Lovely Western music

Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands—from Legendary Groups to Promising Newcomers

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

The idea that rock is for men feels like a thing of the distant past, with energetic all-girl bands thriving today.

This time, we’re casting a wide net across genres—rock, pop, metal, punk, and more—to spotlight Western girl bands admired by band-loving women.

From legendary groups from the days when all-female bands were still rare to the hottest up-and-coming acts, we’ve carefully selected the best to introduce to you.

You’re sure to find your new favorite girl band.

Be sure to check them out!

Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands: From Legendary Groups to Promising Young Acts (71–80)

Charity BallFANNY

FANNY “Charity Ball” 1971

Charity BallFANNY

FANNY was a legendary band that thrived in the early 1970s.

It’s no exaggeration to say they paved the way for the girl bands that followed.

They released five albums and then disbanded.

Since then, Fanny has rarely been talked about, but shouldn’t the sound so highly praised by David Bowie be reappraised?

Raise the rankinglower

EmmylouFirst Aid Kit

First Aid Kit – Emmylou (Official Video)

EmmylouFirst Aid Kit

First Aid Kit is a Swedish folk duo formed in southern Stockholm by the sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg.

This song is an homage to the sisters’ favorite country rock songwriters.

The music video was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Raise the rankinglower

Joe CoolGirl Monstar

Girl Monstar- Joe Cool Live In Studio

Joe CoolGirl Monstar

A girl monster that debuted in 1992, they’re a four-piece band from Australia.

They even released an album in the U.

S.

, but got written off as “the Australian Bangles,” which did them no favors at all.

This track does have a Bangles-like vibe, but it also has that dry, distinctly Australian sound—it’s pretty good, isn’t it?

Raise the rankinglower

MAN SIZE LOVEKlymaxx

KLYMAXX MAN SIZE LOVE.mp4

MAN SIZE LOVEKlymaxx

Klymaxx was the first all-female funk group to play their own instruments.

This synth-heavy song was used in the 1986 film Running Scared, starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.

It was written by Rod Temperton, known for much of Michael Jackson’s work.

Raise the rankinglower

If I FellMonalisa Twins

If I Fell – MonaLisa Twins (The Beatles Cover)

If I FellMonalisa Twins

A band formed by twin sisters from Austria.

They have a wide repertoire of cover songs, and their Beatles covers in particular cleanse the soul with the duo’s rich harmonies.

This song is a cover from the Beatles’ third album, “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Raise the rankinglower

I Can’t BreathePussy Riot

Pussy Riot – I Can’t Breathe (Official Music Video)

I Can't BreathePussy Riot

A protest song dedicated to Eric Garner, an African American.

He died in New York in July 2014 due to a chokehold used by a police officer during his arrest.

Unlike other Pussy Riot songs, this one is arranged without the aggressive punk vocals.

Raise the rankinglower

ElephantsWarpaint

Warpaint – Elephants (Official Music Video)

ElephantsWarpaint

They are a band that has consistently pursued experimental sounds completely removed from the commercial scene, captivating music fans with a singular identity among girl bands since the late 2000s.

Based in Los Angeles, they also drew attention early on when John Frusciante—renowned guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers—lavished them with praise.

Their musical style is often described as art rock, characterized by a sound world unconstrained by the orthodox rock band format.

At the same time, within their unique sound—psychedelic, dreamy, and at times complex—listen for the shimmering, fantastical, and beautiful melodies that emerge.

Raise the rankinglower