Popular Western Girls’ Band Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

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.

Dust Cake BoyBabes In Toyland29rank/position

Dust Cake Boy

Babes in Toyland are a representative girls’ band that debuted in the late 1980s to early 1990s alongside groups like L7, Lunachicks, and Hole, and they’re often discussed within the so-called riot grrrl context.

Armed with an ultra-aggressive sound built on the straightforward ensemble of a trio, their vocalist/guitarist Kat Bjelland—who wore babydoll dresses on stage and had a doll-like appearance—delivered a ferocious style of raging screams.

Although they never achieved major commercial success, they had a significant impact on the bands that followed.

Their 1989 debut track “Dust Cake Boy” showcases a raw grunge-to-alternative rock sound that feels powered purely by their early impulses.

Kat’s aggressive vocals convey a sense of desperate urgency, and if you like this direction, I highly recommend checking out their debut album Spanking Machine, which includes the track.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Riding With A Movie StarL730rank/position

L7 – Riding With A Movie Star

Characterized by a dark, undulating sound.

The overall image is noisy and heavy, and in terms of evaluation, they are regarded as the pinnacle of female grunge bands.

They were active from 1985 to 2000.

Musically, their gloomy sound features simple chord progressions strummed with heavy, noisy guitars.