Poll: Who Is the Greatest Rock Lyricist of All-Time?
As the second decade of the 3rd millennium nears its end and I start thinking about what inevitable listicles to pitch, my mind took a sharp detour as to how the best rock songs manage to endure over time better than any other genre. Or that least that’s what I’d like to try to argue.
Not to name names, but yes there have obviously been offenders who you can accuse in hypothetical music court of stretching the boundaries an instrument like the guitar can be pushed beyond its four basic chords. The sounds have evolved in rock’s 70 give-or-take year history, but what makes a song truly timeless are the WORDS put to it, the ones that are able to transport listeners back and/or make them feel an artist is speaking directly to THEM.
With this all said A Journal of Musical Things would like to ask a simple yet potential can of worms question – Who is the greatest rock lyricist of all-time?
I am ideally looking for individuals, but will accept band names in the cases where multiple songwriters contributed to a single rock entity. Vote by commenting below, tweeting @alancross, me @ROCKthuiast (email works too), or hitting up Mr.Cross’ Facebook page. Not too much spam, please. Hoping to generate almost as enthusiastic a response as the Greatest Frontperson in Rock poll got last year. Will the winner be as clear cut as Freddie Mercury was? Only one way to find out…
Robert Plant
Jim Stienman has to be considered to be on this list. Too many epic hits to ignore!
Elvis Costello
Gord Downie-greatest lyricist ever
No contest. The poll is over.
The first name that comes to mind is Dylan…but I’d put Bryan Ferry and David Bowie up there as well. Yeah lets go with Bowie!
Best rock lyricist I think would have to be Steven Tyler of Aerosmith
It has to be Lennon/McCartney.
You should change this to the greatest rock lyricist who is NOT Bob Dylan or a Beatle. It’s hard to beat Bob at this game or Lennon/McCartney (solo or together) but I’ll nominate a different Bob – Mr. Marley. He brought reggae to the world and made musical statements that are still relevant today.
Morrissey…period
I think it has to be either James Mercer or Andy Partridge
Yes to both of those!! Two huge influences for me.
David Bowie…no contest in my opinion. His musical style evolved and changed over his 50+ year career and it may not always have appealed to even his most ardent fans but his lyrics were always intelligent and thought provoking. He also perhaps saved some of his best work to the last album. Blackstar is brilliant and compelling given what he was dealing with when he wrote it.
It will be the immortal Bob Dylan. But if he’s not included, I’ll be voting for below.
1. Pink Floyd
2. Carole King
3. Nick Drake
Throw in a vote for Neil Young.
Eddie Vedder
Frank Zappa
Absolutely hands down Bon Scott!!!
Too many to choose from, but haven’t yet seen Bruce Springsteen mentioned…
Roger Waters
Eddie Spaghetti from the Supersuckers
Gord Downie, hands downie.
Nick Cave
Gordon Lightfoot
If you’re strictly talking “rock” lyricist, one can’t overlook Bon Scott. “She ain’t exactly pretty / Ain’t exactly small / 42, 39, 56 / You could say she’s got it all!”….Yup, the man could spin a bangin’ yarn alright!
Jagger/Richards
Gord Downie
Morrissey
Patti Smith
Springsteen……Shane MacGowan number 2
Neil Peart
I don’t know why it’s so hard to name just one… watch me.
Jim Morrison
Robert Plant
Gord Downey
Dang
Pete Townshend. QUADROPHENIA. ‘Nuff said.
Some great names of course already, but I have to throw in a vote for Elliott Smith.
Plant and Page. Rush. Hall and Oats.