Playlist: Michaela Anne's favorite female country throwbacks

Nashville rising star Michaela Anne is celebrating the release of her new album "Desert Dove" with a playlist for Paste BN, in which she shares the female country greats who have inspired her music and songwriting, 

"Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)" –  The Judds 

A beautiful introduction to country storytelling and of course, harmony singing. 

"Blue" – LeAnn Rimes

Her voice and the fact that she was a teenager blew me away as a little girl. 

"Wide Open Spaces" –  Dixie Chicks 

This was my gateway song to loving country music. I still remember the first time I heard it on the radio, riding in my dad’s ‘86 red Chevy Nova as a child. 

"No One Needs to Know" – Shania Twain  

I sang this song at my first talent show performance (at age 12). I was obsessed with Shania. I sang to a karaoke version, wore cowboy boots, a fringe suede jacket and bandana around my neck with choreographed hand movements. 

"When You Say Nothing At All" – Alison Krauss 

This song was written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz but I first heard Alison Krauss’ version. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful. 

"Wings Upon Your Horns" – Loretta Lynn 

Loretta was gutsy and wrote about women’s issues, which was incredibly racy at the time. She’s still a role model and inspiration to be outspoken and honest. 

"Strawberry Wine" – Deana Carter 

This song is perfect for both teenage love and angst. 

"Forever Yours" – Tammy Wynette 

The ache and pain in Tammy’s voice hurts deeply in my heart every time, in a very good way. 

"It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" – Kitty Wells 

I mean, is there more to say than just 'This is required listening'? 

"Strange" – Patsy Cline 

I love so many songs Patsy recorded, especially because she didn’t always play a country shuffle. This is a great example of a country clubhouse rumba, not very common in the country music canon.