Best modern day music lyricist

Lala

Lala

Well-known member
Gotta be Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys, for me

Without permission / His face became wet / He thought that he learned / How to not get upset”

As an example, but there are many more great epiphany moments that can be found in his lyrics. In my opinion he’s a bit of a dick sometimes, but a modern day lyrical genius with an acute awareness of how to reinvent himself and his music.

Yours ?
 
Jamie T is under rated.

Tough little big man
Friends with your daughters
Only 'cause they drive him
To pick up all his quarters
Crawler, lager lout brawlers
Fall on the floor think they're free
But they ain't near the border

My favourite will always be Jarvis though.

The trouble with your brother
He's always sleeping
With your mother
 
Lala said:
Gotta be Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys, for me

Without permission / His face became wet / He thought that he learned / How to not get upset”

As an example, but there are many more great epiphany moments that can be found in his lyrics. In my opinion he’s a bit of a dick sometimes, but a modern day lyrical genius with an acute awareness of how to reinvent himself and his music.

Yours ?
Click to expand...
All my family are big fans of them.
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
Jamie T is under rated.

Tough little big man
Friends with your daughters
Only 'cause they drive him
To pick up all his quarters
Crawler, lager lout brawlers
Fall on the floor think they're free
But they ain't near the border

My favourite will always be Jarvis though.

The trouble with your brother
He's always sleeping
With your mother
Click to expand...
That’s a whole lotta trouble 🤣
 
Depends what modern day is... I'd say Michael Stipe. But if we're talking more recently, Gerry Cinnamon. His lyrics are simple compared to stipes but they are just as powerful and hit the right tone for me.
 
GTFsTwinBrother said:
Depends what modern day is... I'd say Michael Stipe. But if we're talking more recently, Gerry Cinnamon. His lyrics are simple compared to stipes but they are just as powerful and hit the right tone for me.
Click to expand...
What makes a good lyricist for you ?

Or any of you guys? An epiphany moment, a cracking analogy of a heartbreaking verse, as examples ? Or random nonsense?
 
Adam Duritz, Counting Crows.
Brilliant lyricist.
From Round Here:

Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog
where no one notices the contrast of white on white
And inbetween the moon and you, the angels get a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right."

Well worth a listen.
 
Now, when I talked to God, I knew he'd understand
He said, "Stick by me and I'll be your guiding hand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to”
 
Lala said:
What makes a good lyricist for you ?

Or any of you guys? An epiphany moment, a cracking analogy of a heartbreaking verse, as examples ? Or random nonsense?
Click to expand...
For me... it either has to be subtle and layered and really make you think or lyrics have to be obvious and powerful. I think that's where I find the most enjoyment from a lyricist.

Average lyrics don't stop me enjoying a song though.

For me music is mostly about the memories it sparks and lyrics play the biggest part of that... which is why I tend to not listen to certain songs/ artists other wise I end up getting down.
 
Goldfinger said:
Adam Duritz, Counting Crows.
Brilliant lyricist.
From Round Here:

Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog
where no one notices the contrast of white on white
And inbetween the moon and you, the angels get a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right."

Well worth a listen.
Click to expand...
Some of my earliest favourite lyrics. Those lines you picked out in particular have really stuck with me.
 
GTFsTwinBrother said:
For me... it either has to be subtle and layered and really make you think or lyrics have to be obvious and powerful. I think that's where I find the most enjoyment from a lyricist.

Average lyrics don't stop me enjoying a song though.

For me music is mostly about the memories it sparks and lyrics play the biggest part of that... which is why I tend to not listen to certain songs/ artists other wise I end up getting down.
Click to expand...
Are you C/C fan GTF?
Washington Square is superb, as is murder of one.

Edit, add Goodnight Elisabeth.....
 
Last edited:
Goldfinger said:
Are you C/C fan GTF?
Washington Square is superb, as is murder of one.

Edit, add Goodnight Elisabeth.....
Click to expand...
I only ever listened to August and everything after tbh. Big fan of that album, dunno why I've never checked out more of the C/C. I'll give your suggestions a listen tonight after the game 👏
 
Sting is an excellent lyricist

His song 'Russians' is a good example, and sadly its as relevant as ever.

In Europe and America there's a growing feeling of hysteria
Conditioned to respond to all the threats
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
Mister Krushchev said, "We will bury you"
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It'd be such an ignorant thing to do
If the Russians love their children too
How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy?
There is no monopoly on common sense
On either side of the political fence
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too
There is no historical precedent
To put the words in the mouth of the president?
There's no such thing as a winnable war
It's a lie we don't believe anymore
Mister Reagan says, "We will protect you"
I don't subscribe to this point of view
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
But what might save us, me and you
Is if the Russians love their children too
 
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