1973 No. 1 Hit Named ‘Best Song by a Woman'-and It Still Holds Up Today

There were so many trailblazing songs that came out in the 1970s that it can be hard to make definitive statements about one over another.

It's not hard to make a resounding claim, though, that "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon is an all-time female soft rock anthem. Released in November 1972 and charting at No. 1 in the United States in early 1973, Simon's song hit it big with listeners over 50 years ago and still hits the spot today.

It's been ranked the 'Best Song by a Woman' in a ranking of 151 female artist hits by The New Feminist.

"With You're So Vain Carly asserted that there are few things more powerful than a woman with a voice she isn't afraid to use. As time has gone by, this song remains a critically celebrated and publicly adored testament to the sheer artistic force that women in music are."

At the time it was written, Simon's lyrics that describe her self-absorbed ex-boyfriend were a revelation. Women didn't as much power in 1972 America. Not in occupational fields, not in education, and not in romantic relationships.

Simon's critique of the male ego centers on the joy of yanking away leverage from a conceited man while not losing the happiness that can come from dating. The relationship must come on a woman's terms, and she should always put herself first, even if her husband or boyfriend doesn't.

So many of the female artists who have come after Simon have emulated her lyricism and the messaging in "You're So Vain." Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo wouldn't be able to write about love and breakups the way they do without Simon's work.

BBC Music even wrote one time about how "Carly Simon Invented Taylor Swift" and encouraged women to stand tall over their selfish partners.

"That's who they're really for, not the person being pointed at, but the person doing the pointing. So when Carly Simon sings 'I bet you think this song is about you,' it's to take away any feeling of satisfaction her anonymous character may be enjoying for having inspired such a wondrous song.

These songs are not about 'you', they're about us."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM.