Exclusive: Stream Rachel Beck’s New “Songs of Strength from Badass Canadian Women” Curated Spotify Playlist

By: Staff –

Rachel Beck’s upcoming release, Stronger Than You Know, is a celebration of strength and resilience. It’s a gentle call to action — a call to stand up, to speak out, to be present, to love fiercely. To celebrate her upcoming album, Beck curated a brand new Spotify playlist featuring songs of strength by badass Canadian woman, which you can stream below.

“Not too long ago, I overheard a conversation at a folk music conference about the need for today’s songwriters to write more protest songs,” said Beck. “Have protest songs become obsolete or do they just look different now than they did in the 60s? My reflection on this question led to the creation of this playlist by writers I deeply admire, many of whom I am lucky to call friends. If not all songs of protest, they are songs of progress.”

1. “No More Violence” – Alysha Brilla

Alysha Brilla is a force of light and an agent of change. “We’ve written our history in blood, so let’s write our future in love. No more, no more violence. No more, no more.”

2. “The Return (Love Comes Back)” – Rose Cousins 

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Rose Cousins sing this song. We were part of a songwriters’ circle at Home County Music and Art Festival in London, ON a few years back. Rose led the audience and performers in a singalong that brought us all together in the most magical way. Be sure to watch the official video for this one. And prepare for happy tears. All the tears.

3. “For Yourself” – Ralph

Ralph doesn’t pull any punches in this jam. Love starts with self-love.

4. “We Are Fire” – Sarah MacDougall 

Written for a friend who identifies as non-binary, Sarah MacDougall refers to this powerful song as “an homage to those brave enough to break the boxes.”

5. “Shout It Out” – Gabrielle Papillon

Sometimes talking about change isn’t enough. Sometimes you’ve gotta shout. (Justified) rage at the status quo never sounded so catchy. I’m all in for this Gabrielle Papillon track (and the fierce and fabulous video, too).

6. “Microphone” – KINLEY

This powerful and deeply personal song from KINLEY has sparked important conversations about consent on Prince Edward Island — it has even been incorporated into the provincial Grade 9 Health Curriculum. 

7. “Power” – Nuela Charles 

Nuela Charles is pure power on this track.

8. “Once You Were Wondrous” – Kim Harris

“I was older when I first saw fireflies…they glow and glow and glow without apologizing.” This stunning song from Kim Harris encourages us to move past self-doubt and reclaim a sense of wonder.

9. “Our Love” – Jenn Grant

After creating her record Love, Inevitable Jenn Grant bravely shared about her difficult journey to motherhood. “I wanted you. I wanted more. I had to fight.”

10. “We Are Circling” – Buffy Sainte-Marie

Well, I couldn’t create a playlist of badass Canadian women without including Buffy Sainte-Marie. She was a pioneer of the protest song and she continues to release powerful and progressive sounds that inspire. This is one of my faves.