1. Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding is one of my more recent obsessions when it comes to amazing female singers. I discovered her one day while browsing songs on YouTube, and I was floored by how much her music struck me. Her voice has a unique quality that I honestly don't have words to describe, but I totally love.

Recommended Song: Dead in the Water

2. Kai Altair

Kai is honestly my favorite singer of all time, but besides that she has a beautiful voice and a writing style that's different from most of what you hear in today's music. It's a mystical sort of sound, blending electronic music with some tribal beats and creating something enthralling that I can't get enough of.

Recommended Song: Change

3. Bat for Lashes

Bat for Lashes (AKA Natasha Khan) makes mellow and emotive music that has some funky beats and sounds, but it all comes together wonderfully. I discovered her music when a friend gave me a mix CD, and I've been hooked ever since.

Recommended Song: Glass

4. Kerli

What I love about Kerli is her versatility. Her first album was more along the lines of alternative music, with lots of electric guitar and moodier lyrics. Now, with her second album which will be released soon, she's going in the direction of more upbeat 'get up and dance' music. I personally prefer her newer sound over the older. Aside from her music, her fashion sense is amazing, AND she makes or customizes most of her clothing.

Recommended Song: Zero Gravity

5. Gabby Young

If I had to describe Gabby Young in one word it would be: circus. That's what her music reminds me of! If you do a quick YouTube search of her and listen to some of her songs, you'll understand what I mean. But it's a good kind of circus! Gabby's voice is also remarkable, I think. It has this husky timbre to it that suits her songwriting perfectly.

Recommended Song: We're All in This Together

6. Duffy

There's a bluesy quality to Duffy's voice that makes listening to her music an experience. You have to just stop and listen, and you FEEL what she's singing, you know? People compare her to Adele, but honestly, they're not that similar in my opinion other than their music genre. Give her a try and see what you think!

Recommended Song: Mercy

7. A Fine Frenzy

I adore Alison Sudol's music! I also love how Sudol has found her sound and mastered it. There's a distinct way she sings that she brings to all her songs, whether it's more uptempo or a slower ballad. Still, her music is generally more subdued and I use it to relax.

Recommended Song: Come On, Come Out

8. Sara Bareilles

Yet another female singer with piano based music, Sara is one of my absolute favorites. She explores different styles in her music, from jazz to ballads, and some pop sounding songs. And her lyrics are honest and extremely relatable. She's just... real.

Recommended Song: Bottle It Up

9. My Brightest Diamond

The thing with My Brightest Diamond, aka Shara Worden, is that I don't know how I feel when I listen to her music. On one hand, I want to relax because that's the nature of her music--generally soft and lulling. On the other hand, I can't relax because I have to LISTEN to the music. Her composition is superb, which makes the musician in me happy, and her lyrics are different and intense. It's the kind of music that has to be experienced to be understood.

Recommended Song: Be Brave

10. Tori Amos

Okay, so Tori Amos is not by any means a new artist on the scene. However, I do think that not enough of my generation appreciates how gorgeous her music is. She's the original piano playing songstress, and she's genius.

Recommended Song: Ophelia

All of these amazing female singers inspire something different, but all are immensely talented in their own ways. Who are your favorite female singers and why?