NOTE: For this thread I only included artists that were both the lyricists and the composers.

 

Alicia Keys - Fallin' (2001)

 

The debut single from Alicia, it became the 2nd biggest hit of the year.

 

Lauryn Hill - Doo *** (That Thing) (1998)

 

 

The debut solo single by the lead singer of the Fugees, it also became the first single by a female rapper to reach #1 on the chart.

 

Lisa Loeb - Stay (I Missed You) (1990)

 

 

Janet Jackson - Black Cat (1990)

 

 

Janet's fourth #1 hit, she became the first black woman to achieve this.

 

Lois Blaisch - Could've Been (performed by Tiffany) (1988)

 

 

Performed by 80s teen pop star Tiffany.

 

Florrie Palmer - 9 to 5 (Morning Train) (performed by Sheena Easton) (1981)

 

 

Stevie Nicks - Dreams (performed as part of Fleetwood Mac) (1977)

 

Carly Simon - You're So Vain (1972)

 

 

Carole King - I Feel the Earth Move (1971)

 

 

It was released as an A-Side single with "It's Too Late".

 

Melanie - Brand New Key (1971)

 

 

The Singing Nun - Dominique (1963)

 

 

The first female artist to achieve this feat was no other than a nun!

 

Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (performed by Whitney Houston, 1992) and 9 to 5 (1980)

 

 

 

Debbie Gibson - Lost in Your Eyes (1989) and Foolish Beat (1988)

 

 

 

Gloria Estefan - Don't Wanna Lose You (1989) and Anything for You (1988)

 

 

 

Diane Warren - Have You Ever? (performed by Brandy, 1999), I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (performed by Aerosmith, 1998), Because You Loved Me (performed by Celine Dion, 1996), Un-Break My Heart (performed by Toni Braxton, 1996),  Love Will Lead You Back (performed by Taylor Dane, 1990), Blame It on the Rain (performed by Milli Vanilli, 1989), When I See Your Smile (performed by Bad English, 1989) and Look Away (performed by Chicago, 1988)

 

 

 

Arguably the biggest female songwriter ever, Diane Warren has written a record setting eight #1 hits by herself.

 

With everything said, are there any surprises for you in this list?

Edited August 25, 2025Aug 25 by allforyou

Alicia's was solely written and produced by her. 

 

One of the most impressive pop girl achievements tbh. Your debut single being 100% solely written, solely produced, and going #1. 

Lorde - Royals (2013)

 

Where's Taylor and her Speak Now TV hits?

2 minutes ago, Raphy said:

Where's Taylor and her Speak Now TV hits?

Zero self written songs I'm afraid. 

 

Ariana the songwriter of our generation 

1 minute ago, tost1 said:

Zero self written songs I'm afraid. 

 

Ariana the songwriter of our generation 

wasn't the entire album self-written?

But- but-

Call me a Little Debbie.  She made some pop gems. 

 

Will stan this song to the pits of hell and back. 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Raphy said:

wasn't the entire album self-written?

I have no idea but I trust the op that taylor does not belong on this list 

Respect given to Debbie Gibson.

Young singer, good writer, producer

11 minutes ago, Raphy said:

Where's Taylor and her Speak Now TV hits?

None of those songs went #1.

13 minutes ago, Kayseri Mantisi said:

Lorde - Royals (2013)

 

Lorde did not write Royals by herself, she wrote it with Joel Little who was also the song's producer.

10 minutes ago, Raphy said:

wasn't the entire album self-written?

she didn't have any #1s until later in her career, by which point she was co-writing her songs with her producers 

 

OT: Rocknet coming through with Black Cat, i know that's right! 

Edited August 25, 2025Aug 25 by John Slayne

13 minutes ago, Raphy said:

Where's Taylor and her Speak Now TV hits?

 

None of them topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, same reason why Madonna's Lucky Star isn't here since it peaked at #4

 

2 minutes ago, Da Vinci said:

Young singer, good writer, producer

Love that video so much

This doesn't diminish from Mariah's accolades, especially for her debut era.

damn, i had no idea yes, and? was self-written, doesn't max always take a credit? good for her  

Yes and is selfwritten? I didnt know that 

4 minutes ago, Bloodflowers. said:

 

None of them topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, same reason why Madonna's Lucky Star isn't here since it peaked at #4

 

i was sure Madge had to have one, #4 still great  

Stevie Nicks wrote Dreams by herself and it went #1.  Where's that one?

11 minutes ago, allforyou said:

Lorde did not write Royals by herself, she wrote it with Joel Little who was also the song's producer.

She wrote the song entirely herself, just like many others on the album, which she's said multiple times. Joel Little's role was helping shape beats and melodies around her lyrics, and as you probably know, producers get credit almost by default in cases like that (which is the case for some other songs in this thread too.) Beyond that, this song (and Pure Heroine as a whole) is actually known as helping to spark the trend of full singer/producer duos sticking together across entire albums.

 

2 minutes ago, Frozen99 said:

i was sure Madge had to have one, #4 still great  

i believe she has 3 or 4 where she's the sole lyricist, with melodies and music being either written collaboratively or by someone else

make this thread but with top 10 songs (this millenium only)

 

Not really seeing any new girls.  Ariana I guess.   congrats to all appearing here ! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Tusk said:

Stevie Nicks wrote Dreams by herself and it went #1.  Where's that one?

Exactly

 

OT: Ariana

Edited August 25, 2025Aug 25 by theboyismine