Editor's blog
created Nov 2 2009, 14:58Who’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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rab from belfast says:Nov 20, 14:30
2pac 4 life
Are lyrics really important?Yes -
libertine from boston,lincs says:Nov 20, 09:45
nobody even tries to see past all the media surrounding him & his problems,but if you see past that and listen to his lyrics,pete doherty is a very talented songsmith!
Are lyrics really important?Yes -
jonah from portsmouth says:Nov 19, 20:16
It seems that the younger generation have never heard of
Cole Porter( I've got you under my skin)
Hoagy Carmichael(Stardust)
David Gates(Bread) (If)
All the best songs were written long before most of you were born. -
trent fan from lancs says:Nov 19, 18:10
trent reznor-no one writes lyrics like he does.
Are lyrics really important?Yes -
george from sompting says:Nov 19, 17:31
i cant believe no ones mentioned bernie taupin (writes the lyrics for elton john)
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