Women of Music: Great Albums You May Have Missed by Female Artists

In an industry historically dominated by male artists, women have consistently pushed the boundaries of music, creating powerful works that are both innovative and deeply resonant. Female artists across genres bring unique perspectives, talents, and sounds to the table, often blending powerful storytelling with a refreshing range of musical styles. While some of their works have gone on to achieve great success, others remain criminally underappreciated, sometimes overshadowed by mainstream releases. In this article, we’re uncovering great albums you may have missed by female artists who have created enduring pieces of art, delivering messages of empowerment, vulnerability, and resilience.

1. “A Seat at the Table” by Solange (2016)

Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul

Standout Tracks: “Cranes in the Sky,” “Mad,” “Don’t Touch My Hair”

Solange’s A Seat at the Table is a bold, introspective album that dives into issues of race, identity, and self-empowerment. While the album received critical acclaim, it never quite gained mainstream attention. This masterpiece combines lush production with contemplative lyrics, making it an essential listen for anyone exploring themes of empowerment and heritage.

2. “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” by Fiona Apple (2020)

Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

Standout Tracks: “Shameika,” “I Want You to Love Me,” “Under the Table”

Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters is a bold, experimental album that deals with themes of liberation and introspection. The album, which Apple recorded in her home, is raw and powerful, with tracks that challenge conventional song structures. This album is perfect for anyone looking for music that’s as honest as it is innovative.

3. “CTRL” by SZA (2017)

Genre: R&B / Alternative R&B

Standout Tracks: “Love Galore,” “The Weekend,” “Broken Clocks”

SZA’s CTRL explores themes of love, self-worth, and vulnerability, all set to a backdrop of smooth R&B sounds. While it was popular with R&B fans, it still deserves greater attention for its introspective lyrics and unique sound. SZA’s blend of hip-hop influences and soulful vocals makes CTRL a great album you may have missed if you’re a fan of raw, introspective music.

4. “The ArchAndroid” by Janelle Monáe (2010)

Genre: Funk / R&B / Pop

Standout Tracks: “Tightrope,” “Cold War,” “BaBopByeYa”

Janelle Monáe’s debut album, The ArchAndroid, is a genre-defying journey through funk, pop, and R&B. The album combines Afrofuturistic themes with powerful lyrics about identity and resistance, making it an ambitious, cinematic work that showcases Monáe’s versatility. It’s an album that challenges conventions and invites listeners into a uniquely imaginative world.

5. “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers (2020)

Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

Standout Tracks: “Garden Song,” “Kyoto,” “I Know the End”

Phoebe Bridgers brings an introspective and hauntingly beautiful touch to indie rock in Punisher. Her poetic lyrics and ethereal voice create an atmosphere that feels deeply personal, making this a great album you may have missed if you’re drawn to music that explores human fragility and resilience. Bridgers’ work has resonated with fans of indie, but it deserves a broader audience for its emotional depth and subtle power.

6. “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves (2018)

Genre: Country / Pop

Standout Tracks: “Slow Burn,” “Space Cowboy,” “Butterflies”

Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour introduced a fresh sound to country music, blending pop influences with heartfelt lyrics about love, loss, and self-reflection. Though it achieved critical acclaim, it’s still a lesser-known gem for those outside of the country genre. Golden Hour shows how country music can evolve and still connect deeply with listeners.

7. “Art Angels” by Grimes (2015)

Genre: Electro-Pop

Standout Tracks: “Flesh without Blood,” “Kill V. Maim,” “California”

Grimes’ Art Angels is a bold, vibrant electro-pop album that combines catchy beats with provocative themes. This album stands out for its futuristic production and fearless approach to pop music. With its genre-blending sounds, Art Angels remains a great album you may have missed, perfect for anyone seeking music that defies categorization.

8. “Dirty Computer” by Janelle Monáe (2018)

Genre: Pop / Funk / R&B

Standout Tracks: “Make Me Feel,” “Django Jane,” “PYNK”

With Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe delivered an unapologetic celebration of identity, freedom, and love. Known for her Afrofuturist themes, Monáe addresses topics of race, sexuality, and self-expression in a way that’s both powerful and infectious. This album is an exploration of personal and political liberation, making it essential for listeners looking for depth in pop music.

9. “Lost & Found” by Jorja Smith (2018)

Genre: R&B / Soul

Standout Tracks: “Blue Lights,” “Where Did I Go?,” “On Your Own”

British singer Jorja Smith’s debut album, Lost & Found, combines soulful vocals with a smooth R&B sound, tackling themes of love, identity, and personal growth. While the album received some attention in the UK, it’s a hidden gem internationally. Smith’s rich voice and poignant lyrics make this album a great album you may have missed if you enjoy introspective, soulful music.

10. “Masseduction” by St. Vincent (2017)

Genre: Art Rock / Pop

Standout Tracks: “Los Ageless,” “Pills,” “New York”

St. Vincent’s Masseduction is a bold exploration of power, sexuality, and vulnerability. Known for her experimental sound and edgy lyrics, St. Vincent delivers an album that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive. This work challenges traditional rock and pop frameworks, making it a unique album worth discovering.

Conclusion

Female artists have brought extraordinary depth, creativity, and authenticity to music, and the albums highlighted here are just a small selection of their groundbreaking work. These great albums you may have missed by female musicians showcase not only their technical skill but also their ability to convey powerful emotions and complex themes. Whether they are exploring identity, relationships, or societal issues, these women have created music that resonates on both personal and universal levels.