In honor of Women’ s History Month, The Roundup is highlighting some female-led favorites. 

“Lemonade” by Beyoncé

There’s no doubt that Beyoncé’s influence on the music industry has been truly inspirational for millions of women around the world. Holding the second most Grammy awards of all time, Beyoncé is a writer of history. She released The ultimate cheating album and film “Lemonade” in 2016, earning the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album in 2017. This album has a core focus on the trials and tribulations of marriage and true love, however there are also many references to the history of brutality faced by Black people in the United States. The film is over an hour long, including all of her music from the album, dynamic settings, and poetry from Beyoncé herself. Artists The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and James Blake are all featured on this iconic and impactful album. “Lemonade” was different from any other music Beyoncé had released in the past, being emotionally raw and brutally truthful, while remaining extremely successful, earning a 100 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes. “Lemonade” is a historical album created by a woman who has already gone down in history.

“Little Women” film adaptation by Greta Gerwig

Originally published in 1868 and 1869, the novel “Little Women” follows the four March sisters and their mother as they age. In 2019, Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of the classic story hit the big screen with stars Emma Watson, Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, and Timothée Chalamet. This story is a staple for the days of early feminism, highlighting the struggles ambitious women faced during the 19th century. The movie is based around flashbacks of the now grown-women’s childhood, an interesting and engaging way to keep viewers on their toes. 

“Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse’s debut album “Frank” came out in 2003, and listeners were instantly captivated by her unique British voice and jazz-pop sound. Three years later, the artist put out “Back To Black” and it was nothing short of an instant success. Her hit “Rehab” played on radios across the U.S., making her a household name in the span of a few months. In 2008, Winehouse won five out of six of the Grammy Awards she was nominated for, being designated an up and coming artist with a bright future ahead of her. Unfortunately, Winehouse died from a drug overdose at the young age of 27 after a long battle with addiction, abusive relationships, and eating disorders. “Back To Black” is an emotional yet upbeat album that is a necessity to listen to this Women’s History Month.