Chicks Rock!  Wait, chicks rock?  I have to admit at the beginning of this assignment I was a little skeptical, but after spending several days digging into the archives of lead female vocals, I’m an almost believer.  Meaning, there is still plenty of room for more chicks that rock, but for now we are making tremendous progress.  So put down that cosmo, cap the cookie dough and forget about the latest Sandra Bullock flick because these ladies aren’t interested in girl talk – not when there’s rocking to be done.

1. The Anniversary – All Things Ordinary – Designing a Nervous Breakdown

Adrianne Verhoeven, who not only lent her angelic vocals but keyboard skills to this little Mid western based indie band, really makes this song stand out as not another “run of the mill” punk song. Unfortunately, The Anniversary broke up in 2004, which is too bad because with two solid albums that showed serious potential, they could have been contenders.

2. Metric – Gimme Sympathy – Fanatasies

The lead singer, Emily Haines, started her career in the band Broken Social Scene and really hits the mark with this upbeat song that not only rocks but shouts out one of my all time favorite songs, The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun.”

3. Neko Case – I’m an Animal – Middle Cyclone

This is one of the best female voices out right now and her newest album is receiving plenty of critical acclaim.  This song was instantly my favorite on the album; maybe it’s the catchy guitar riff, the strong back beat, or the subtle choir voices, or maybe it’s just a great way to spend 2 minutes and 21 seconds.

4. The Go! Team – Huddle Formation – Thunder Lightning Strike

I kept wanting to leave this song off the playlist, (maybe it’s my general aversion to cheerleaders? why can’t people cheer on their own, why do they need someone to lead them?) but something about this tune is infectious so here it is at number 4.

5. Regina Spektor – Us – Soviet Kitsch

I have to admit I’m not a huge Regina Spektor fan but this song caught my attention and let’s face it this girl can sing.  Plus she rocks out the piano AND writes all her own music, so way to represent for the ladies Regina.

6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero – It’s Blitz!

The opening track from the YYY’s newest album has some serious “rockability.”  Karen O’s sweet and innocent voice, mixed with the strong beat and synthesizers makes for a fun toe tapper.

7. Broken Social Scene – 7/4 (Shoreline) – Broken Social Scene

With this song’s super catchy intro and Feist’s ethereal voice it was a shoe in for the Chicks Rock! Playlist.  Feist joined Broken Social Scene in the fall of 2002 but split from the group shortly there after when she released “Let It Die.”  This song proves Feist could rock if she really wanted to.

8. Rachael Yamagata – Sidedish Friend – Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart

I first heard of this artist several years ago, but forgot about her until recently when I stumbled upon her newest effort released in 2008.  I’m glad to see that she has remained true to her earlier melodic tunes but also grown into a confident (let’s just say it) badass, who can get down and dirty.

9. Rilo Kiley – Portions of Foxes – More Adventurous

This band, led by the vocals of Jenny Lewis, has some seriously solid music.  They seem to reject being labeled by churning out every genre of music under the sun including country, teen pop, synthesized disco, folk and rock. Hey, whatever it is I like it.

10. Tegan and Sara – The Ocean – Sainthood

These twin sisters have been making music for awhile now, but with this recently released album they seem to be hitting a stride.  I love how their voices sound like the same voice harmonizing with itself. I guess besides doubling your wardrobe and always having someone to hang out with, having a twin can provide other useful advantages.