'Feeling That Glow'

What song never fails to make you feel glowing and radiant? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


“I love the way you glow, queen, glow!”

That’s the affirmation Brit songbird Valntna offers on “Glow Queen.” And that’s the vibe we’re channeling with this playlist of thoughtfully curated songs that celebrate just how phenomenal we as Black women are.

Now more than ever, we need productive and positive ways to protect our peace. We can’t allow external and often destructive factors beyond our control, or internal, self-sabotaging beliefs, to dim our light.

Showing love and support for each other is one way we will continue to go on and glow on. You know, how rising star Doechii spoke directly to us with her inspiring acceptance speech for Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, and said, “I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now and I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible.” Listen to the young rapper drop manifestation gems on the conversational track “God.”

Yes, ma’am. It’s our time to shine, Sis.

Speaking of Black woman magic. We are driven to cathartic tears every time we hear Cynthia Erivo’s soaring vocals on “Defying Gravity” from the Oscar-nominated Wicked (when a sister portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, it hits a lot different). So, how does the petite-and-dynamic 38-year-old singer and actress keep “Glowing Up?”

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Erivo said she doesn’t drink alcohol; she loves a good cold plunge; and she runs every morning. “I find that the best way to wake up my body is to be really physical.”.

Vanessa Williams is another leading lady we admire. On “Legs (Keep Dancing),” the 61-year-old beauty boasts, “Still here, still standing, still kicking. In fact, I’m the best I’ve ever been.” Williams said in an interview that the uptempo track was inspired by watching Diahann Carroll discuss her autobiography, The Legs Are The Last To Go, with Oprah.

“[Diahann] spoke so beautifully and confidently about her age and power and the fact that beauty fades but your legs give you strength and are the last to go.”

The forever-flawless Sade enters the chat with her 1988 classic “Keep Looking,” which beckons us to remain optimistic in the face of adversity. In an interview that’s circulated on social media, the stunning 66-year-old singer echoed a similar sentiment: “Whatever comes your way, you can always progress from those moments…Then you get a kind of reward because you move on and you grow.”

More mindful melodies from shining stars we love include: Alicia Keys with “Kaleidoscope” from her crowd-pleasing, Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen; Rihanna with “Diamonds”; Roberta Flack with “Feelin’ That Glow”; Dianne Reeves with “32 Flavors”; Jill Scott with “Golden”; and Cyndi Lauper with “True Colors.” A few of our favorite fellas chime in to remind us to stay gold, including Luther Vandross (with the group Change) on “The Glow of Love”; Prince on “Baby I’m a Star”; and Common on “The Light.”

As each song spins, take time to reflect on your journey so far – where you’ve been and where you want to go. Let the music move you and the lyrics linger.

Remember, we all deserve the chance to fly, and no one is ever gonna bring us down!


 
What song never fails to make you feel glowing and radiant? Share your thoughts in the comments below.