She Has the Music Within Her: Our Soundtrack for Women's History Month 2025! - Atwood Magazine

      In honor of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine recognizes the daring, talented, and trailblazing women in music—from legendary figures to emerging talents—whose artistry has influenced history, shaped generations, and continues to motivate us with uplifting songs.

      Playlist: Honoring Black Art & Artistic Talent

      Celebrating Women’s Art & Artistic Expression

      Presenting our 2025 Black History Month Soundtrack!

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      Alanis Morissette

      “You Oughta Know,” the lead single from Morissette’s 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, reflects raw anger towards a lover who betrayed her. It's often challenging for women to express anger without being seen as overly dramatic or difficult, but Morissette permits both herself and her audience to genuinely embrace their anger—encouraging emotional expression without shame. By releasing “You Oughta Know,” she successfully encapsulated and shared a form of catharsis. – Audrey Connelly

      Amanda Bergman

      Since I first hit ‘play’ last June, Amanda Bergman’s second album has become a reliable companion in my daily routine. It’s a comforting and soul-stirring lullaby; an enchanting collection of gentle melodies that envelop the listener and warm the heart. Calm yet cathartic, Your Hands Forever Checking on My Fever is a stunningly beautiful testament to the human spirit. It’s both tender and dramatic—an irresistibly catchy, all-consuming mix of radiant daydreams, personal introspection, and candid reflections on life and mortality, revealing what it means to truly thrive.

      Bergman is not new to music—she debuted with Docks in 2016—but Your Hands marked her long-awaited return to the limelight as a Swedish singer/songwriter. Bergman perceives music as “the answer to life,” and this album embodies that philosophy. From the alluring opening track “Wild Geese, Wild Love” to the poignant ache in “I Love Him Til I Love Him Right,” and from the exhilarating “Day 2000 Awake” to the ethereal “My Hands in the Water,” Bergman explores life’s essence—both in the world around her and within her own existence—through songs filled with light, love, and a profound sense of wonder. Like a waking dream or fulfilled fantasy, Your Hands Forever Checking on My Fever feels surreal yet cozy, a musical embrace for our nightly journeys. – Mitch Mosk

      Angie McMahon

      Angie McMahon’s music is a gentle revelation—a personal dialogue between artist and audience, infused with unfiltered emotion and sincere lyricism. From her early singles like “Keeping Time,” “Slow Mover,” and “Missing Me,” to her more recent emotionally charged masterpieces, McMahon has consistently been a powerful force of nature, drawing out the best in us by revealing our vulnerabilities. Her music will always soundtrack the gentle chaos of our restless spirits. – Mitch Mosk

      Avril Lavigne

      I’m about to see her perform for the fourth time in just a few months at Boston Calling, making it a great moment to celebrate Avril Lavigne! Let Go, one of the first CDs I listened to as a child, continues to resonate with me after two decades. A special nod goes to “Complicated,” one of the first pop songs I heard on the radio in my youth, but Avril (name translated to French as April Grapevine) has had numerous other hits in the 23 years since that deserve acknowledgment too. Excited for your upcoming set at BC in May, Avril! – Josh Weiner

      Bonnie Raitt

      Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a true classic! The gentle melodies offer comfort amidst harsh lyrics that gradually release the pain of letting go. You can't help but feel the weight of the words “I’ll close my eyes, then I won’t see, the love you don’t feel when you’re holdin’ me. Mornin’ will come, and I’ll do what’s right. Just give me till then to give up this fight.” – Aileen Goos

      Carole King

      “Beautiful” by Carole King stands as an anthem for women of all ages, celebrating self-empowerment and the discovery of inner beauty. King’s discography is filled with timeless hits that continue to be celebrated. She employs her positive outlook and impressive achievements to uplift women everywhere. – Miranda Urbanczyk

      Celine Dion

      I’ve been fortunate to take several road trips to Quebec over the years, contributing to an unforgettable experience, especially during my winter trips. Listening to local artists sing or rap in Canadian French always sets a perfect mood. Among all the Quebec artists featured on “CKOI,” I always leave space for the most renowned of them all: Celine Dion, from the Montreal suburbs. Her French-language hits, including “On ne change pas,” “Je ne vous oublie pas,” and “Je lui dir