Editor's blog
Who’s the best lyricist of all-time?
There’s little more satisfying in pop music than a really good couplet.
From Bob Dylan to Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash, history is littered with great songwriters whose words meant as much as their songs.You could argue that in recent times there’s been a dearth of decent songwriters. Perhaps, it’s the big theme vagueness handed down by the likes of U2.
Still, there are some current writers with a great turn of phrase including the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and Elbow’s Guy Garvey – both of whom bring a poetic bent to their songwriting.
But who are the best wordsmiths of all-time? We’ve whittled down our list to the 20 that we consider to be the most consistent.
Have a look and tell us if you agree?
Your comments
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Tracey from uk says:Jan 8, 12:48
The Specials
Are lyrics really important?Yes -
Stephen from Glasgow says:Jan 5, 17:07
When you talk lyricists you can't mention great ones without:
Pete Doherty - Libertines, Babyshambles and Solo alot of amazing songs
Chris Difford - Squeeze were awesome but was helped by Glen Tilbrook
Mike Skinner - Streets magician lost his way a bit but early material was genius
Lennon/McCartney - THE BEATLES enough Said
Ryan Adams - Awesome songwriter
There are so many more but yet again this is a case of a big company showing no real attempt at looking into a subject just creating something for a bit of fluffAre lyrics really important?Yes -
arl from somewhere says:Dec 22, 20:55
peter doherty , the best writer of songs this decade ,the last of the english roses.
Are lyrics really important?Yes -
pieboy from the world says:Dec 21, 19:54
it has to be Chris Difford from the squeeze .
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pieboy from the world says:Dec 21, 19:48
it has to be Chris Difford from the squeeze .
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