Great music transcends society, culture, and even time. Generation after generation has seen the power that lyrics hold, be it an inspiring anthem for youths to fight the power or a timeless song on heartbreak. Even though fads shift and different age groups have varied tastes, there is a magnanimous appeal to songwriters of their time. One need only look at the power of The Beatles in their prime, and the influence of new artists like Billie Eilish redefining the music scene.
When it comes to creating songs, there are a number of artists who stand out from the barrage of entertainers because they write their own music. Here are some of the great writers of our time:
Bob Dylan
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees with Bob Dylan’s place as one of the greatest writers of all time, with numerous artists attempting to capture the essence of his style. The very first songwriter to win a Nobel Prize for Literature, Bob Dylan has created hits in more genres than some even find minor success in. Having a wide selection spanning folk, rock, and pop, his catalogue is a treasure trove for any music lover and aspiring writer. Despite all that, Gala Bingo’s ‘10 Top Entertainment Facts’ post, points out that Dylan never actually managed to get a number one hit on the Billboard charts. But history has proven his impact beyond those numbers.
Paul Simon
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Though one might associate him solely with Simon and Garfunkel hits like The Sound of Silence, Paul Simon’s solo entries are often credited for being a pioneer of the world music genre, according to the Observer. Masterfully integrating Western pop with traditional folk and ethnic styles, he changed the game again as he became known as one of the most respected figures in American rock music.
Long into his six-decade long career, few modern artists can boast the same lyricism that Simon has shown in all his music.
Joni Mitchell
Another member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Joni Mitchell is an icon and pioneer for female songwriters in the mainstream. Her songs never shy away from vulnerability and darker shades of emotion, all wrapped in beautiful prose. The power of her songwriting isn’t even limited to her own collection of song releases, as she is responsible for hits that became staples in the repertoire of other famous artists like Judy Collins. Even Prince was so magnetized by Joni Mitchell that she influenced his music.
Even in today’s folk music, you can see Mitchell-esque writing styles taking the stage.
Paul McCartney
Creator of some of the most iconic songs in music history, McCartney helped redefine popular music. While he wrote many songs with John Lennon, he is also responsible for some of The Beatle’s most famous tunes. Arguably his most iconic is Let It Be, which was inspired by a dream of his dead mother. Other notable hits that have crossed generations are Hey Jude and Yesterday. No matter where you are in the world you will find the music of Paul McCartney
Taylor Swift
Mostly known as a country-turned-pop singer, Taylor Swift’s music is always rooted in her lyrics. Swift may be the youngest on this list, but she has a 16-year career under her belt and carries on the tradition of self-written compositions in the mainstream. At a time where few artists are writing their own music, she stands out with emotive writing that can be either simple or deeply woven in story-telling. She even displayed more of her writing ability in her foray into folk music and pop-rock.
From older hits like Red and Out of the Woods to recent songs like Invisible String and The Man, Taylor Swift tells resonant tales with references that often get used in other subsequent releases.
Their power with the pen continues to influence other artists after them, and the masses who gladly take in their greatest works and carry it to legendary status.