The Cavern
Rock & Words

Best Composers and Lyricists in Rock History
We continue with our list of the best Composers and Lyricists in the History of Rock (in English).
We consider their lyrical power, their message, their political or personal impact, their poetic force, their ability to generate opinion or controversy, the depth of their lyrics, their capacity to move people, their creativity... Ultimately, the music is the container, but the lyrics are what truly move masses and can even change the world.
Best Composers and Lyricists in Rock History
1 Bob Dylan
2 John Lennon (The Beatles, Solo)
3 Bob Marley (the Wailers)
4 Bruce Springsteen
5 Roger Waters (Pink Floyd, Solo)
6 Peter Gabriel (Genesis, Solo)
7 Thom Yorke (Radiohead, Solo)
8 David Bowie
9 Win Buttler (Arcade Fire)
10 Jim Morrison (The Doors)
11 Lou Reed (Velvet Underground, Solo)
12 Neil Young (CSN&Y, Solo)
13 Pete Townshend (The Who)
14 Leonard Cohen
15 Paul Simon (Simon & Garfunkel, Solo)
16 Tom Waits
17 John Fogerty (Creedence)
18 Cat Stevens
19 Ray Davies (The Kinks)
20 Jeff Buckley
21 George Harrison (The Beatles, Solo)
22 Morrissey (The Smiths, Solo)
23 Bono (U2)
24 Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
25 Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd)
26 Robert Smith (The Cure)
27 Zack De La Rocha (Rage Against The Machine)
28 Joni Mitchell
29 Joe Strummer (The Clash)
30 Frank Zappa
31 Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam, Solo)
32 Ian Curtis (Joy Division)
33 Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
34 Stephen Stills (CSNY)
35 Justin Hayward (Moody Blues)
36 Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains)
37 Beck
38 Sting (The Police)
39 Maynard James Keenan (Tool)
40 Tom Petty (The Heartbreakers)
41 Chris Cornell (Soundgarden)
42 Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)
43 Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)
44 Billy Joel
45 Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)
46 John Lodge (Moody Blues)
47 Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
48 Tori Amos
49 Damon Albarn (Blur)
50 Elvis Costello
51 David Byrne (Talking Heads)
52 Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel, Solo)
53 Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys)
54 Paul McCartney (Beatles, Solo)
Por Corvan
02/Feb/2012