Home

 › 

Entertainment

 › 

Music

 › 

The Greatest Albums Ever Released by Female Artists

The Greatest Albums Ever Released by Female Artists

Updated: by

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

98. Natalie Cole, "Unforgettable: With Love" (1991)

Source: dbking / Wikimedia Commons

97. Barbra Streisand, "Funny Girl (Soundtrack)" (1968)

Source: Harry Benson / Moviepix via Getty Images

96. Beyonce, "Dangerously In Love" (2003)

Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

95. Nicki Minaj, "The Pinkprint" (2015)

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

94. P!nk, "M!ssundaztood" (2001)

Source: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

93. H.E.R., "H.E.R." (2017)

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

92. Ariana Grande, "Dangerous Woman" (2016)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

91. P!nk, "The Truth About Love" (2012)

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

90. Madonna, "Like A Virgin" (1984)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

89. The Pussycat Dolls, "PCD" (2005)

Source: Peter Kramer / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

88. Toni Braxton, "Toni Braxton" (1993)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

87. Cyndi Lauper, "She's So Unusual" (1983)

Source: evarinaldiphotography / Flickr

86. Christina Aguilera, "Christina Aguilera" (1999)

Source: Angela Weiss / Getty Images

85. Gretchen Wilson, "Here For The Party" (2004)

Source: Michael Caulfield Archive / WireImage via Getty Images

84. Mariah Carey, "Music Box" (1993)

Source: Chris Jackson / Chris Jackson Collection via Getty Images

83. Lauren Daigle, "Look Up Child" (2018)

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

82. SZA, "SOS" (2022)

Source: Anna Webber / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

81. Meghan Trainor, "Title" (2015)

Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

80. Janet Jackson, "janet." (1993)

Source: Bob King / Redferns via Getty Images

79. Celine Dion, "The Colour Of My Love" (1993)

Source: celebrityabc / Flickr

78. Mary Chapin Carpenter, "Come On Come On" (1992)

Source: 2023 Getty Images / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

77. Faith Hill, "Breathe" (1999)

Source: Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

76. LeAnn Rimes, "Blue" (1996)

Source: Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

75. Carrie Underwood, "Carnival Ride" (2007)

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

74. Amy Grant, "Heart In Motion" (1991)

Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

73. Enya, "A Day Without Rain" (2000)

Source: MJ Kim / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

72. Tina Turner, "Private Dancer" (1984)

Source: Dave Hogan / Getty Images

71. Beyonce, "I Am…Sasha Fierce" (2008)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

70. P!nk, "Funhouse" (2008)

Source: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

69. Miranda Lambert, "Revolution" (2009)

Source: Fried Food Tour 2009 by Stacey Huggins / BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

68. Destiny's Child, "The Writing's On The Wall" (1999)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

67. Jane Fonda, "Jane Fonda's Workout Record" (1982)

Source: Pictorial Parade / Archive Photos via Getty Images

66. Bonnie Raitt, "Luck Of The Draw" (1991)

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

65. Taylor Swift, "Midnights" (2022)

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

64. Fergie, "The Dutchess" (2006)

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

63. The Pointer Sisters, "Break Out" (1983)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

62. Taylor Swift, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" (2021)

Source: Amy Sussman / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

61. Stevie Nicks, "Bella Donna" (1981)

Source: Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

60. Melissa Etheridge, "Yes I Am" (1993)

Source: Paul Morigi / Getty Images

59. Billie Eilish, "Happier Than Ever" (2021)

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

58. Janet Jackson, "Control" (1986)

Source: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

57. Halsey, "Badlands" (2015)

Source: Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

56. Lizzo, "Cuz I Love You" (2019)

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images

55. Janet Jackson, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" (1989)

Source: Donald Miralle / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

54. Britney Spears, "…Baby One More Time" (1999)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

53. Wilson Phillips, "Wilson Phillips" (1990)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

52. Melanie Martinez, "Cry Baby" (2015)

Source: File:Melanie Martinez - Carioca Club 2015 (1).jpg by Yann Cerri / BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

51. Kelly Clarkson, "Breakaway" (2004)

Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images

50. TLC, "CrazySexyCool" (1994)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

49. Spice Girls, "Spice" (1997)

Source: Brian Rasic / Getty Images

48. Mariah Carey, "Merry Christmas" (1994)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

47. Sarah McLachlan, "Surfacing" (1997)

Source: Jemal Countess / Getty Images

46. Mariah Carey, "Mariah Carey" (1990)

Source: Daniel Barry / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

45. Rihanna, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007)

Source: Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

44. Madonna, "Madonna" (1983)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Moviepix via Getty Images

43. Shania Twain, "The Woman In Me" (1995)

Source: Al Bello / Getty Images

42. Taylor Swift, "Red" (2012)

Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

41. The Chicks, "Fly" (1999)

Source: Ron Wolfson / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

40. Amy Winehouse, "Back To Black" (2007)

Source: Roger Kisby / Getty Images

39. Jewel, "Pieces Of You" (1996)

Source: Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

38. Celine Dion, "Falling Into You" (1996)

Source: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

37. Ariana Grande, "Thank U, Next" (2019)

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images

36. Beyonce, "Beyonce" (2013)

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

35. Doja Cat, "Hot Pink" (2019)

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

34. Bonnie Raitt, "Nick Of Time" (1989)

Source: Paul Natkin / Archive Photos via Getty Images

33. The Chicks, "Wide Open Spaces" (1998)

Source: ShowBizIreland / Getty Images

32. Enya, "Shepherd Moons" (1991)

Source: 2006 Getty Images / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

31. Anita Baker, "Rapture" (1986)

Source: MC2 Erica R. Gardner, USN / Wikimedia Commons

30. Alanis Morissette, "Jagged Little Pill" (1995)

Source: 2023 Getty Images / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

29. Whitney Houston, "The Bodyguard" (1992)

Source: Vinnie Zuffante / Archive Photos via Getty Images

28. Paula Abdul, "Forever Your Girl" (1988)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

27. Doja Cat, "Planet Her" (2021)

Source: Steven Ferdman / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

26. Taylor Swift, "Speak Now" (2010)

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

25. Taylor Swift, "Red (Taylor's Version)" (2021)

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

24. Adele, "25" (2015)

Source: Sascha Steinbach / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

23. Whitney Houston, "Whitney Houston" (1985)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

22. Cardi B, "Invasion Of Privacy" (2018)

Source: Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

21. Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (2002)

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

20. Taylor Swift, "Evermore" (2020)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

19. Carole King, "Tapestry" (1971)

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

18. Shania Twain, "Come On Over" (1997)

Source: Beth Gwinn / Redferns via Getty Images

17. Taylor Swift, "Fearless" (2008)

Source: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

16. Olivia Rodrigo, "Sour" (2021)

Source: Mat Hayward / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

15. Adele, "19" (2008)

Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

14. Billie Eilish, "Dont Smile At Me" (2017)

Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

13. Dua Lipa, "Future Nostalgia" (2020)

Source: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

12. Taylor Swift, "reputation" (2017)

Source: JC Olivera / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

11. Katy Perry, "Teenage Dream" (2010)

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

10. Taylor Swift, "Folklore" (2020)

Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

9. Taylor Swift, "Taylor Swift" (2006)

Source: Rusty Russell / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

8. Lady Gaga, "The Fame" (2008)

Source: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

7. Billie Eilish, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" (2019)

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images

6. Rihanna, "ANTI" (2016)

Source: Larry Busacca / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

5. Taylor Swift, "Lover" (2019)

Source: Larry Busacca / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

4. SZA, "Ctrl" (2017)

Source: thecomeupshow / Flickr

3. Lana Del Rey, "Born To Die" (2012)

Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

2. Adele, "21" (2011)

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1. Taylor Swift, "1989" (2014)

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

98. Natalie Cole, "Unforgettable: With Love" (1991)
97. Barbra Streisand, "Funny Girl (Soundtrack)" (1968)
96. Beyonce, "Dangerously In Love" (2003)
95. Nicki Minaj, "The Pinkprint" (2015)
94. P!nk, "M!ssundaztood" (2001)
93. H.E.R., "H.E.R." (2017)
92. Ariana Grande, "Dangerous Woman" (2016)
91. P!nk, "The Truth About Love" (2012)
90. Madonna, "Like A Virgin" (1984)
89. The Pussycat Dolls, "PCD" (2005)
88. Toni Braxton, "Toni Braxton" (1993)
87. Cyndi Lauper, "She's So Unusual" (1983)
86. Christina Aguilera, "Christina Aguilera" (1999)
85. Gretchen Wilson, "Here For The Party" (2004)
84. Mariah Carey, "Music Box" (1993)
83. Lauren Daigle, "Look Up Child" (2018)
82. SZA, "SOS" (2022)
81. Meghan Trainor, "Title" (2015)
80. Janet Jackson, "janet." (1993)
79. Celine Dion, "The Colour Of My Love" (1993)
78. Mary Chapin Carpenter, "Come On Come On" (1992)
77. Faith Hill, "Breathe" (1999)
76. LeAnn Rimes, "Blue" (1996)
75. Carrie Underwood, "Carnival Ride" (2007)
74. Amy Grant, "Heart In Motion" (1991)
73. Enya, "A Day Without Rain" (2000)
72. Tina Turner, "Private Dancer" (1984)
71. Beyonce, "I Am…Sasha Fierce" (2008)
70. P!nk, "Funhouse" (2008)
69. Miranda Lambert, "Revolution" (2009)
68. Destiny's Child, "The Writing's On The Wall" (1999)
67. Jane Fonda, "Jane Fonda's Workout Record" (1982)
66. Bonnie Raitt, "Luck Of The Draw" (1991)
65. Taylor Swift, "Midnights" (2022)
64. Fergie, "The Dutchess" (2006)
63. The Pointer Sisters, "Break Out" (1983)
62. Taylor Swift, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" (2021)
61. Stevie Nicks, "Bella Donna" (1981)
60. Melissa Etheridge, "Yes I Am" (1993)
59. Billie Eilish, "Happier Than Ever" (2021)
58. Janet Jackson, "Control" (1986)
57. Halsey, "Badlands" (2015)
56. Lizzo, "Cuz I Love You" (2019)
55. Janet Jackson, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" (1989)
54. Britney Spears, "…Baby One More Time" (1999)
53. Wilson Phillips, "Wilson Phillips" (1990)
52. Melanie Martinez, "Cry Baby" (2015)
51. Kelly Clarkson, "Breakaway" (2004)
50. TLC, "CrazySexyCool" (1994)
49. Spice Girls, "Spice" (1997)
48. Mariah Carey, "Merry Christmas" (1994)
47. Sarah McLachlan, "Surfacing" (1997)
46. Mariah Carey, "Mariah Carey" (1990)
45. Rihanna, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007)
44. Madonna, "Madonna" (1983)
43. Shania Twain, "The Woman In Me" (1995)
42. Taylor Swift, "Red" (2012)
41. The Chicks, "Fly" (1999)
40. Amy Winehouse, "Back To Black" (2007)
39. Jewel, "Pieces Of You" (1996)
38. Celine Dion, "Falling Into You" (1996)
37. Ariana Grande, "Thank U, Next" (2019)
36. Beyonce, "Beyonce" (2013)
35. Doja Cat, "Hot Pink" (2019)
34. Bonnie Raitt, "Nick Of Time" (1989)
33. The Chicks, "Wide Open Spaces" (1998)
32. Enya, "Shepherd Moons" (1991)
31. Anita Baker, "Rapture" (1986)
30. Alanis Morissette, "Jagged Little Pill" (1995)
29. Whitney Houston, "The Bodyguard" (1992)
28. Paula Abdul, "Forever Your Girl" (1988)
27. Doja Cat, "Planet Her" (2021)
26. Taylor Swift, "Speak Now" (2010)
25. Taylor Swift, "Red (Taylor's Version)" (2021)
24. Adele, "25" (2015)
23. Whitney Houston, "Whitney Houston" (1985)
22. Cardi B, "Invasion Of Privacy" (2018)
21. Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (2002)
20. Taylor Swift, "Evermore" (2020)
19. Carole King, "Tapestry" (1971)
18. Shania Twain, "Come On Over" (1997)
17. Taylor Swift, "Fearless" (2008)
16. Olivia Rodrigo, "Sour" (2021)
15. Adele, "19" (2008)
14. Billie Eilish, "Dont Smile At Me" (2017)
13. Dua Lipa, "Future Nostalgia" (2020)
12. Taylor Swift, "reputation" (2017)
11. Katy Perry, "Teenage Dream" (2010)
10. Taylor Swift, "Folklore" (2020)
9. Taylor Swift, "Taylor Swift" (2006)
8. Lady Gaga, "The Fame" (2008)
7. Billie Eilish, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" (2019)
6. Rihanna, "ANTI" (2016)
5. Taylor Swift, "Lover" (2019)
4. SZA, "Ctrl" (2017)
3. Lana Del Rey, "Born To Die" (2012)
2. Adele, "21" (2011)
1. Taylor Swift, "1989" (2014)

The music industry is one of many that is incredibly hard for women. It is considered a male-dominated industry, where men have the majority of power positions – as of 2022, 96.6% of producers were men – although recent years have shown signs of progress. In the same year, 30% of artists on the Billboard 100 charts were women, which was an improvement from the previous year, and if the greatest albums ever released by female artists listed here are any indication, certain artists will keep that progress moving in the right direction.

After all, we all know that women are master creators. When inspired, their music becomes ethereal. The female musicians here share their unique perspectives, inviting you into their storytelling. Sometimes their music starts a dance party and other times it allows you to cry and release your emotions. These women are empowered and expressive, delivering poetry through music.

To determine the greatest albums ever released by female artists, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on historical chart performance from the Billboard 200. Albums were ranked based on an inverse scoring system wherein a week at No. 1 is worth 200 points, a week at No. 2 is worth 199 points, and so on, up to a week at No. 200 is worth one point. Only studio albums were considered. Chart data is current through June 1, 2024. (Also See Albums That Stayed The Longest On the Billboard 200)

To top