11 Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself | Playlist 🎧

1. Demi Lovato, “I Love Me”

 “I Love Me” – Single • Island • 2020

On “I Love Me”, Grammy-nominated pop artist Demi Lovato moves towards a much better place, committed to loving herself. “I Love Me” is a strong pop single that features sleek, energetic production work, courtesy of Oak, Keith Sorrells, and Alex Nice. Stylistically, “I Love Me” encompasses elements of both electronic music and R&B, while being idiomatic of pop. Lovato, who has the pipes to pull off any style, has been quite accomplished in the urban-pop lane. The vocals are the biggest selling point, with Lovato mixing playful, feisty, profane moments with moments where she shoots straight bullets with her piercing, upper register ad-libs.

The biggest takeaway, as aforementioned, is about empowerment – embracing self-love. “‘Cause I’m a black belt when I’m beating up on myself / But I’m an expert at giving love to somebody else,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I, me, myself, and I don’t see eye to eye / Me, myself and I.”  That’s such a potent, incredibly relatable point.  On the chorus, she expounds further, as she works beyond being “my own worst critic” and towards “…When I love me is enough.” Ultimately, Lovato slays on “I Love Me,” keeping it 100, balancing a relatable message and an infectious pop gem.

2. Myylo, “Skinny Boys”

I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP) • Myylo • 2020

On “Skinny Boys” (I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP)), Nashville-based, LGBTQ pop singer/songwriter Myylo pens ‘a body positivity anthem for boys everywhere.’ “‘Skinny Boys’ is a body positivity anthem made for the boys who don’t have and don’t need to have Thor’s abs, Bat Man’s pecs, or Aquaman’s shoulders to love themselves.” This is encouragement and empowerment for boys lacking that perfect body.  So many times, we hear about body positivity from a feminine perspective, but with men it’s a gray area.

Throughout the verses, Myylo depicts the feelings of inferiority that many men have regarding their bodies, but don’t readily admit.  He allows himself to be vulnerable, something that’s relatable to any man who experiences the same issues.  The chorus is the crowning achievement, where the urban-pop sound really pops, with a sick trap beat, hella catchy lyrics, and stellar stacked harmonies:

“Give it up for the skinny boys
Give it up for the chunky boys
‘Cause we’re gonna have so much fun
Not give a fuck about anyone…
Never let ‘em steal your joy, joy, joy.”

What he’s saying is true – why should anybody “give a fuck about what anyone” thinks about their body? Not only is “Skinny Boys” a surefire bop, it’s surefire bop with superb, empowering, and atoning songwriting. “Skinny Boys” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in August 2019.

3. Meghan Trainor, “Workin’ On It”

Ft. Lennon Stella & Sasha Sloan

Treat Myself • Epic • 2020

At one time, Meghan Trainor appeared to be “On Top of the World” – Imagine Dragons.  However, her third studio album, Treat Myself (2020), was delayed more than a year (!), and debuted modestly on the Billboard 200 (a tepid no. 25). Ouch! Despite the adversity working against it, Treat Myself has its moments.  Perhaps the song at hand, “Workin’ On It,” isn’t the crowning achievement, but it fits the empowering, self-love parameters of this playlist if nothing else!

“Time to be good to me / I should give myself way more love.” True Meghan Trainor, true! Trainor is all about positivity, and, of course, she’s evolved on feminism after receiving flack for being sexist.  Focusing on her newfound perspective, Trainor ensures that there’s ample ‘girl power’ on “Workin’ On It,” enlisting Lennon Stella (“BITCH (takes one to know one)”) and Sasha Sloan in the fold. The keywords encompassed on “Workin’ On It” are empowerment, self-appreciation, and self-love.  “I’m tryin’, I’m tryin’, I’m tryin’ / To see what you see,” Trainor sings on the bridge, adding on the chorus, “I’ve been workin’ on it” – loving herself essentially.  As for Lennon Stella, she sings on the pre-chorus, “You say I’m beautiful / And I say you’re full of it / Nothin’ personal / I’m still not used to this.”  The empowerment is real!

4. Louis Tomlinson, “Walls”

Walls • Sony • 2020

Louis Tomlinson became the final member of One Direction to release his debut solo album, Walls in 2020.  Prior to the release of the album, Tomlinson released a fourth advance single, “Walls”. First and foremost, vocally, he sounds beautiful.  He exhibits great control, never overreaching or underwhelming in his performance.  With arguably the lightest voice out of 1D, on this particular pop/rock record, it translates respectably. Lyrically, “Walls” is quite thoughtfully penned, exploring life, adversity, relationships, and ultimately growing stronger because of adversity.

Tomlinson’s strength, and his love of self, shines through on the chorus, the crème de la crème of the record:

“But these high walls, they came up short
Now I stand taller than them all
These high walls never broke my soul
And I, I watched them all come fallin’ down
I watched them all come fallin’ down for you, for you.” 

“Walls” is a record that’s definitely worth listening to.  Perhaps it falls short of being the most engaging or enthralling record you’ve ever heard, but it has a thoughtful, inspirational, and uplifting message. Louis Tomlinson definitely empowers, and showcases self-love, considering he stature above the walls, and the fact that they never “broke his soul.”  “Walls” previously appeared on the playlist, 12 Intriguing Songs That Reference Walls.

5. Kesha, “My Own Dance”

High Road • Kemosabe • 2020

Grammy-nominated pop artist Kesha brought ample spirit, energy (and f-bombs as well) on her colorful fourth studio album, High Road. After showing more maturity and versatility on her 2017 album, Rainbow (particularly songs like “Learn to Let Go” and “Praying”), Kesha makes it clear on High Road she’s no boring artist just because she’s matured. She has a hell of a good time, with emphasis on ‘hell,’ particularly ‘raising it.’ Sure, she may take the High Road but she’s still U-N-A-P-O-L-O-G-E-T-I-C and definitely remains true to self.  That’s self-love, right?

The individuality and carefree nature of Kesha shines on the unapologetic number, “My Own Dance.” Notably, some of the quirky nature of the singer returns from the earlier days of her career, much more than it did on Rainbow.  On the first verse, she specifically references revisiting those old days: “Hungover as hell like 2012, fuck it.” ‘Fuck it’ is definitely the mindset, confirmed by the absurd, eyebrow-raising lyric from the chorus, “Hey, I don’t do that dance / Don’t circumcise my circumstance.” Wow.  That’s truly loving yourself… I guess…

6. Maren Morris, “Girl”

GIRL • Sony Music Entertainment • 2019 

“Man, this shit’s unflatterin’, all up in my head again / I don’t feel myself right now, maybe I should just lay down.” Ladies everywhere, prepare to be uplifted on “Girl”, a surefire highlight from Grammy-winner Maren Morris’ 2019 album, GIRL. While “Girl” is idiomatic of country, Morris definitely blurs the lines between country and pop. It doesn’t hurt that producer extraordinaire Greg Kurstin serves as co-producer alongside Morris.

She delivers solid, aggressive and confident vocals from the jump, including the feisty aforementioned lyric.  Throughout, there are plenty of clever lyrics, giving “Girl” its fair share of moments.  Fueling Morris’ fire is the key driving guitar accompaniment.  Speaking of vocals, the backing vocals are on-point during the pre-chorus section:

“What you feel is natural
But I don’t wanna feel this anymore
Pick yourself up off the kitchen floor
What you waitin’ for?”

A catchy chorus is the crowning achievement, uniting the entirety of the record. Notably, the vocal arrangement and production stand out during this particular section.

“Girl, won’t you stop your cryin’?
I know that you’re tryin’
Everything’s gonna be okay
Baby girl, don’t you hang your head low
Don’t you lose your halo
Everyone’s gonna be okay
Baby girl.” 

All in all, Morris delivers a sensational record with “Girl” –a superb anthem that that should speak to girls everywhere.  The positivity and uplifting vibes truly help to make “Girl” elite. “Girl” appeared on the year-end, year in review playlist, 51 Best Songs of 2019 (#40).

7. The Boxer Rebellion, “Love Yourself”

Ghost Alive • Absentee Recordings • 2018

UK alternative/indie band The Boxer Rebellion delivers a beautiful and thoughtful song, “Love Yourself”.  “Love Yourself,” which was released as a single in November 2017, appeared as the third track on the band’s 2018 album, Ghost Alive.  Notably, Ghost Alive commences with a colorful song in its own right, “What the Fuck”.  Unfortunately, that one doesn’t match the criteria for this self-loving music list.

Frontman Nathan Nicholson is the sole American member of The Boxer Rebellion, FYI.  He delivers a strong vocal performance, filled with emotion – tenderness and thoughtfulness. It’s pitch-perfect in regard to lyricism, not to mention the pitch itself.  Although “Love Yourself” initially hangs around a minor key, by the chorus, it reaches the relative major, looking towards happiness and self-fulfillment through loving yourself.  Sigh, imagine that!

“But I know, you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone
You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn
If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help
First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself.”

“Love Yourself” previously appeared on the brief playlist, 4 Songs to Make You ‘Love Yourself’, which is essentially expanded on Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself.

8. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Janelle Monáe characterizes herself throughout the course of the soulful “I Like That”, among many highlights from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. On the verses, she paints a picture of eclecticism and nonconformity.  On the second verse, she asserts, “Take a different type of girl to keep the whole world afloat.” There’s dualism about the particular lyric.  In one token, Monáe is revealing more about her sexuality to the world.  In another token, she simply seems to be asserting she’s a special, truly unique person who can’t be pigeonholed.

On the pre-chorus, she continues this characterization, while she snarls on the chorus.

“And I like that
I don’t really give a fuck if I was just the only one
Who likes that
I never like to follow, follow around, the chase is on.”

The confident, proud, self-loving record previously appeared on the playlist, Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE.

9. Mary J. Blige, “Love Yourself”

Ft. Kanye West

Strength of a Woman • Capitol • 2017 

“Thought they’d put my life on hold / But I knew somethin’ they didn’t know / I know myself too much to ever fold / Dark clouds are movin’ past you / Oh, you gotta love yourself, oh yeah.” On “Love Yourself”, the opener from the 2017 Mary J. Blige album, Strength of a Woman, there’s a sense of drama and heartfelt emotion from the start. Blige sets up the record, discussing love. After a slow, mysterious start, the hip-hop soul kicks in.  Hard, anchoring drums, a brilliant, looped trumpet sample, and Blige bestowing bountiful blessings with strong, emotional vocals, establish “Love Yourself” as the crème de la crème.

The most memorable moment of “Love Yourself” occurs during the chorus, where the emphasis is placed on self-love prior to loving someone else.

“Oh, you gotta love yourself
If you really wanna be with someone else
You gotta feed yourself
Before you feed somebody else.”

Kanye West guests on the second verse, providing a lift as he raps about his come-up. That’s a love of self as well, right? Ultimately, “Love Yourself” commences Strength of a Woman with a bang. “Love Yourself” previously appeared on the brief playlist, 4 Songs to Make You ‘Love Yourself’, which is essentially expanded on Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself.

10. Justin Bieber, “Love Yourself”

Purpose • Def Jam • 2015

“For all the times that you rained on my parade,” Justin Bieber sings on “Love Yourself,” adding, “You think you broke my heart, oh girl for goodness sake / You think I’m cryin’ on my own, well, I ain’t.” “Love Yourself” certainly marked a more mature vibe for Bieber on his 2015 album, Purpose.  “Love Yourself” deserves some credit for the singer/songwriter vibe, which at the time, was a different sound for the pop star.  Notably, it was nominated for two Grammy awards: Song of the Year and Pop Solo Performance.

“Love Yourself” was written by Bieber, Benjamin Levin (best known as Benny Blanco) and Ed Sheeran. Later, Bieber would collaborate with Sheeran on Sheeran’s No.6 Collaborations Project on the song, “I Don’t Care”.  That said, let’s stay focused on the ‘love yourself’ song at hand. “Love Yourself” features a simple but fitting backdrop, with Blanco handling the production duties.  Thematically, this “Love Yourself” is both empowering and yet from another angle, not-so empowering – choose your own perspective on the self-love.  On the one hand, Bieber knows he’s better off without this self-centered girl, hence, why he leaves her and encourages her to ‘love herself.’ “Cause if you like the way you look so much / Oh baby you should go love yourself,” he asserts on the chorus, continuing, “And if you think that I’m still holdin’ on to somethin’ / You should go and love yourself.” “Love Yourself” previously appeared on the brief playlist, 4 Songs to Make You ‘Love Yourself’, which is essentially expanded on Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself.

11. Ne-Yo, “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)”

R.E.D. • Motown • 2012

Ah, we close out on Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself with one final track featured in the original list, 4 Songs to Make You ‘Love Yourself’. “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” certainly has an exhaustive, wordy title. 10 words, really? Even so, the record ends up being a well-rounded record – one of the best from R.E.D.

On “Let Me Love You…,” Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo aims for pop-crossover, much like previous hits “Closer” and “Beautiful Monster”. On the chorus, he sings, “Girl let me love you and I will love you / Until you learn to love yourself… don’t be afraid, girl let me help…” Essentially, this relationship is beneficial to both parties.  Ne-Yo loves her, and even if she lacks confidence and love for herself, he is going to show her true love, so she begins to love herself.  Something like that!  To reiterate, it’s among the gems from R.E.D..