Best Lyricists?
 

I'm really interested in your opinions on who are the best lyricists are (not exclusively in classic rock, or english).

I'm not going to order my list, I don't really think you can do that when it comes to deciding greats..

My choices are; Tori Amos (shocking I'm sure), Lou Reed, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paul Westerberg, Conor Oberst, Paul Simon. Oh, and Jewel (sometimes).

I guess this is also a little self-serving, I tend to be more interested in the lyrics than the melody of a song, so I'm hoping to get some recommendations. :o

Stevie Nicks and Ludacris.

I love all the ones you guys listed, particularly Tori Amos, Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Conor Oberst, Jewel, Stevie (DUH), Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, NEIL FREAKIN' YOUNG and Neko Case.

Additions:
Ryan Adams (particularly his album Love is Hell if you want something more reflective and dark, but EVERYTHING he writes is beautiful. He is a great example of an artist who can balance extremely image driven and complex lyrics with many simple alt-country songs, too)


I'll add more to this when my iTunes is cooperating.

Elton John. Well, let's not misrepresent - Bernie Taupin wrote all (or most, anyway) the words for him and EJ would take like two minutes to throw down a melody.

Straying from classic rock... When I get in an emo-ish mood I always listen to Dashboard Confessional.
Loveeee the lyrics. I don't know much about the band, but I really like their lyrics.

Stevie Nicks, Steve Perry, Neal Schonn, Neal Pert, Mariah Carey, Dannie Dennis, Klaus Meine, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon and Bruce Springsteen. :angel:

Caught ya!

Yep! :lol:

I do feel pretty optimistic about it though, IF ya keep working at it. I love
trying to encourage you because i.m.o. you really do have real talent, not
to embarrass you or overdo it.

But I bet you haven't read that book by Dampier yet, or anything by Poul Anderson. :eek:

Well I'll pretend to not be embarassed and simply say that I am flattered-- thank you :) It is honestly really nice to hear.

Dampier? Anderson? Are these recommendations that I have forgotten?

In no particular order:

Lucinda Williams
Joni Mitchell
Neil Young
Leonard Cohen
Towens Van Zant
Nick Cave
Tom Waits
Stevie Nicks
Carole King
Emmylou Harris
Loretta Lynn
Dolly Parton
Michael Jackson
Prince
George Harrison
Lennon/ McCartney
Butler/Iommi
Waters/Gilmour

Nobody, in my opinion, will ever come close to Dylan. The words that he writes can create whole stories inside my head. No-one else can do that.

I found this thread a bit late and most of mine have been said (Jackson Browne especially) but I have to add Adam Duritz to this list. You knew I would, sorry! A fantastic lyricist, really does it for me.

Jewel...sometimes. Haha! I totally agree. I love lots of the tracks on Pieces of You but Spirit is a bit of a let down (save for FANTASTIC Down So Long). I think my favourite album of hers is This Way though, the one that nobody else seems to like! Do we dare speak of 0304?! Hmmmm.... As of yet I haven't got Goodbye Alice in Wonderland or Perfectly Clear. Would you recommend them? My God, her poetry is dreadful as well...

Personally my favourite is Tom Petty. I wouldn't call him the best lyricist ever mind you...

1. Christine McVie
2. Elvis Costello
3. David Bowie
4. Paul Weller
5. Joe Ely
6. Stevie Wonder
7. Warren Zevon
8. Junie Morrison
9. Jim Carroll
10. Rickie Lee Jones

Besides Stevie Nicks, Becker and Fagen, Neil Young, Robert Smith, George Harrison, David Bowie, oh yea I like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash. It's like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan have to be on the list cause they are so good!!!

Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry, Peter Gabriel for starters.