The 885 Greatest Songs by Women Countdown began on Tuesday morning, December 5th at 8am and came to an exciting conclusion on Tuesday December 12th at 5:50pm with the reveal of the Number One song, “Respect,” by Aretha Franklin. After months of preparation, the votes were counted and the list included many genres and styles of music – from heart-wrenching ballads and soul-scorching rockers to timeless classics and contemporary chart-toppers. Thank you for listening and for voting on this year’s countdown.
The Countdown Review:
We’re compiling all the data on the countdown so you can look back and enjoy.
Daily Updates from the Countdown
We highlighted milestones and stats about the countdown here on XPN.org plus posting a flurry of bonus content: deep dives on songs, interviews from the archives, statistics and more!
Day 8: Tuesday, Dec 12th
5:54 p.m. — Your No. 1 Song! Respect by Aretha Franklin!
4:59 p.m. — We feel the same, Elaine! And we’re so close to the top ten songs!
4:41 p.m. — From Carole King to Whitney Houston, we’re feeling all the feels as we get closer to the #1 song!
2:00 p.m. — Which songs do our Facebook friends think will be #1?
8:00 a.m. — We kicked off the last day of the countdown with Song No. 125: “Cannonball” by the Breeders!
Day 7: Monday, Dec 11th
4:12 p.m. — Deep dive with Song No. 132: Bjork “Hyperballad”
3:34 p.m. — Day seven is on fire with songs from Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Sinatra to Big Mama Thornton and Brandi Carlile. We love reading the excitement from our Facebook friends!
8:00 a.m. — No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” kicking off day seven at no. 251.
Day 6: Sunday, Dec 10th
2:12 p.m. — Take a deep dive into song no. 286: “Black Boys on Mopeds” by Sinéad O’Connor
Day 5: Saturday, Dec 9th
3:00 p.m. — Did you read this deep dive into Song No. 372: “Wherever Is Your Heart” by Brandi Carlile?
12:09 p.m. — Are you keeping track of the playlist? Check out the top ten artists represented in the Countdown so far!
10:00 a.m. — We begin the weekend countdown with Patty Griffin’s “Making Pies” at #413
Day 4: Friday, Dec 8th
1:36 p.m. — We hear you, Facebook friends! This Countdown does feel like the best one ever. And also the sweeping emotional arcs that some of these songs present when played back-to-back make for confusing, weird, and joyful listening! Thank you for listening and having as much fun with this countdown as we are! dont forget to share your thoughts and include #xpncountdown
8:00 a.m. — Day Four starts with song# 510 with Bonnie Raitt’s “Blender Blues”!
Day 3: Thursday, Dec 7th
2:50 p.m. — Dig into Song No. 651: “Golden” by Jill Scott with this deep dive from John Vettese.
10:40 a.m. — We love reading your comments about the Countdown on our social channels!
8:00 a.m. — We kicked off Day Three with Ani DiFranco’s “Not A Pretty Girl” at no. 635!
Day 2: Wednesday, Dec 6th
12:55 p.m. — You know we’ll be hearing more Joni on the Countdown. Her song “The Last Time I Saw Richard” came in at number 701. Take a deep dive into this iconic song.
9:15 a.m. — We’re having the most fun with this countdown. Check out Kristin Kurtis wearing a NEW Thank You gift we made to celebrate the 885 Greatest Songs by Women Countdown! We’re giving these to everyone who donates $15/month anytime during the countdown. Donate today and support local, non-profit, member-supported radio!
8:00 a.m. — Kicking off Day Two of the countdown with Florence an the Machine at #760!
Day 1: Tuesday, Dec 5th
3:47 p.m. — Check out the top decades represented in the countdown so far!
1:56: p.m. — Read this deep dive on song# 861: “Didn’t It Rain” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
8:50 a.m. — Looks like our Facebook audience is just as excited as we are!
8:00 a.m. — Kicking off the countdown with Martha and the Vandellas and Belly!
