Pop Rocks: Independent Women

Readers, I apologize for the whining that took place yesterday. Remind me not to let myself get that hungry. Low blood sugar is nobody’s friend. Moving on.

Today, I’d like to discuss the recent mini-trend of songs in praise of independent women. Usually, when someone writes a song about being a strong woman, said song is being sung by lesbian…or Beyonce. I’ve got nothing against lesbians or Beyonce, but what about the guys? Are they all just looking for unchallenging blow-up dolls? Silicone trophy wives? Dick cozies? Is there a market for someone with a job, a brain, and a life of her own? Actually, yes.

101 The Beat Jamz is slowly becoming my new radio station of choice for when I don’t feel like digging my iPod out of my purse just to run to the store. I just can’t take regular pop radio anymore. Yeah, you get Katy Perry (I’m neutral to her music, but interviews suggest that she and I would get along really well) but you also have to sit through the odd Buckcherry power ballad. In the interest of not taking a machete to my car stereo, I decide to listen to Beyonce and Lil Wayne.

At any rate, Lil Webbie and Ne-Yo have both come up with strangely similar songs in praise of independent women. I appreciate them for this, and it makes me happy that somebody somewhere is avoiding the “I’m In Love With A Stripper” song template.

Exhibit A: Lil’ Webbie + Lil Boosie – “Independent” (I apologize in advance for the 15 seconds of annoying Dance Dance Revolution music in front of this, but the youTube pickin’s were a little slim.)

Exhibit B: Ne-Yo – “Miss Independent”

Oldie but goodie: Kelly Clarkson – “Miss Independent” Charming ditty about the feeling one gets when one knows one is totally screwed (aka in love). Did you see the article where Clarkson was talking about dudes being afraid to date her because she might write a mean song about them? Excellent.