Songwriters are underrated most of the time. Unless you are a singer-songwriter or a performer, the chance of getting your name in the limelight is very slim. To be one of the best songwriters in the world, you need hits and lots of them. You need the right connections from musicians to agents and public relations officers. But, ever so often, there are some worthy players that get through the cracks. Here are five songwriters that deserve the spot among the top.
1. Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan has graced us with over 40 years of wonderful music. He started as a folk singer-songwriter and wrote lyrics that are powerful and enigmatic often incorporating political, social, philosophical and poetic influences. He is so versatile that he can experiment different genre from folk to pop, rock and roll and jazz and still come up with a hit. The music that he released resonated with a lot of people and they identify with every word of his lyrics. His music was used in civil rights movements and protests. Songs such as Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (1973), Forever Young (1974), A Hard Rain’s a Gonna Fall (1963) are still remembered and revived to this day.
2. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a remarkable lyricist and musician who has been in Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Greatest Songwriters Ever for many years. Her distinct sound is a mix of folk, pop, rock, and jazz and oftentimes inspired by her social and environmental pursuits. Her hands-on approach to her music is reflected by her expertise in guitar, piano, and other instruments as well as designing her album covers. She puts her heart and soul into her music which is one of the reasons why people can relate to her songs easily. Some of her top creations are Woodstock (1970), Both Sides Now (1969), Big Yellow Taxi (1970) and many others.
3. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is a talented musician and songwriter best known for his rock music or at least that’s how the younger generation remembers it. But before that, Springsteen has explored the different genre of music such as folk, blues, country and even jazz. Songs like Dancing in the Dark (1984), Born to Run (1975) and Hungry Heart (1980) are still played to this day. He is and continues to be an inspiration to so many musicians nowadays who are looking to get their shot in the music industry.
4. Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards is not your typical singer-songwriter. He credited his success for his most famous single Sunshine (1971) not from a profound social experience or a grand political theme. In fact, in an interview with Jonathan Edwards musician journey, he talked about how much his family upbringing has influenced his love for creating music and expressing his feeling through lyrics. Until this day, he continues to perform by doing tours, musical sessions, and live concerts.
5. Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney is one of the famous members of The Beatles which rose to fame in the 1960s. All the members of the band are talented but Paul McCartney is notable very good at music composition. He often writes with John Lennon and some of his incredible creations include Yesterday (1965), Let It Be (1970), Yellow Submarine (1966), Hey Jude (1968) and many more. From 1960-1970, The Beatles were a global phenomenon and practically everyone is singing one of their songs.