Best lyrics songwriter

[bombaysaffires]

but the question was the lyrics alone, not combined with their accompanying music.

In that regard, Chris's lyrics can be somewhat "moon-spoon-June" and a certain degree of formula (btw, she knows this and has talked about it in interviews). She tells the same story on most songs, with just slight narrative variations. Her lyrics can be a bit trite, but saved by some good music.

Stevie's lyrics reflect far more those of a storyteller. Her music on the other hand is the same two notes over and over. Her (best) songs are lyrically complex, with really monotonous music (punched up by Lindsey as producer and by all the others as players... eg, Dreams.)

So lyrics alone-- Stevie. (This has changed over time, as has been already noted by others... her lyrics have not been as good or original in later years).