4 Female Songwriters Who Changed the Game in the 2000s

Many of the very best songwriters of the 2000s were female musicians who dominated their respective niches. And we think those writers are worth celebrating. Let’s take a look at just a few of the best female songwriters of the 2000s!

Videos by American Songwriter

1. Joanna Newsom

This singer-songwriter has been penning gorgeous progressive folk works since she first debuted in 2002. The Milk-Eyed Mender from 2004 is a fan favorite for a reason, and Joanna Newsom’s underground following soon turned into a not-so-underground fanbase with the release of Ys in 2006. Sometimes, you just need a bit of harp and stunning songwriting to get through the day.

2. PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey is one of the most noteworthy female songwriters of the 2000s, and well as the 1990s, for that matter. Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea from 2000 won the alt-rock and punk blues powerhouse a number of awards. White Chalk and Uh Huh Her are two other noteworthy albums from her 2000s era as well. Harvey was also once named Rolling Stone’s Songwriter of the Year.

3. Tori Amos

Tori Amos is one of those female songwriters that you just can’t forget, and her work in the 2000s is particularly amazing. Though, like PJ Harvey, Amos had been captivating listeners with her gorgeous mezzo-soprano voice and songwriting talents way before the 2000s kicked off. 

Amos’ famed 2001 concept album Strange Little Girls earned a Grammy nomination in 2002, as did the title track of that album. She released quite a bit of work in the 2000s, and even released Abnormally Attracted To Sin and Midwinter Graces in the same year in 2009. Few songwriters can get vulnerable quite like Tori Amos can.

4. ANOHNI

Originally known as the songwriting and vocal powerhouse behind the ensemble Anohni And The Johnsons, ANOHNI has gone on to produce some gorgeous works as a solo musician. Few vocalists like her have stood out for their unique range since Bjork first debuted years ago. I Am A Bird Now from 2005 is a chamber pop masterpiece, and her 2016 solo debut Hopelessness is an emotional electronic collection of protest songs related to environmentalism.

Photo by Robin Little/Redferns

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.