We’ve always wanted to feature these women as we enjoy rock music. And yes, a lot of beautiful ladies (with attitude) are in that industry. And so here we are. We didn’t include instrumentalists like Tasha Wolf, and Nicole Row, as well as virtuosos like Tal Wilkenfeld and Mohini Dey as it should be a separate article.
So friends, in no particular order of hotness. Let’s crank up the volume while reading this. A good distorted riff while looking at beautiful women is a piece of heaven on earth.
Hope Sandoval
A lot of us here in our 40s have been crushing on this woman back in the 90s. Yes, Hope Sandoval is the bomb back then. And even now.
Hope Sandoval was born on June 24, 1966, in Los Angeles. This American singer-songwriter is the lead singer for Mazzy Star and Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions. She has traveled and collaborated with a variety of bands, including Massive Attack, for whom she sang “Paradise Circus” on their 2010 album Heligoland and the 2016 song “The Spoils”. Despite her looks, Hope is known for her shyness, and she prefers to sing in near darkness with only a weak backlight, playing the tambourine, harmonica, glockenspiel, or shaker.
Nina Gordon
Oh, the beautiful Nina Gordon. I remember almost fainting when I watched her perform “Tonight and the Rest of My Life” on the Craig Kilborn Show. Nina is one of Rock’s most beautiful back in the late 90s to the early 2000s.
Nina Gordon was born on November 14, 1967, in Washington, D.C. She is a co-founder and vocalist for the band Veruca Salt, which recorded the songs “Seether” and “Volcano Girls.” She left the band in 1998 to pursue her solo career.
Nina married guitarist Jeff Russo and they had a daughter in 2006 and a son in 2008. She is also an actress and writer, with credits including Tank Girl (1995), Jawbreaker (1999), and Young Adult (2011).
Sharon den Adel
Now for some goth goodness. Sharon den Adel is a Dutch singer, lyricist, and lead vocalist for the symphonic metal band Within Temptation. She was born on July 12, 1974, in Waddinxveen, Netherlands, and began singing at an early age. Before joining Within Temptation, she was a member of the band Voyage.
Sharon is recognized for her powerful operatic vocals and theatrical stage presence. In 2017, she formed My Indigo, a solo project that leaned more towards pop and alternative influences than metal.
Shania Twain
And she’s still the one (we long to), right? Shania Twain remains active in the music industry, touring and interacting with fans. In recent years, she has released her (2023) album Queen of Me, which highlights her tenacity and trademark country-pop flair.
Shania has also been upfront about her health issues, including her fight with Lyme illness, which weakened her voice chords and necessitated rigorous rehabilitation. Despite this, she has made a successful recovery and continues to perform.
Joss Stone
And for those who don’t know, Joss Stone is an acclaimed British soul singer. She is currently achieving big personal achievements. In August 2024, she released the single “Loving You,” which was inspired by special experiences with her husband.
She has also been singing in select intimate locations across the United States, providing fans with stripped-down concerts that accentuate her deep musicianship.
Lita Ford
Lita Ford is an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for her work as lead guitarist for The Runaways and her successful solo career in the 1980s. At the age of 16, she joined The Runaways and performed alongside Joan Jett. The all-female rock band developed a cult following in the 1970s. After The Runaways split up, she pursued a solo career, transitioning to a glam metal sound.
Lita was one of the first female guitarists in hard rock/metal to achieve widespread popularity, inspiring many other female rock musicians.
Grace Slick
Grace Slick is an American singer-songwriter and one of the most recognizable voices from the 1960s psychedelic rock era. She was the lead vocalist for Jefferson Airplane, which evolved into Jefferson Starship and Starship. One of the first female rock stars to lead a prominent band, setting the path for future female rock artists. She is also known for her keen wit, rebellious attitude, and honest thoughts, and she has spoken out about politics, drugs, and feminist issues.
The iconic lead singer of Jefferson Airplane is already 85 years old. She has retired from singing and is now focusing on painting. In recent years, she has battled health issues such as erythromelalgia.
Priya Panda
This rocker’s exotic looks puts her on this list. Priya Panda is a Canadian singer, composer, and musician best known as the lead vocalist for Diemonds, a hard rock and glam metal band.
With her solo debut in 2020, she changed to a more pop/R&B sound, revealing a new side of her artistry.
Tara Blaise
Tara Blaise is an Irish singer-songwriter and actor whose music combines pop, folk, and rock influences. She rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with her melodious, expressive vocals and radio-friendly sound.
Tara was born on March 1, 1975, in London, England, but grew up in Ireland. In the 1990s, he began his career in music as a member of the band Kaydee before venturing out on his own.
Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter best known for her role as Jenny Humphrey in the popular television program Gossip Girl, as well as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band The Pretty Reckless. Started acting at an early age, appearing in films including The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) and television shows like Gossip Girl (2007-2012).
Taylor Momsen founded The Pretty Reckless in 2009, a band recognized for their hard rock and alternative style. Their debut album, Light Me Up (2010), was followed by two successful albums, Going to Hell (2014) and Who You Selling For (2016).
Natalie Imbruglia
Ah, yes… A 90s supercrush!!! Natalie Imbruglia began her musical career as an actress, appearing in the Australian serial drama Neighbours. Her debut album, Left of the Middle (1997), featured the hugely successful single “Torn”. The song was a global hit, and the album went multi-platinum.
Natalie Imbruglia is also known for her charitable efforts and environmental awareness… Oh, and for being the ex-wife of Australian musician and Silverchair frontman, Daniel Johns.
Lana Del Rey
And who doesn’t know Lana Del Rey? But yeah, for those who don’t, Lana is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer recognized for her distinctive blend of indie pop, dream pop, baroque pop, and trip-hop. She is noted for her somber, atmospheric music with cinematic production, which combines orchestral compositions and electronic sounds.
Lana’s music has grown from a pop-centric focus to a diverse range of genres, including jazz and folk. Her imagery incorporates elements of classic Americana, the Hollywood lifestyle, and vintage dress, generating a sense of nostalgia for a past era.
Sheryl Crow
Another ’90s crush on this list. Sheryl Crow is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music combines rock, pop, country, and blues influences. She became one of the most well-known and regarded performers of the 1990s and 2000s.
Her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club (1993), was a great success, with hits like “All I Wanna Do” and “Strong Enough” establishing her as a major pop/rock artist.
Jewel Kilcher
More country than rock but hey, she has a beauty that can be featured in our Timeless Tuesday, really. Jewel Kilcher is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress. She rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with her distinct folk-pop style, moving lyrics, and powerful voice.
Jewel was raised in Alaska, where she spent much of her childhood in a log cabin. She was introduced to music at a young age and eventually became a competent guitarist and songwriter. Her debut album, Pieces of You (1995), was a huge commercial success, thanks to hits like “Who Will Save Your Soul” and “You Were Meant for Me”. The record went multi-platinum, establishing her as a key player in the pop-folk movement.
Carly Simon
Carly Simon is famous for her work in pop, rock, and soft rock music. She rose to prominence in the 1970s thanks to her unusual voice, candid lyrics, and musical range. Her self-titled debut album from 1971 showcased her distinct sound. Her career took off with the release of No Secrets (1972), which featured the legendary smash “You’re So Vain”—a song that became one of her most well-known and lasting songs.
Carly Simon is noted for her pop-rock sound, which incorporates elements of folk, soft rock, and singer-songwriter styles. Her music frequently explores themes of love, heartbreak, and inner introspection.
Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to prominence in the 1980s with her varied pop, R&B, and dance music. She is best known for her hits “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” and the James Bond theme “For Your Eyes Only.”
Sheena Easton first rose to prominence after appearing in the 1980 British documentary The Big Time: Pop Singer, which chronicled her rise to stardom. Soon after, she released Morning Train (Nine to Five), which peaked at number one in the United States. Billboard Hot 100.
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American rock singer, composer, and four-time Grammy Award winner best recognized for her powerful voice and hit songs that helped define the female rock movement in the 1980s. She was one of the first women in rock to attain considerable success, becoming a cultural icon of the time.
Pat Benatar was inducted into the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 for her contributions to rock music.
Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann’s solo career flourished in the 1990s, with her albums receiving critical acclaim for their poetic storytelling and emotional depth. But his rocker woman rose to prominence in the 1980s as the main vocalist of the band ‘Til Tuesday, before embarking on a successful solo career.
Aimee Mann is regarded as one of her generation’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, known for her creative wordplay and intensely emotional lyrics. Her music was prominently featured in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 picture Magnolia, which brought her work to a larger audience.
Emily Armstrong
Emily Armstrong is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the main singer and guitarist for the rock band Dead Sara. She is known for her powerful voice and passionate stage presence, and she has helped Dead Sara build a loyal fan base in the alternative rock scene.
Dead Sara rose to prominence with their 2012 self-titled debut album, which included the smash track “Weatherman,” which received widespread radio play and was lauded for its gritty, hard-rock sound. Oh, and she is the new Linkin Park vocalist now.
Cristina Scabbia
Ah yes, probably the darkest and most sinister beauty on this list. Cristina Scabbia is a delight to look at. This Italian singer and composer is best known as the lead vocalist of Lacuna Coil, a gothic metal band based in Milan, Italy. She is regarded as one of the most significant female performers in the metal industry, with powerful, haunting vocals and a dynamic stage presence.
Cristina Scabbia has collaborated with bands such as Megadeth (“À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)”) and Apocalyptica. Her voice has also been included in video game soundtracks, including Halo 2.
Michelle Branch
I don’t really want to include her on this list but her collaboration with Santana (for which she won a Grammy) is something we cannot overlook. This American singer-songwriter and guitarist is most known for her pop-rock and acoustic songs, which became famous in the early 2000s. She launched her major-label first album, The Spirit Room (2001), which included the songs “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted,” and “Goodbye to You.”
Michelle Branch created a country duo with Jessica Harp and released Stand Still, Look Pretty, which featured the Grammy-nominated single “Leave the Pieces.”
Avril Lavigne
And since we included Michell Branch, we might as well include this woman here who just doesn’t seem to age. This Canadian beauty released her debut album Let Go in 2002 at the age of 17, containing the huge hits “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.” Her debut is a blend of pop-punk, rock, and pop, with anthemic choruses and rebellious lyrics.
Avril Lavigne helped popularize pop-punk, inspiring musicians such as Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish. Avril remains one of the most successful female musicians of the 2000s, having sold over 40 million records worldwide.
Lizzy Hale
Lizzy Hale is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is best recognized for her work as the main vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Halestorm, a Grammy-winning hard rock band. She is one of rock and metal’s most powerful female vocalists, noted for her amazing vocal range, high-energy concerts, and fearless demeanor. She has worked with Evanescence’s Amy Lee, Slash, and the Pretty Reckless.
Lizzy is openly bisexual and a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in rock music.
Amy Lee
Another goth beauty on this list… Amy Lee is best recognized for her role as lead vocalist and co-founder of the Grammy-winning rock band Evanescence. She is known for her haunting vocals, gothic aesthetic, and classical inspirations, making her one of the most unique voices in rock and alternative music.
Her music contains symphonic and piano-driven elements, giving Evanescence its distinct sound. She has also contributed to soundtracks such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as well as composed music for War Story and Indigo Grey.
Nita Strauss
We’ve stated that we won’t include a virtuoso but we just can’t exclude Nita Strauss here. This American guitarist is well-known for her shredding abilities, energetic concerts, and work as Alice Cooper’s touring guitarist. She is also a successful solo artist who has collaborated with a number of rock and metal bands, making her one of the most acclaimed female guitarists in modern rock and metal.
Lita Strauss’ debut solo album, Controlled Chaos (2018), showcased her instrumental guitar skills. Her second album, The Call of the Void (2023), includes duets with vocalists such as Lzzy Hale, David Draiman (Disturbed), and Chris Motionless (Motionless in White).
Carla Harvey
Carla Harvey is an American singer, author, and actor best known for her role as co-vocalist in the metal band Butcher Babies. She is also a writer, graphic artist, and former mortician, which contributes to her distinct identity in the heavy metal community.
Carla Harvey is influenced by Pantera, Slayer, and Slipknot, and she is a staunch supporter of women in metal, challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated field.
Gwen Stefani
Of course, this list is not complete without the “Don’t Speak” superstar. Sure she claims she’s “Just A Girl” but man, this energetic beauty is a sight to behold (especially during the 90s). Apart from being known as the vocalist of the superband No Doubt, Gwen Stefani is also a fashion designer and television personality.
Gwen’s successful solo career began in the early 2000s, with albums such as Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and The Sweet Escape, which includes popular songs like Hollaback Girl, Rich Girl, and The Sweet Escape. Her music incorporates pop, R&B, and electronic influences.
Beyond music, she has a big presence in fashion with her apparel company L.A.M.B., and she has served as a judge on The Voice.
Shirley Manson
Oh, she thinks she’s paranoid! Nope, not that she really is, but that’s a line from a song by Garbage (that’s the name of the band, for those who don’t know). The beautiful (and somewhat scary) Shirley Manson is the lead singer of the said American rock band. This Scottish beauty is also a composer and has been in a few films and television shows, including her role as Terminator Catherine Weaver in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Her unusual look and brazen demeanor established her as an icon of ’90s alternative rock. Shirley is outspoken on feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health issues.
Alanis Morissette
If you think she’s not that hot, well, you better ask Ryan Reynolds as he has dated this rocking brunette for over 5 years. Yup, half a decade. A man, as good-looking as Ryan.
Alanis Morissette rose to prominence in the 1990s with her seminal album Jagged Little Pill (1995), which contained gritty, introspective lyrics and a blend of alternative rock and pop influences. Before Jagged Little Pill, she recorded two dance-pop albums in Canada in the early 1990s, but they did not receive much international attention. She is also an actress, having acted in Weeds, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and as God in Kevin Smith’s 1999 film Dogma.
Lisa Loeb
A little poppish but we’d really like her to Stay (on this list). Lisa Loeb is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress best known for her 1994 hit single Stay (I Missed You). She became the first unsigned artist to have a song reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 after it was included on the Reality Bites soundtrack.
She is known for her cat-eye specs, which became a distinctive feature of her appearance. Her combination of humorous stories, poignant lyrics, and catchy melodies has made her a popular figure in music.
Nina Persson
We can love her, love her, and say that we love her forever. Nina Persson is a Swedish singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of The Cardigans, the band responsible for the smash single Lovefool (1996). Her dreamy, yet sorrowful voice became a distinctive component of the band’s style, which incorporated pop, rock, and indie influences.
She recorded a solo album called Animal Heart (2014) and collaborated with A Camp, an indie-folk project.
Dolores O’Riordan
May this woman’s soul rest in peace. I was heartbroken when the news of her untimely death came out. And her being on this list is an ode to her beauty and magnificence. This Irish singer-songwriter is best known as the lead singer of The Cranberries, one of the most recognizable alternative rock bands of the 1990s. Her haunting voice, yodel-like vocal technique, and intensely emotional lyrics shaped the band’s sound.
Dolores O’Riordan’s unique blend of ethereal voice, Celtic roots, and strong storytelling made her instantly recognizable. She died on January 15, 2018, at the age of 46. Her accidental drowning horrified followers all around the world. Rest in peace, Dolores…