Best Composers and Lyricists in Rock History

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We continue with our list of the best Composers and Lyricists in the History of Rock (in English).

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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.

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Best Composers and Lyricists in Rock History

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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

 

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