Top 10 Best Songwriters of the 21st Century




I think Sia is the best singer because her songs really have so much emotion connected to them. Her songs also helped me to push through depression, and my life really is so much brighter. Her voice may not be the smoothest, but there is nothing more beautiful than her occasional voice cracks in Elastic Heart and Bird Set Free. She is my role model for life.

Her dark themes, beautiful imagery, and endless references to music culture make her one of the best.

On the start of her career, she performed at an event called the Lollapalooza Festival during 2007 whereby a record label company Interscope found her due to her performance... read more

His lyrics are powerful and inventive in ways you wouldn't even think of. However, I was surprised to see him on this list, since he's not as well-known as the other artists, but it made me so happy. I'm not the only one who appreciates his insane talent! Half the artists on here only write parts of their songs, but Alex writes so much, with such quality... how is he not number one?
"Just 'cause we're having a say-so, not lining up to be playdough, in five years' time, will it be, 'Who the f***'s Arctic Monkeys?' " One of the best lyrics ever, so reflective and honest. PLEASE VOTE!


She has that 'wild' look and sound to her. Best singles: Domino, Party in the U.S.A. (which she sold to Miley), and Price Tag. She has others that I love and like.

Tyler has crafted a whole web of symbolism and metaphors in his music that he refers back to consistently. He's personified his internal struggles into an entity of its own.
He's by far the best lyricist I've come across to date. I cannot begin to describe the originality and cohesiveness of his art. His poetic lyrics are deeply profound and resonate significantly with fans, touching on mental health, faith, and more.
It's so nice to see truly beautiful and unique art that you can only pause to admire. A once-in-a-generation talent.
The Newcomers

Hard to Explain (Is This It album, 2001):
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train.
I'll try, but you see, it's hard to explain.
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way.
I like it right here, but I cannot stay.
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told.
Well, I am too young, and they are too old.
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo.
You're right, it's true.
Machu Picchu (from Angles album, 2011):
Blondes turn to grey.
Life in the shade.
A violent crime, and that's the USA.
Porn's on the rise.
Psychos in disguise.
I'm just trying to find a mountain I can climb.
Harry Styles said: "I heard some stuff recently from Julian Casablancas, and his solo stuff is amazing. If I could write with anyone, it would be him."

She is an underrated songwriter.
Affirmations gives you hope. I love the bridge in that song.

I love Taylor Swift. I can't believe that she is eleventh. She deserves 1st.
She has songs that can make you cry, laugh, and make you feel loved. She is so good at singing too. She has won more than a dozen Grammys and she is also a very good singer.
My favorite songs are Red, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Gorgeous, and Karma. She is so good.
To begin with, she has an entire album written by herself, without even co-writers ("Speak Now," by the way). She rhymed "cardigan" with "car again" and "oohhh aahhh" with "Cruel Summer." If that doesn't show her skills, I don't know what will.
She has written breakup songs, love songs, sad ones, dance songs - she created an entire fictional world with "folklore" and "evermore." And she doesn't write only for herself, but also for Rihanna ("This Is What You Came For") and others! Have you ever written a single, and also a hit under 10 minutes? Well, she did it, more than two times actually! Taylor Swift has won three Album of the Year awards at the Grammys and has a unique award: Artist of the Decade! She is the best songwriter we have nowadays and will be remembered forever!

He is (in my personal opinion) the best singer-songwriter of our generation. When he performs live, it's like he's in the studio. There is no magic involved - just Ed, his paw-print guitar, loop pedal, and heavenly voice.
Fame hasn't changed him in the slightest. He still sofa surfs, be that at his family's or friends' houses, or his own. Every lyric has meaning and isn't about sex, drugs, and rock and roll or bigging himself up. Even his album cover for X is simply that - an X. He doesn't need to brag about his fame, fortune, and celebrity status.
He is a role model to every teenager, young adult, and adult out there. I'm sorry if I'm blabbing. He even went to Afghanistan to do a private gig for the lads on tour (my brother was amongst the crowd). He is what we need in a generation of drugs, violence, and hate. Just to prove you can still be mellow and be loved. So much respect for this man.

What is wrong with everyone for not voting for one of the best, if not the greatest hip-hop artists of all time? His lyrics span from funny, inspirational to depressing.


Writes from her broken heart, and the genuine raw hurt and anguish in her songwriting is what makes her one of the most successful artists today. Everyone can relate to heartbreak, and Adele does it better than anyone today.
She is truly incomparable. I've seen many try to match her voice, but it is impossible. Best singles: They are all amazing, my personal favorites are Someone Like You and Chasing Pavements.
Without any doubt, she is one of the best singers there is nowadays, and her songwriting skills are marvelous as well. Being able to write Skyfall, winner of an Oscar, isn't an easy thing to do, especially under 30 minutes!



He left the band in 2009 to create The Young Veins along with bassist Jon Walker.
Ryan had been the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco, but then Brendon Urie came as a temporary guitarist... read more


He has written so many songs that have lyrical meaning. Sure, many people can create a catchy tune that rhymes, but not many can create a catchy tune that rhymes and really has meaning. He's written hits for Beyonce, Adele, Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, OneRepublic, and many more. He's a genius.
Multi-dimensional songwriting. Just think about the lyrics and music of "Counting Stars."
Genius behind so many hits we hear today.




His songs are still the best I've ever heard, and he is one amazing guy.
