. Christine McVie (4 and 5 are really tied as I switch back and forth on who I like more depending on my mood at that moment)
6. Madonna (as much as I hate to admit it, I do like a lot of her songs)
7. Terri Clark (a country singer, one of the few I enjoy)
8. Natalie Merchant
9. Gwen Stefani
10. Tie: Pink (for MissUndaztood and her involvement in animal rights) and Joss Stone (Yes people, I really like Mind Body and Soul)

[snowman]

Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde, Debra Harry, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Cindy Lauper, Patsey Cline, Martha Davis, Joan Armatrading, Glenna Portenrider

[markolas]

In general order of descending greatness:

Joni Mitchell
Billie Holiday
Sarah Vaughan
Ella Fitzgerald
Patsy Cline
Stevie Nicks
Cassandra Wilson
Bonnie Raitt
Dinah Washington
Aretha Franklin

[Miss Vicky]

The music I'm fan of happens to not have been produced by females but to make that a rule, a condition for judging it would be, well a little sexist would it not? There is no genre that is female music.



Wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of being sexist or other varieties of -ist. :shrug:

As much as I try not to prejudge music, if an artist is a woman she's going to have to be truly incredible for me to give a damn. Not that I don't have high standards for the men, but...

I could make a top ten list of favorite musicians and it likely would be exclusively male.

[Karlie]

1. Linda Ronstadt
2. Karen Carpenter
3; Christine McVie
4. Nancy Wilson
5. Ann Wilson
6. Debbie Harry
7. Chrissie Hynde
8. Stevie Nicks
9. Bonnie Raitt
10. Tie: Martha Davis and Terri Nunn

[Miss Vicky]

Well ok, that was rather a sexist thing to say. I'm just wondering why you'd be openly sexist, it's not any less so because you are female yourself. My top thirty would be entirely made up of male artist but if a woman was responsible for those same songs I enjoy, she'd be on the list instead.

If, by the unlikely chance, a woman had been responsible for the music I love most, she'd make my ultimate top-whatever list as well. But in reality all of the music that I truly truly love has been the product of men. The women that made my list for this thread have all made music that I like, but you won't find me obsessively collecting everything they've done or dedicating websites to them. This is true not because they are women, but because they make music that does not appeal to me as much as material from people like Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Petty, Walter Egan and the like.

I've yet to find any woman whose music really moves me.

[Wild_Heart03]

- Stevie Nicks
- Christine McVie
- Madonna
- Reba McEntire
- Vanessa Carlton
- Linda Ronstadt
- Carole King
- Carly Simon
- Annie Lennox
- Ann/Nancy Wilson

[Miss Vicky]

I also do think that women don't have as many opportunities as men, they have equal opportunities fronting musical acts and being the body on show but that's not what appeals to me. Speaking more about creativity, I don't think they have been given quite the same opportunities.


Well if you're saying that there's some big wealth of ultra-talented women stashed away in some top secret place ne'er to be heard because they lack opportunities, lead me to it. But I tend to think otherwise.

And yes, a woman has to be incredible for me to really give a damn. She must not only be very talented and make the kind of music that I love, but she also must not use her sexuality as her biggest marketing tool. So far nobody fits that bill.

[heyjupiter678]

In no special order:

- Stevie Nicks
- Tori Amos
- Fiona Apple
- Patty Griffin
- Lucinda Williams
- Patsy Cline
- Allison Moorer
- Neko Case
- Sheryl Crow
- Susan Tedeschi

[Miss Vicky]

There is the argument that women use sex because the industry pressures them to do so. But I'm inclined to believe that just as many of them use it because it is the easy way out. Because if they look good, fewer people will notice how little talent they have.

On the other hand, if their idea of "success" is how many records they sell and how much money they make, than they have no right to even be called "artists."

[estranged4life]

(Not in any order)
Stevie Nicks
Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil...Great vocals & a great body!!!)
Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy...Gotta love a female death metal singer)
Candice Night (Blackmore's Night...Great vocals!!!)
Bonnie Tyler
Christine McVie
Jamie O'Neal

[Johnny Stew]

And yes, a woman has to be incredible for me to really give a damn. She must not only be very talented and make the kind of music that I love, but she also must not use her sexuality as her biggest marketing tool. So far nobody fits that bill.That's pretty unfair though, since male rock stars... including Lindsey... have used their sexuality for decades, too. They pout and preen, thrust their hips, and show their chests just as much as any female artist. Not to mention handling their guitars as if they were extensions of their penises. No one seems to hold that against them though, when judging their artistic merit.

At any rate, my favorite artists have always largely been female (big surprise from the gay boy, huh?), and here's my Top 10....

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Ann Wilson
3. Madonna
4. Bonnie Tyler (it's just too bad her recorded output rarely reaches the level of her talent)
5. Cyndi Lauper
6. Tina Turner
7. Christine McVie
8. Eartha Kitt
9. Carly Simon
10. Chrissie Hynde

[Karlie]

- Linda Ronstadt

Yay, another Linda fan! :) :wavey:

[Miss Vicky]

That's pretty unfair though, since male rock stars... including Lindsey... have used their sexuality for decades, too. They pout and preen, thrust their hips, and show their chests just as much as any female artist. Not to mention handling their guitars as if they were extensions of their penises. No one seems to hold that against them though, when judging their artistic merit.

I'm not saying that it's not okay to use sex. I'm also not saying that a sexy person can't be talented. What I'm saying is that a lot of women, much moreso than men, have become stars in the industry because people like to look at them, not because people like to listen to them, thus perverting the whole concept of what a musician should be. And, for the record, most of the artists I listen to could hardly be accused of exploiting (or even possessing) sex appeal.

Think I'm being sexist or unfair all you want, but this is my position and I'm sticking to it.

[Johnny Stew]

Think I'm being sexist or unfair all you want, but this is my position and I'm sticking to it.It's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

If their sex appeal is your big reason for not liking most female artists though, you might want to look into ladies such as Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith. I don't recall either of them ever using "sex as a weapon."

Speaking of which, I forgot to name Pat Benatar to my list. D'Oh.

[TheBlueLamp]

Annie Lennox
Stevie Nicks
Deborah Harry
Carly Simon
Kate Bush
Tina Turner
Siobhan Fahey
Sheryl Crow
Kate Ceberano
Dolly Parton

[Mageboy25]

Randomly depending on my mood of the day:

Stevie/Christine
Pat Benatar
Belinda/Go Go's
Heart
Cher
Tina
Debbie
Cyndi
Madonna

[Miss Vicky]

If their sex appeal is your big reason for not liking most female artists though, you might want to look into ladies such as Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith. I don't recall either of them ever using "sex as a weapon."


If you look back to my original post, you'll see that Chrissie Hynde actually topped my list. I like her music and she has a great voice, but there's still something missing, I don't know what exactly, but whatever it is just isn't there for me. I like the Pretenders but would never call myself a fan.

Patti Smith I have no interest in.

[priestofnothing]

Stevie Nicks
Margo Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Linda Ronstadt
Carly Simon
Chrissie Hynde
Tori Amos
Lucinda Williams
Diana Krall
Madonna
Nanci Griffith

[eclipse]

This is hard because
Stevie is my #1-
However I don't believe that she has the most vocal talent. I just love the "whole package", her presense, her mystery, her talent for writing obscure songs that make me think...
I love everything about her, but let's face it :eek: ---she truely does not have the best voice when compared to/with:
(in no particular order)
Annie Lennox
Bette Midler
Barbra Streisand (sorry...I know :shrug: but the chick can sing!)
Joan Osburne
Lena Horne
Sinaed O'Connor (or whatever she calls herself today...That Prince "cover" was amazing!)
Kate Bush
Bonnie Raitt
Ann Wilson
Linda Rhonstat

to name a few....

[Bryan]

Stevie Nicks
Jane Siberry
Tori Amos
Sophie B.Hawkins
Cyndi Lauper
Pat Benatar
Cher
Martha Davis
Natalie Imbruglia
Christine McVie

[Claudia]

10. Carly Simon
9. Nico
8. Tracy Chapman
7. Suzanne Vega
6. Nancy/ Ann Wilson
5. Stevie Nicks/ Christine McVie
4. Grace Slick
3. Deborah Harry
2. Chrissie Hynde
1. Joni Mitchell

[catinthedark]

1 - Stevie Nicks

And then in no particular order:

KT Tunstall
Cyndi Lauper
Madonna
Sarah McLachlan
Kelly Clarkson
Dolores O'Riordin (wow - that's clearly not how to spell her name)
Jann Arden
Sheryl Crow
Alanis Morrisette

[WildInTheWind]

In no particular order.....
Stevie
Janis Joplin
Ann Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Julie London
Aretha Franklin
Grace Slick
Carol King
Patsy Kline

[ontheEdgeof17]

Stevie Nicks
Marti Dodson
Kelly Clarkson
Christina Aguilera
Aubrey O'Day
Madonna
Jennifer Nettles
Terri Nunn
Annie Lennox
Christine McVie

[Travis]

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP100/P167/P16724ULU32.jpg Stevie Nicks

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP500/P526/P52637IVRMO.jpg Kylie Minogue

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP000/P043/P04324R6OAQ.jpg Paula Abdul

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP200/P249/P2492412U80.jpg Madonna

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP100/P153/P15386X59V2.jpg Olivia Newton-John

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP000/P095/P09538T7QNY.jpg Sade

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP000/P025/P02513H7V5A.jpg Tina Turner

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP000/P043/P04374D18A1.jpg Christine McVie

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drp000/p095/p09508ei437.jpg Tiffany

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200/drP000/P034/P03462BVFLO.jpg Mariah Carey

[Serrart]

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Etta James

and then, not in order:
Christine McVie
Joni Mitchell
Ella Fitzgerald
Annie Lennox
Bette Midler
Alison Moyet
Mina
Nina Simone


Romy

[CelticGypsy]

My choices and the only one that is #1 to me is Stevie.

Stevie Nicks
Sheryl Crowe
Debbie Harry
Tina Turner
Madonna
Celine Dion
Andrea Corr
Christine McVie
Carly Simon
Cher

[Rickypt]

In order:

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Dolly Parton
3. Maria McKee
4. Lucinda Williams
5. Christine McVie
6. Cyndi Lauper
7. Annie Lennox
8. Melissa Etheridge
9. Ann Wilson
10. Pat Benatar

Can't do just ten

11. Emmylou Harris
12. Patti Smith
13. Etta James
14. Jessi Colter
15. Loretta Lynn

[Rickypt]

Oh, and kd lang

[golddustwoman77]

This is going to be long, because I like a lot of female singers.

In no particular order:

Joan Baez (I can't believe no one has said her yet.)
Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Cass Elliott
Joni Mitchell
Janis Joplin
Grace Slick
Deborah Harry
Chrissie Hynde
Tracy Chapman
Annie Lennox
Aretha Franklin
Tina Turner
Ann/Nancy Wilson
Linda Ronstadt

[LikeAWillow]

Aubrey O'Day


Another Aubrey fan? Pinch me, I'm dreaming :thumbsup:

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Ann Wilson
3. Tanya Tucker
4. Pat Benatar
5. Toni Braxton
6. Reba McEntire
7. Janis Joplin
8. Nancy Wilson
9. Aubrey O'Day
10.Tie between Sheryl Crowe and Alanis Morisette

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Mine:

Stevie Nicks
Sheryl Crow
Judy Garland
Lorna Luft
Karen Carpenter
Sarah McLachlan
Carly Simon
Linda Ronstadt
Agnetha(Abba)
Frida (Abba)

[wondergirl9847]

I do prefer the male voice, but here are some fave female singers of mine.

Stevie Nicks
Amy Grant
Dolly Parton
Debbie Gibson
Pat Benatar
Tiffany Arbuckle aka Plumb
Susan Ashton
Allison Krauss

[CelticGypsy]

There is the argument that women use sex because the industry pressures them to do so. But I'm inclined to believe that just as many of them use it because it is the easy way out. Because if they look good, fewer people will notice how little talent they have.

On the other hand, if their idea of "success" is how many records they sell and how much money they make, than they have no right to even be called "artists."


I think you are thinking of non-talented people like Britney Spears, Hilary Duff and Lindsey Lohan for using their sexuality in the music industry. They are not the female artists/musicians most people would regard as talented. At least I don't!!

Women like Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Carly Simon, Ann and Nancy Wilson and alot of others have the talent, the drive, the ambition and have been around for a long time. They know the music industry and they have paid their dues. There is nothing wrong being a female and wanting to look good for your audience. Look at Mama Cass Elliott. She wasn't the most beautiful woman out there but she sure did know how to sing a song!!!

I can think of alot of males such as the Beatles, Mick Jagger, Elvis even George Michael (in the 80's) who drove girls crazy with their looks and if you went to one of their concerts you couldn't even hear the music because of the noise from the crowds. They oozed sexuality so why not the women like Stevie who at age 57, looks damn good for an older rock and roll star:woohoo:

[BombaySapphire3]

Stevie Nicks
Tammy Wynette
Kate Bush
Sheryl Crow
Emmylou Harris
Agnetha Faltskog
Ann Wilson
Christine Mcvie
Linda Ronstadt
Joan Armatrading

[mylittledemon]

In no particular order

Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Debbie Harry (Blondie)
Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders)
the Go Gos
Bonnie Raitt
Annie Lennox
Jann Arden
Sade
...and I guess Madonna

[catinthedark]

I have an add - just bought her album yesterday and I am addicted.

Alana Levandoski - and her album is Unsettled Down. If you like Emmylou, you will love this girl. Rootsy, folky, and just plain lush and gorgeous sounds.

Best lyric on it: "'Cause, honey, if I'm looking for heartache, then I'll find my way to you..."

[sparky]

Hmm

No particular order

Rosanne Cash
Joni Mitchell
Stevie
Ann and Nancy
Dolly
Annie Lennox
Johnette Napolitano
(Concrete Blonde)
Emmylou
Trisha Yearwood

[Janet]

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Frida
3. Kate Bush
4. Gwen Stefani
5. Fiona Apple
6. Christine McVie
7. Enya
8. Dido
9. Annie Lennox
10. Heart gals.

Not my list of the most talented but the ones I enjoy the most!

[trackaghost]

This is exactly what I was saying, women are given every opportunity to be sex symbols, to stick their breasts and crotch into the camera but why do you think they do so? They do so because that is what they're paid to do, that is in general what women are. There is such a small market for women musicians who don't use their sexuality, there are some out there but you don't know them because they're not given the exposure that men who also base their music on the music itself are. I really don't see how you can think negatively about musicianship amongst women based on the idea that men like to see women's breasts.

It's similar in the field of acting. My sister went through acting school and struggled for years in the profession because she's not a typical sex object. She gave up, there is no work for someone like her, maybe one role with thousands upon thousands like her after it. There's roles for women with long legs so those are the ones who make it. Her fellow "acting" friend who can't act for ****, but giggles and pouts a lot, she's in numerous commercials and got a top agent. There is a specific market for female "talent", this is what sells, so how can you judge female actors in this case, or female musicians, based on the fact that men like breasts? To me this doesn't make sense to judge females based on the fact that they're not given the opportunities that men are, almost like blaming the victim for being a victim.

Lux, everything you've said in this thread I agree with wholeheartedly. So thank you for saying what I was unable to get across before.

My example would be that none of my favourite film directors are female but I don't think that's because there are no talented female filmmakers out there. I don't discount women directors because so far none have caught my attention, and I certainly wouldn't say that a female film director would have to the most fantastic filmmaker ever for me to take notice. But that's just me.

I also work in a field where I constantly see women who are good looking and flirtatious given better opportunites over more qualified candidates. I can't say I blame them for taking the jobs, that's the problem of the folks offering those jobs.

I definitely have more male artists on my iPod but there are plenty of talented musicians out there known for their music and not their looks: Kristin Hersh, Beth Orton, Gillian Welch, PJ Harvey, Janis Ian, Lucinda Williams, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Neko Case, Patti Smith, Kathleen Edwards, Caitlin Cary... to name but a few. But they are far more unlikely to be championed by MTV or whoever, and therefore sell millions of records, because none will ever look as good in a video or album cover as Gwen Stefani or Britney Spears. We live in a society where an ugly man can be considered cool and sexy if he's a rock star but an ugly woman isn't given the time of day.

Anyway, sorry for butting in here. I know Miss Vicky will roll her eyes to see me post, but it always upsets me when I'm written off, or any other woman is written off, just because she's female.

[hs421139]

Stevie Nicks
Nancy Wilson/Ann Wilson
Pat Benatar
Christine McVie
Carol King
Linda Rondstat
Bonnie Raitt
Janis Joplin
Tina Turner

[Dreamer]

Hi everyone, i couldn't quite get it all the way down to 10, but i made it close:

Stevie Nicks
Linda Ronstadt
Joan Baez
Debbie Harry
Dolores O'Riordan
Barbra Streisand
Natalie Merchant
Madonna
Christine McVie
Dixie Chicks (are groups included?)
Gwen Stefani

[Sugar]

I can't even begin to put them in order, but...

Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Tori Amos
Liz Phair (can't believe I haven't seen her on more of your lists!)
Wilson Sisters
Madonna
Chrissie Hynde
Gwen Stefani
Fiona Apple
Courtney Love (at least through "Celebrity Skin")

[dissention]

I found this surprisingly easy.

-Deborah Harry
-Emmylou Harris
-Patti Smith
-Aimee Mann
-Jill Sobule
-Grace Slick
-Bonnie Raitt
-Shirley Manson
-Annie Ross
-Bette Midler

I've got lots of other favorites, but I suppose this is my list for now.

[jadegypsy]

In no special order:
Stevie
Janis Joplin
The Wilson Sisters
Joni Mitchell
Joan Jett
Grace Slick
Lorenna McKennit
Debbie Harry
Chrissie Hyde
Madonna

Also: Christine McVie, Wilson Phillips, and Dido, Bette Midler, Pat Benatar, Melissa Ethridge, Cher, Barbra Strisand, and Billie Holiday :)

[dissention]

What I'm saying is that a lot of women, much moreso than men, have become stars in the industry because people like to look at them, not because people like to listen to them, thus perverting the whole concept of what a musician should be.

What a crock of ****. I assume you'd accuse Cyndi Lauper of being successful only because she sang a song about diddling herself.

And, for the record, most of the artists I listen to could hardly be accused of exploiting (or even possessing) sex appeal.

Hopefully you aren't including Mr. Buckingham in that list of artists.

Come? The Ledge? Slow Dancing? Tango In the Night? The list goes on. He has used his sexuality to a great extent, moreso than Stevie Nicks ever has. The man has faux orgasmic fits in concert, pretends to hump his guitar and wields it like an extension of his own dick.

Think I'm being sexist or unfair all you want, but this is my position and I'm sticking to it.

You are being unfair. That's my position and I'm sticking to it.

[Rickypt]

Lorenna McKennit

Good one! I love her too.

[The Tower]

In no order:

Michelle Shocked
Edie Brickell
Joni Mitchell
Maria McKee
Loreena McKennitt
Rickie Lee Jones
Ann and Nancy Wilson
Emily Saliers and Amy Ray (Indigo Girls)
Annie Lennox
Patti Smith
Karen Peris (The Innocence Mission)

How close is that to this, huh??
In no special order:
Stevie
Janis Joplin
The Wilson Sisters
Joni Mitchell
Joan Jett
Grace Slick
Lorenna McKennit
Debbie Harry
Chrissie Hyde
Madonna

Also: Christine McVie, Wilson Phillips, and Dido, Bette Midler, Pat Benatar, Melissa Ethridge, Cher, Barbra Strisand, and Billie Holiday :)

[jadegypsy]

Hey Tower, you even added one that i forgot :Annie Lennox! (She still sounds great too when I watched her on TV for the RRHF intros!)

Bet our record collections look a lot alike, though I do need to pick up some Pattie Smith as the oly song I know of hers is Sometimes Love Ain't Enough...

So whats your fave Joni album, I love Blue, but also her first album is great, haven't worked my way through For the Roses yet though I do have it on LP.

[dissention]

Bet our record collections look a lot alike, though I do need to pick up some Pattie Smith as the oly song I know of hers is Sometimes Love Ain't Enough...


Horses was just reissued and it sounds amazing. Also has a bonus disc of the entire album performed live last year. It's kind of pricey, but it's worth it.

[jadegypsy]

dissention,
Thanks for the info, I haven't been able to buy it on LP yet so I may actually consider CD (LP is sooooo much cheaper plus better covers and I can now convert to MP3 and to CD)

[Johnny Stew]

Johnette NapolitanoHow on EARTH did I forget to include Johnette?!?

"Top 10" just isn't enough to cover all of the brilliant female artists out there.

[dissention]

How on EARTH did I forget to include Johnette?!?

"Top 10" just isn't enough to cover all of the brilliant female artists out there.

I still haven't gotten over her collaboration with The Heads (aka Talking Heads without Byrne). The resulting tour and album were painful. I was embarrassed for all of them. Still am, actually.

[Johnny Stew]

I still haven't gotten over her collaboration with The Heads (aka Talking Heads without Byrne). The resulting tour and album were painful. I was embarrassed for all of them. Still am, actually.I've actually never had a chance to hear anything from that collaboration (was that the "No Talking, Just Head" thing?), so maybe I better avoid it in the future!

[dissention]

I've actually never had a chance to hear anything from that collaboration (was that the "No Talking, Just Head" thing?), so maybe I better avoid it in the future!

It most certainly was. I listened to it once or twice, shook my head, and buried it in my CD collection. By the time I got to my beloved Debbie's song, I was shocked at how awful it all was. Even her song was ****ing horrific in every possible way. I try to forget that they all participated in it. It's better that way. For us all.

Avoid it at all costs. Plus, it's out of print and costs a pretty penny these days. Stick with the Tom Tom Club, Weymouth's!

[The Tower]

Bet our record collections look a lot alike, though I do need to pick up some Pattie Smith as the oly song I know of hers is Sometimes Love Ain't Enough...
Honey, that's Patti Smyth... ya know- "The Warrior" and all that. I was talking about Patti Smith, which is "Because the Night", "Revenge", "Dancing Barefoot", "Wing", etc., etc. Two very different people, but their names are always confused, so it's no biggie.

So whats your fave Joni album, I love Blue, but also her first album is great, haven't worked my way through For the Roses yet though I do have it on LP.
Blue is great. Blue and Hejira are my two favorites. For The Roses comes up second and has some of her best lyrical songwriting ever, IMO. Turbulent Indigo and Clouds are great, as well- as is Hissing Of Summer Lawns. You cant go wrong with any Joni album as long as it's not Dog Eat Dog and Wild Things Run Fast.

[David]

Honey, that's Patti Smyth... ya know- "The Warrior" and all that. I was talking about Patti Smith, which is "Because the Night", "Revenge", "Dancing Barefoot", "Wing", etc., etc. Two very different people, but their names are always confused, so it's no biggie.Do you by any chance remember the superfunny snippet Cream magazine ran in about 1982 or so (the year of I Am The Warrior) distinguishing Patti Smith & Patti Smyth? I'd like to read that again. The latter shouldn't be let to wipe the former's butt. :eek:

[David]

Rickie Lee Joneswhy did you put her on your list? I'm the only one who includes her. I include her for being essentially the finest beat poet of the early 1980s. Songs like "Traces of the Western Slopes" & "The Weird Beast" put her squarely in the Kerouac/Asbery tradition. But she hijacked her own career & now releases on independents, playing jazz festivals & theaters & scrambling for an audience.

[ragandbone]

This was tough - I had to leave some other favorites out, but here are my ten favorites, in random order:

Sandy Denny
Joni Mitchell
Sarah Vaughn
Ricki Lee Jones
Lisa Gerrard
Stevie Nicks
Chrissie Hynde
Linda Thompson
Kate Bush
Emmylou Harris

* I had to bump Niamh, because I forgot Emmylou
(I keep wanting to add other names: Iris Dement Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin, Janis Joplin, Lhasa, Amalia Rodriguez, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss) I think I will move on to the male artists!

[ryan8472]

It most certainly was. I listened to it once or twice, shook my head, and buried it in my CD collection. By the time I got to my beloved Debbie's song, I was shocked at how awful it all was. Even her song was ****ing horrific in every possible way. I try to forget that they all participated in it. It's better that way. For us all.
Oh don't remind me of that. :distress: :p

Avoid it at all costs. Plus, it's out of print and costs a pretty penny these days. Stick with the Tom Tom Club, Weymouth's!
Technically it would be Frantz's, right? :laugh: You're right tho. Stick to TTC unless you can get Jerry AND David back. :nod:

[rbs3676]

I just dont think any list should be without Joni Mitchell and Johnette Napolitano...both amazing women...artists in the TRUE sense of the word...poets beyond belief...wiser than their combined age...

My idea of heaven would be a lengthy dinner with both of these ladies...with dessert being Stevie popping in for 20 minutes...:xoxo:

Happy New Year!

rbs

[BombaySapphire3]

I just dont think any list should be without Joni Mitchell and Johnette Napolitano...both amazing women...artists in the TRUE sense of the word...poets beyond belief...wiser than their combined age...

My idea of heaven would be a lengthy dinner with both of these ladies...with dessert being Stevie popping in for 20 minutes...:xoxo:

Happy New Year!

rbs
The list is supposed to be favorite female singers.If it was most influential and talented then Joni would have to figure high on anyone's list.

[BombaySapphire3]

I have an add - just bought her album yesterday and I am addicted.

Alana Levandoski - and her album is Unsettled Down. If you like Emmylou, you will love this girl. Rootsy, folky, and just plain lush and gorgeous sounds.

Best lyric on it: "'Cause, honey, if I'm looking for heartache, then I'll find my way to you..."
Wow she sounds great .I can't believe I've never heard of her but will certainly check her out !:nod:

[markolas]

You cant go wrong with any Joni album as long as it's not Dog Eat Dog and Wild Things Run Fast.

Oh, nooo!

I recently delved into Joni's '80s albums, and Wild Things is now one of my favorite albums of hers. I also don't dislike Dog Eat Dog. :D

[Angel69]

No particular order except for the first two:

Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Diana Ross
Kate Bush
Judy Garland
Natalie Merchant
Sarah Vaughn
Chrissie Hynde
Karen Carpenter
Bette Midler

[EnchantedSLN]

Wow, I'm surprised to see some names on so many lists. I think all of mine have already been mentioned, with the exception of Shawn Colvin:

1. Stevie (constant)
2. Sheryl Crow (more or less in order from here down)
3. Shawn Colvin
4. Bonnie Raitt
5. Siouxsie Sioux
6. Sarah McLachlan
7. Dolly Parton
8. Melissa Etheridge
9. Cyndi Lauper
10. Billie Holiday

Honorable mention:

Fiona Apple
Bette Midler
Tracy Chapman
Lucina Williams
Debbie Harry
Norah Jones
Lisa Loeb
Alanis Morisette
Vienna Teng
Christine McVie

[cliffdweller]

I thought it would be interesting to see who's everyone's top girls are...
Here's mine
In order
Stevie Nicks
Ann Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Cyndi Lauper
Bonnie Raitt
Sheryl Crow
Blondie
Madonna
Tina Turner
Cher



1. Stevie
2. Ann and Nancy Wilson (see how I economized here?) LOL!
3. Linda Ronstadt
4. Emmylou Harris
5. Cyndi Lauper
6. Joni Mitchell
7. Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth)
8. Pat Benatar
9. Margo Timmins (of Cowboy Junkies)
10. Neko Case

And there are WAY more I didn't get to mention!

[cliffdweller]

Agnetha(Abba)
Frida (Abba)

Yeah, those two are f'ing fantastic :thumbsup:.

[amber]

1. Stevie
2. Debbie
3. Ann n' Nancy
4. Grace Slick
5. Erykah Badu
6. Cyndi Lauper
7. Bonnie Tyler (yes, I'm a dork)
8. Pat Benatar
9. Emmylou
10.Gwen

[Rickypt]

I forgot Hedwig.

[Rickypt]

7. Bonnie Tyler (yes, I'm a dork)


Not a dork at all, she's fab.

[amber]

Not a dork at all, she's fab.
It can be both, right? :cool:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

1) Stevie Nicks
{not in order}
* Gwen Stefani
*Ashlee Simpson
*Pat Benetar
* Janis Joplin
*Tina Turner
*Mariah Carey
*Bonnie Tyler
*Dolly Parton
*Gretchen Wilson

[JazmenFlowers]

I forgot Hedwig.
Hedwig Rocks!

My list in "current" order:
Stevie
Barbra Streisand
Christina Aguilera
Patti Labelle
Mariah Carey
Cher
Sarah Brightman
Karen Carpenter
Beyonce'
Anita Baker

[jadegypsy]

dissention: THANK YOU, I can now look in the right section for Patti Smyth and also Patti Smith (I adore B/c the night). As you can imagine trying to find one song while not knowing the correct spelling of the artist is quite difficult. (You hear the song on the radio, then they tell you the artist and in this case I was looking in the wrong section) I guess I like both artists:)

Amber: Yay another Grace Slick fan!!! Oh and Bonnie Tyler is another of my faves...

[Johnny Stew]

7. Bonnie Tyler (yes, I'm a dork)Some of her stuff is ultra-cheesy (namely her Germany-only releases from the early '90s, and her "It's A Heartache"-era country-lite), but that voice... that voice is just out of this world. And I don't care what anyone says... no one's voice, not even MeatLoaf's, can convey the Sturm und Drang of Steinman's mini-epics the way Bonnie's can.

[sparky]

Oh, nooo!

I recently delved into Joni's '80s albums, and Wild Things is now one of my favorite albums of hers. I also don't dislike Dog Eat Dog. :D

Atta Boy, Mark. Surrender to the greatness that is Joni.

[markolas]

Atta Boy, Mark. Surrender to the greatness that is Joni.

Well, I've been a fan of hers for about 10 years now...just never really heard much of her '80s stuff because everyone always talks about how horrible it is. But I think Wild Things Run Fast is great...she's got kind of a blue-eyed soul thing going on on a few of the songs.

Dog Eat Dog took me a few listens to get into, but I like it. Not on the level of Blue or Hejira, certainly, but I love her vitriolic attacks on Regan-era warhawk conservatism. The only song where I think she gets a little carried away is "The Three Great Stimulants."

[xdreamsunwindx]

I just dont think any list should be without Joni Mitchell and Johnette Napolitano...both amazing women...artists in the TRUE sense of the word...poets beyond belief...wiser than their combined age...

My idea of heaven would be a lengthy dinner with both of these ladies...with dessert being Stevie popping in for 20 minutes...:xoxo:

Happy New Year!

rbs

I love Johnette. I can't believe I forgot her on my list. Joni.. eh. I tried to like her, I just couldn't. Not much of a female folk singer fan.

I can't believe I forgot Exene Cervenka and Darlene Love. I fail. -_-

[Lee]

Well, Stevie is #1 & the Wilson sisters are #2. Then after that, in no particular order:

Deborah Harry
Christine McVie
Susanna Hoffs (Bangles)
Anita Baker
Sheryl Crow
Tina Turner
Kelly Clarkson
Joss Stone

Right now besides Stevie & Christine, I've been listening to Kelly a lot.

Looking through my music though, & I'd say that the males dominate. That is, I mostly have music sung by males.

Lee :)

[dissention]

Joni.. eh. I tried to like her, I just couldn't. Not much of a female folk singer fan.

Ooh, she's much more than a folk singer. Sparky turned me onto her a couple months back and she's really amazing if you give her a shot. I suggest the album Night Ride Home. That's the first one I heard and it's a gem. Don Juan's Reckless Daughter is one that I got recently and I think that one's my favorite so far; it's phenomenal.

I can't believe I forgot...Darlene Love. I fail. -_-

Have you heard "Carrie: The Musical"? Love kicks ass in that horrific production. You have not lived until you've heard it, Kate.

[markolas]

Ooh, she's much more than a folk singer. Sparky turned me onto her a couple months back and she's really amazing if you give her a shot. I suggest the album Night Ride Home. That's the first one I heard and it's a gem. Don Juan's Reckless Daughter is one that I got recently and I think that one's my favorite so far; it's phenomenal.

Umm, yeah...anyone who thinks she's a folk singer has obviously not listened to much of her stuff. :D

There are a couple of albums of hers that I heard a few years ago and didn't care for, but that I'm going to give a second listen. Don Juan is one of them.

Generally, I like her albums from Court & Spark on. On the earlier stuff, she was singing too high for my taste. Blue is an exception.

[xdreamsunwindx]

Ooh, she's much more than a folk singer. Sparky turned me onto her a couple months back and she's really amazing if you give her a shot. I suggest the album Night Ride Home. That's the first one I heard and it's a gem. Don Juan's Reckless Daughter is one that I got recently and I think that one's my favorite so far; it's phenomenal.



Have you heard "Carrie: The Musical"? Love kicks ass in that horrific production. You have not lived until you've heard it, Kate.

Yeah. Joni just annoys me, though. When I get my highspeed back, I can download something.

Ooh, I haven't heard that. I need to. I <3 Darlene. I really want to hear that. She can outsing almost anyone. She's amazing.

[dissention]

Ooh, I haven't heard that. I need to. I <3 Darlene. I really want to hear that. She can outsing almost anyone. She's amazing.

Oh, man, it's priceless. Darlene plays the gym teacher. Her first song, "In," is basically her singing to the students at the top of her lungs in the gym locker room about how they have to keep their bodies thin. It's so eighties and so horrendous that it's shocking how anyone ever greenlighted it. 30 year olds playing teenagers, singing about periods & killing pigs & how "Eve was weak."

[dissention]

There are a couple of albums of hers that I heard a few years ago and didn't care for, but that I'm going to give a second listen. Don Juan is one of them.


I love Don Juan. The overture is absolutely stunning, as is "Paprika Plains." It's really an album to behold.

[catinthedark]

7. Bonnie Tyler (yes, I'm a dork)


It's a Heartache is one of the very first songs I ever remember loving. I was about 8 or 9, I think, when it came out. I had no concept of anything besides hearing a song on the radio. But I know it stayed with me for years - and it was years before I ever heard it again. I recently bought it off puretracks - and I love it still. Brings me right back to being a kid.

Speaking of it, has anyone ever been reminded of this song by If You Ever Did Believe? Think about the line...

"have you forgotten... meeee...eeeee?" Sing the "meee" part to yourself... See what I mean?

[Travis]

Some of her stuff is ultra-cheesy (namely her Germany-only releases from the early '90s, and her "It's A Heartache"-era country-lite), but that voice... that voice is just out of this world. And I don't care what anyone says... no one's voice, not even MeatLoaf's, can convey the Sturm und Drang of Steinman's mini-epics the way Bonnie's can.

Hey JS!

I always liked "Holding Out For A Hero." :)

[cliffdweller]

Generally, I like her albums from Court & Spark on. On the earlier stuff, she was singing too high for my taste. Blue is an exception.

IMHO, Court and Spark is her masterpiece ;)

[amber]

It's a Heartache is one of the very first songs I ever remember loving. I was about 8 or 9, I think, when it came out. I had no concept of anything besides hearing a song on the radio. But I know it stayed with me for years - and it was years before I ever heard it again. I recently bought it off puretracks - and I love it still. Brings me right back to being a kid.

Me, too! Only I think I was 3. So then, when I got my first tape player, when I was 8, my mom told someone I liked her, and they got me Faster Than The Speed of Night for Xmas.:rolleyes: At the time I didn't know what it was or anything, I wanted something else. But I got used to it and still like it.

[David]

Hey JS!

I always liked "Holding Out For A Hero." :)Figures! :lol: :lol:

[David]

Me, too! Only I think I was 3. So then, when I got my first tape player, when I was 8, my mom told someone I liked her, and they got me Faster Than The Speed of Night for Xmas.:rolleyes: At the time I didn't know what it was or anything, I wanted something else. But I got used to it and still like it.As I recall, "It's a Heartache" was a favorite of the critics that year. However Bonnie Tyler's later recordings of the Jim Steinman dreck didn't please them.

[DavidMn]

Hmm this is interesting for me. But I'll give it a shot

Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie
Carly Simon
Carole King
Harriet Wheeler, lead singer of the group The Sundays
Nicolette Larson
Debbie Harry
Sarah McLachlan
Linda Ronstadt
Judy Collins

[JazmenFlowers]

Hey JS!

I always liked "Holding Out For A Hero." :)
My favorite has always been her remake of Making Love Out Of Nothing At All

[amber]

As I recall, "It's a Heartache" was a favorite of the critics that year. However Bonnie Tyler's later recordings of the Jim Steinman dreck didn't please them.
Well pbbblllbbttt to them!
I like Holding Out For a Hero a lot, too. I get really excited when it comes on my ishuffle. The drum interlude is awesome through headphones.
What can I say? Cheesy and overdramatic with a huge throaty vocal gets me every time...:laugh:

[catinthedark]

^^ And, uh, hello?? Total Eclipse of the Heart??

The BEST!!

Total cheese - totally over the top. In a word - perfect. :)

[amber]

/\

Oh, I know - but actually I like a few other songs on the album better than that one. I like that one a lot now, but when it first came out, not so much. I thought it was too slow, and I heard it quite a bit, probably too much. I thought it was schmaltzy, 'cause I was tough and hard when i was eight..love was not cool. Kickball was. :cool: :p

[Dark Angel]

These change with my mood, and I couldn't narrow to ten.

Madonna
Cyndi Lauper
Pat Benatar
Annie Lennox
Terri Nunn
Loreena McKennitt
Tori Amos
Debbie Harry
Christine McVie
Stevie Nicks
Ann Wilson
Kate Bush
Sarah McLachlan
Sheryl Crow
Lita Ford
Reba McEntire
Tanya Tucker