Last year, Edge of Seventeen actress Hailee Steinfeld threw her hat into the music game with her single of self-respect, “Love Myself.”
Was the song vastly different from any other song on the radio? Not really. Did it revolutionize the music industry? Um, no. But that didn’t stop me from adding it to every workout playlist I have on my iPhone and dancing around my house with it on blast.
Rather than go down the Don Johnson path (see Exhibit A and be prepared for the worst), Hailee followed up her song about masturbation self-love with “Starving,” her collaboration with Zedd, who is another music artist and not what I thought was the name of Scientology’s new galactic leader.
And just like that, she joined the ranks of Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and any other musician who radio believes you need to hear every 15 minutes. But whereas I got sick of hearing about photographs, funk that is located uptown, or having a long list of Starbucks ex-lovers, I have yet to eye roll over Hailee singing about being starving over someone.
And so I unabashedly proclaim for all the world to know: I am girl crushing on Hailee Steinfeld and her music. Welcome to the club, Hailee. You’re in good company.
“Most Girls”
I love campaigns like Secret’s “Like a Girl” or Dove’s “Real Beauty,” which celebrates real women in all shapes, sizes, and races. Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” is my go-to song when I need a pick me up from a bad day. On International Women’s Day, I rocked red with pride. Hands down, I’m here for anything that celebrates being who you truly are.
That’s why my song for this summer is Hailee’s “Most Girls,” which reminds us that all those little flaws we obsess about are what others envy:
Most girls are smart and strong and beautiful
Most girls, work hard, go far, we are unstoppable
Most girls, our fight to make every day, no two are the same
I wanna be like, I wanna be like, most girls
I wanna be like, I wanna be like, most girls
I wanna be like, I wanna be like
I’m glad to hear that I fall into the category of girls who wear sweatpants and feel like a princess. It’s about damn time someone celebrates my choice of yoga pants in public.
“Hell No and Headphones”
There’s a part of me that wishes I was as chill as Hailee Steinfeld when I was her age. Fine. I wish I was this cool now. “Hell No and Headphones” showcases Hailee’s chill and the fact that no one puts Steinfeld in a corner.
Okay, so this song is a little like Alexia Cara’s “Here,” with its story of the singer not wanting to partake with any of the debauchery that surrounds her. But in an interview with Elle Magazine, the singer/actress didn’t just dismiss the comparisons, she gave it credit for inspiring her song because women celebrate women.
[Alessia Cara’s] ‘Here’ really struck a chord with me. This does have the same message of realizing, ‘It’s cool that I was able to go and hang out with friends, but it was just not my night.’
But it’s the reason behind the song that I appreciate the most:
There are times often where I’m walking around in the world trying to figure out where I belong…Noticing times that I’m uncomfortable is something I’ve learned to do. I don’t have to conform to being cool or to something I’m not.
In a world where almost every other song is about partying until you die – which sounds exhausting and time consuming- “Hell No and Headphones” is something I can get on board with. Pass me the yoga pants.
Which actress/singer do you have on constant repeat?
