10 Great Songs By Women and Their Pianos

Women are sexy. I especially enjoy it when a woman gets in front of piano and belts out a tune. Can't exactly put my finger why i've always been partial to this combination but it has been one of the longest constants in my music appreciating career. Here are 10 Great Songs By Female Pianists...thats a tricky ending right there.

1. A Fine Frenzy - "Almost Lover"

A Fine Frenzy is Californian artist Alison Sudol's stage name. In 2007 she released her debut album One Cell In The Sea and much of it's success was fueled by the dark, reminiscing single "Almost Lover". Unrequited love...a globally accessible theme.

2. Regina Spektor - "Samson"

As a Russian-born singer songwriter, Regina Spektor found herself on the indie scene of New York's East Village. Some songs on this list are fully produced with backing vocalists and accompanying instruments, yet this one is simply a girl and her piano. So divine. I love the parallels Regina plays with here, between a modern and biblical relationship.

3. Chantal Kreviazuk - "God Made Me"

Canada's Chantal Kreviazuk burst on the scene in 1996 with her album Under These Rocks & Stones. Her talent and likeability made her a common feature on Much Music (Canada's MTV...don't worry it doesn't play videos anymore either) and she would later go on to form one of the Country's first power music couples when she married Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida.

4. Amanda Palmer - "Runs In The Family"

You may know Amanda Palmer as one half of The Dresden Dolls, a punk-cabaret fusion group from Boston. Lately she's been branching out on her own, but the old Dresden style hasn't gone far. Her debut solo album Who Killed Amanda Palmer was produced by Ben Folds and featured this fun little track "Runs In The Family"

5. Tori Amos - "A Sorta Fairytale"

Perhaps the Queen of modern pianists Tori Amos was the youngest person ever to be awarded a scholarship to The Peabody Institute, a musical school at John Hopkins University. She was five. Her path took to her a more rock influenced sound and has enjoyed a successful, if not cult, career ever since. Her songs were praised for their emotional content and controversial subjects such as abortion, sexuality and religion.

6. Imogen Heap - "Thriller"

Yes it's a Michael Jackson cover, but it's an incredibly well done cover. Really focuses in on the isolation and helplessness the song speaks about by removing all but one instrument. Fabulous.

7. Lenka - "Everything At Once"

Lenka is Lenka Kripac from Australia who has also dabbled in acting and has been in a few TV shows down under. Her songs are quirky, yet catchy and is known to use a tiny, strapped piano during her live shows. You may know this song as the theme to a recent Windows 8 campaign.

8. Halestorm - "Break In"

Halestorm is a Pennsylvania group formed by siblings Arejay and Lzzy Hale. While their songs feature more instruments than just the piano Lzzy has gone out on her own to do solo pianist work. Even performed this song "Break In" before a Halestorm concert with Amy Lee from Evanescence.

9. Vanessa Carlton - "A Thousand Miles"

I'm sure this one is known to many people as the song with the video with the flying piano. Vanessa has been playing piano since a young age and even toyed with ballet. Her first album in 2002 Be Not Nobody got her the attention she needed to begin a long, successful career as a solo artist. Countless hit songs and 3 Grammy nods later i'd say she made it.

10. Alicia Keys - "No One"

Ending with the talented Alicia Keys. Nothing much to say about this one besides letting the music speak for itself. Imagine if someone wrote a song like this for you?

Thanks again all!

Hit me up with some ideas!

JZ