Posted in: Rock by RJ Chamberlain on September 25, 2008 | 31 Comments
In modern rock music it’s often the female artists who provide that unique sound and style of which has never been heard before. Some fantastic songstresses have graced the musical airwaves over the decades and it’s only fitting that they be given the credit they so often deserve but never receive.
So what defines the term “rock chick” or “rock diva”? These women have a certain nouse that fits their often outrageous yet stunning looks and personality, not to mention a fantastic, unique singing voice that they have evolved into the metal rock genre. Often these ladies are the leaders of some wildly extrovert and alternative bands who end up sulking in the shadow of their iconic lead singer.
For your listening and viewing pleasure come “arguably” the greatest modern rock divas of all time.
This gothic beauty shot to fame with her band Evanescence in 2003 with the release of their debut album Fallen and top 40 single “Bring Me to Life” which featured on the blockbuster movie Daredevil featuring Ben Affleck. Amy Lee’s hauntingly powerful voice and emotionally charged lyrics leave the listener emotionally charged themselves and looking for a shoulder to cry on.
Before launching her hugely successful solo career as a pop diva in 2004, Gwen Stefani used her intriguingly unique voice and insatiable good looks to smash out some wonderful hits with her band No Doubt including the single “Just a Girl” off their 1995 album Tragic Kingdom.
Often mistaken for the band’s name, Deborah Harry was the queen of the rock airwaves during the 70’s and it was with Blondie’s third album Parallel Lines that they reached cult stardom. The single “Heart of Glass” managed number one in both the UK and USA and Deborah Harry was propelled above her male counterparts to stardom creating a rift in the group to the point where Blondie split in 1982.
Still cranking out their massive array of rock tunes today, Fleetwood Mac were often over shadowed by their blonde bombshell Stevie Nicks and the love quadrangle she seemed to be responsible for within the band. Their greatest album, Rumours, produced legendry rock anthems like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” and still grace radio airwaves today.
‘Bad Reputation’ was not so much an attribute of Joan Jett but one of her smash hit rock ballads alongside her band The Blackhearts during the 1980’s. Her leather clad look and the awesome power ballad “I Love Rock n Roll” ensured her place in rock history.
In the running for the most fantastic and recognisable women’s rock voices of all time, this Irish beauty lead the Limerick formed The Cranberries for over a decade with huge hits including “Zombie” and When Your Gone’. Inspiration for the bands songs largely came from the tensions surrounding Northern Ireland and Dolores sure new how to exploit it both in lyrics and melody.
Who? The largely unknown underground band Damone has not quite reached Hall of Fame status but their front woman sure can sing. After a scratchy teen styled debut album in 2003, their second album Out Here All Night managed a couple of songs on some well known console games including Project Gotham Racing 2.
Bursting onto the emo rock scene in 2007 with the hit single Crush Crush Crush off the album Riot!, Paramore are headed for great heights thanks in part to the astonishingly gritty voice of vocalist Hayley Williams. She oozes enthusiasm and is being compared to Garbage’s front woman Shirley Manson.
Okay, so these days she’s not exactly in every mans desirable category but Kurt Cobain’s ex Courtney Love sure pulled of some memorable tunes with her 90’s punk inspired band Hole, including the songs “Celebrity Skin” and “Malibu”. Hole were nominated for a number of Grammy’s from their album Celebrity Skin in 1999.
The grungy Scottish mistress leading 90’s pop/rock band Garbage packed some wonderful songs into their first two albums Garbage and Version 2.0. Shirley Manson’s airy style gave Garbage a relaxing sound with a hint of power about each of them. The 42 year old recently landed the role of Catherine Weaver in the new television series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Unofre Pili September 25th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I like a songstress who is also sexy and beautiful. I like this article.
Tommy Fassbender September 25th, 2008 at 9:02 am
These women are all great, well except for Courtney Love who doesn’t quite stack up in the looking-like-a-pretty-human category.
joshua utley September 25th, 2008 at 11:00 am
i agree with you on this except courtney love and gwen stafni. great piece though.
RJ Chamberlain September 25th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Yeh Courtney Love? Um think I only put her in there because of the fact that she is Kurt Cobains ex. She doesn’t really cut it in the looks or talent department.
Juancav September 25th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Thank you for intoduce me these beauty.Great article.
R J Evans September 25th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Ah,,, Ms Harry! I had a poster of you on my wall when I was 14. The unspeakable imaginings of a teenage mind come rushing back over the years! I would just lie back , gaze adoringly in to your eyes and…. ooh! Sorry, almost forgot myself for a moment!
))
RJ Evans September 25th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Oh yeah… forgot.. cool article (aah! Debbeeeee! I have come over all Festerish!)
Ruby Hawk September 25th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Beautiful ladies and I’m sure they deserve all the credit. An interesting piece.
leafygreens08 September 25th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Cool stuff!
eddiego65 September 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Great list of great female rockers.
Glynis Smy September 25th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Debbie Harry was going to marry my husband but I came along and got there first!!
Great work, not heard of a couple but I enjoyed reading about them.
Verniel Cutar September 26th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Shirley Manson…the ‘pretty vampire’..she’s my ultimate teenage crush!!
…when I grow up, I’ll be stable; when I grow up I’ll turn the tables..tatarata-tatarata… – lyrics from “When I Grow Up”, by Garbage
Verniel Cutar September 26th, 2008 at 1:12 am
I think Courtney Love perfectly fits into this category. She’s a rockstar in her own right even without Mr. Cobain.
The weakest link here is Hayley Williams. Although she’s one of the hottest female rockstars lately, she hasn’t reached legendary status yet, compared to the others listed here.
Good work on this article!
RJ Chamberlain September 26th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Thanks a lot everyone for your awesome comments on this one. Thought it might pull a few heart strings! haha
Chris Stonecipher September 26th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
WoW! You brought me down memory road with Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and Deborah Harry (Blondie). My oldest brother had a crush on the lead singer from Heart.
Awesome work!
Chris
tracy sardelli October 1st, 2008 at 6:03 am
wonderful article, thank you.
Allison Jae October 3rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
These are some of my favorite rockers, and a few a didn’t recognize. I’ll be sure to check them out. Great article.
Jackie Stroud-Painter October 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
You pointed out some great artist but you should check out Joey DeGraw. He is older brother to Gavin DeGraw.
Routledge October 13th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Jackie I think it was Females XD
I
Wizard of Odd October 21st, 2008 at 10:08 am
This list could have been much, much better. You included women that are far from being true rockers and have excluded some of the best female singers in rock and metal, such as Doro Pesch, Tarja Turunen, Anette Olzon, Simone Simons, Floor Jansen, Liv Kristin, etc…
1369ic October 21st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
You can hardly call this a success when you missed Pat Benatar. Pat Benatar was more successfull and better looking than several of the women you have on this list, and is no further back in time than Debbie Harry. Plus, where’s Carly Simon? Not a rocker? And Wendo O. Come on!
mac October 22nd, 2008 at 1:49 am
Can’t talk about divas without mentioning Grace Jones or Bette Midler…
Steve W. October 22nd, 2008 at 2:50 am
Nice list, but isn’t complete:
Anne and Nancy Wilson (Heart) are a double dose.
Lita Ford…come on, hot and can really rock that axe
still, good list
Ajax October 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Liz Phair anyone?
RJ Chamberlain October 22nd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Thanks for all the comments people. Yes this list could have included many more women of rock but for obvious reasons it couldn’t be done. Thanks for listing the others that you think should be on the list. Check out my latest article on Blink 182 if you are interested.
http://www.musicouch.com/Genres/Rock/Blink-182-Punk-to-Pop-Rise-and-Fall.308887
Jlawless October 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Where is Doro Pesch?
Matt October 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Christina Amphlett of the Divinyls – no one comes even close to her.
ger October 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Pat Benatar, I think should be there.
Tucson Bass Player October 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Come now, I am a big time Jazz Rock freak and even I can say the list is incomplete without Madonna. And she is still pounding it!
http://tucsonbassplayer.blogspot.com
Volleyballref October 26th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Agree with Anne and Nancy Wilson, I would also add carol decker (tpau)
mark July 19th, 2009 at 8:51 am
amy lee is on the legend list..perfect