The Rules

Rule 1: The Artist Must Be Female-Led

This is non-negotiable. The defining characteristic of CMR is that it centers women’s voices, perspectives, and experiences. The lead vocalist and primary creative force must be a woman or women. Male band members are fine (Garbage, No Doubt), but the frontwoman is the star.

Rule 2: The Sound Must Be Rock-Adjacent

CMR lives in the alternative, rock, folk-rock, and pop-rock space. It can lean indie (Liz Phair), goth (Evanescence), punk (Bikini Kill), folk (Jewel), or even soul (Amy Winehouse), but there needs to be a rock or alternative foundation. Pure pop, R&B, hip-hop, or country doesn’t qualify unless it crosses over significantly.

Rule 3: The Era Matters (But Has Extensions)

The golden age of CMR is 1992–2004. This is when the core canon was released, Lilith Fair happened, and these artists dominated alternative radio. However, the timeline extends in both directions:

• • Predecessors (1970s–1980s): Artists who laid the groundwork — Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Heart, Blondie, Janis Joplin
• • Core Canon (1992–2000): The heart of CMR — Alanis, Fiona, Tracy, Sheryl, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, Sarah McLachlan
• • 2000s Extension (2001–2008): Artists who carried the spirit forward — P!nk, Avril, Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Amy Winehouse

Rule 4: Emotional Rawness Is Required

CMR songs are emotionally unguarded. They’re about heartbreak, rage, freedom, existential crisis, and self-discovery -- delivered without polish or pretension. If the singer sounds like she’s performing, it’s not CMR. If she sounds like she’s purging, it is.

Rule 5: The Minivan Test

Ask yourself: “Would a chain-smoking 90s mom have blasted this in her minivan on the way to pick up the kids?” If yes, it’s probably CMR. If it’s too polished (Celine Dion), too male (Nickelback), too pop (Britney), or too metal (Metallica), it fails the minivan test.