Popular Western Girls’ Band Songs Ranking [2025]

typical girlsThe Slits22rank/position

THE SLITS typical girls 1979

“Typical Girls” is their debut single, notable for its punk-meets-dub sound.

Released in 1979.

The strong dub influence comes from having dub master Dennis Bovell as producer.

A sound like this performed by an all-female lineup was quite innovative for the time.

Fairytale in the SupermarketThe Raincoats23rank/position

The Raincoats – Fairytale In The Supermarket

This is the landmark debut single by The Raincoats, a post-punk band formed in London.

They’re known for having been passionately championed by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, and some of you may recall the track being used in the film “20th Century Women.” The deliberately rough, precarious playing and the violin’s distinctive, floating timbre leave a strong impression.

Set in a supermarket—the symbol of the everyday—the song declares, “No one teaches you how to live.” The earnest feeling of groping through a life with no set path comes through clearly, carried straight to the heart by the raw, unpolished sound.

Pinball PartyThe 5.6.7.8’s24rank/position

The 5.6.7.8’s – Pinball Party

Pinball Party by The 5.

6.

7.

8’s, with its quintessential rock ’n’ roll riff, makes you want to twist.

The rock that this three-piece dishes out is simple, unadorned, and hits straight.

It’s like how you can feel comfortable even in the silences when you’re with your best friend.

This song evokes a feeling much like that.

Film MusicElectrelane25rank/position

Electrelane – Film Music

Electrelane is a British post-rock band with a strong experimental edge.

They are primarily an instrumental band with a unique worldview.

They debuted in 2000 with this single, and despite their distinctive musical style, they have continued to receive high acclaim and have become a popular band.

DramaL726rank/position

L7 – Drama

L7 is a rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985.

Their sound, reminiscent of the grunge movement from the late 1980s to the 1990s, is said to have influenced many “riot grrrl” bands of the ’90s.

This track was released in 1997.

Take It All AwayGirlschool27rank/position

Girlschool – Take It All Away (Original version)

Even their band name seems to boldly declare, “We’re a women’s rock band,” and that’s incredibly cool! Formed in the UK in 1978, Girlschool rose to prominence within the music movement known as the NWOBHM that erupted in the 1980s.

They endured lineup changes and even a breakup, yet they’re still active in the 2020s—making them, from their 1992 reunion onward, a band with over 30 years of continued activity and reputedly the longest-running all-female band in rock history.

They were influenced not only by hard rock and heavy metal but also by the punk rock of the same era, and you can fully sense their musical identity as early as their 1979 debut track “Take It All Away,” with its catchy melodies and loud, rock ’n’ roll guitars that are just irresistibly cool.

It’s no empty boast that Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister—said to have discovered Girlschool—heard “Take It All Away” and scouted them; it’s a stellar debut single packed with the band’s potential.

Harder Than the First TimeBarlowGirl28rank/position

Harder Than the First Time

“Harder Than the First Time” is BarlowGirl’s striking debut track, notable for the soothing harmonies of the Barlow sisters—Alyssa, Rebecca, and Lauren.

Hailing from Illinois, this Christian rock band is known for positive lyrics that reflect their walk with God and clear melodies, delivering uplifting messages through their music.

A balanced beat blends with energetic vocals to create a stirring song.

Combining the warm nostalgia of the 2000s with a contemporary touch, “Harder Than the First Time” still feels fresh today.

Its appeal will resonate just as strongly with listeners who remember that era as with those discovering the song for the first time.