Top 10 Rock Bands with the Best Lyrics
Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters (Vocals and Bass), and Richard Wright (Vocals and Keyboard). Barrett was replaced by Gilmour in 1968. ...read more. Their albums are nothing like I've heard before. While there are better songs out there musically, the lyrics are unmatched with this band. The albums are like well thought out and vivid images being portrayed through music. It's pure genius. Whether the albums/songs being about the former Syd Barrett, war, etc. I heard the album The Final Cut recently and it completely blew me away. The stuff they write are genius. Definitely number 1!
I vote Pink Floyd for a better world. Wake up you people. Read the animals, read the wall, read the wish you here, read all. Read and then listen what you read because all you see and you feel in the end is dark.
All masterpieces. Recently I started to listen to The Final Cut, man I'm telling you, you will forget everything after listening to this album. The whole album is based on war. Lyrically very sound album.
I grew up at the end of the era where teachers would physically hit children. Brick in the Wall was our anthem. The abuse we received at the hands of teachers was something I hope no child experiences.
Linkin Park is an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The members currently include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ) and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park are associated with a mixture of Alternative Rock, Hip Hop and Techno. Some of their influences include Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, The Roots and Aphex Twin. ...read more. Their lyrics have Always a beautiful meaning... you can dislike their sound, but if you read the lyrics I'm sure you would fall in love with them!
Who said that "LP's good albums are only about getting pissed off at their parents" is an ignorant who speaks without knowing! Before speaking you must be informed and know their past!
Definitely cast my vote for these guys. All of their songs have meanings that most people can relate to. I especially prefer their song Iridescent which tells us not to get occupied by sadness and frustration, just let it go and live on in life.
"But all the vacancy the words revelealed, is the only real thing what I've got left to feel" (Somewhere I Belong).
"Even though the words sound steady, something empty's within em" (Waitinf For The End).
"I tried so hard and got so far. But in the end, it dosn't even matter" (In The End).
INCREDIBLE!
Just take a look at "somewhere I belong" lyrics... it's like you're reading philosophy of life! Also "in the End" or "What I've done" they're appropriate for this position! The best!
Rise Against is an American hardcore punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Brandon Barnes. They are known for popularizing punk. Some of their most well-known songs are Savior, Prayer For the Refugee, Satelite, Give It All, Swing Life Away, Help Is on The Way, and Make It Stop (September's Children). I personally can't stand punk for the most part. But rise against is an exception. While the instrumental aspect of their music is rather simplistic the lyrical content is nothing less than pure genius. The only other artist out there that I can think can possibly compare would be eminem, a product of another genre I'm no particular find of
Their lyrics are so deep, bands as Green Day and Linkin Park would drown in them... No seriously, Tim McIlrath is a punk poet and in combination with his band's mighty sound a force to be reckoned with
Rise against's lyrics are so beautiful and well constructed. It's powerful and thought provoking, yet poetic. Just give them a listen and you'll understand.
All of their songs are pure poetry. Everything about them is standing up for what you believe in and that's all they do. Should be #1.
The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later ...read more. Youe don't have to be an expert to judge this legendary band by their lyrics. Well, in their early days, they usually sang about love between a boy and a girl. In their last days, the sang about love between people with different opinions. Just "A Day in the Life" is a masterpiece, because of John's lyrics, for example: "I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who made the grade." And I'm not even mentioning "The Long And The Winding Road", which is a brilliant song as for the lyrics, for the music, too.
Let It Be, In My Life, Blackbird, All You Need Is Love, Revolution, Back In The USSR, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Paperback Writer, Eleanor Rigby, Fool On The Hill, I am The Walrus, A Day In The Life, Across The Universe, Tomorrow Never Knows, Golden Slumbers, Hey Jude, Taxman, Fixing A Hole, She's Leaving Home, For No One, Penny Lane, Within You And Without You, Mother Nature's Son, Strawberry Fields Forever, Girl, Here Comes The Sun, Getting Better, Help!, Rocky Raccoon, Dear Prudence, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, Yesterday, The Long And Winding Road, Something, I've Got A Feeling, Cry Baby Cry, You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds... Need I continue? The Beatles are number 1.
All the Beatles members are very good with lyrics, especially John Lennon and (sometimes) Paul McCartney.
Lennon and McCartney are both top 10 lyricsts. Just to mention Across the Universe and For No One.
Red is an American christian alternative rock/alternative metal band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2002 by brothers guitarist Anthony Armstrong and bassist Randy Armstrong, with lead vocalist Michael Barnes. I love t his song, it always states my feelings.
Red's lyrics are like Poetry!
Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal/rock band formed in 1998. The bands members all changed in the time between 2010 to 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (Vocals). The Ex-Members included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Aaron Fink (Guitar) and Mark Klepaspi (Bass). ...read more. Best thing about their lyrics is that there are always multiple ways to perceive it! You think they are singing about a girl, but they are singing to your soul and once you notice that, it's hard to not like Breaking benjamin
Their lyrics get so meaningful that they get all emotional when they play some of their songs.
Their lyrics are really amazing and meaningful... Such as Dear Agony song.
I originally got into BB for their lyrics. They can really pack a punch sometimes.
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States. YESS. Oh I'm so happy to see them high on this List, they definitely deserve it, they're one of the Greatest Artists out there with complex Hard Rock Music and very meaningful and positive to the the point that this is one of those bands who have saved a lot of people out of depression. LOVE THEM
Good lyrics, shouldn't be ahead of red hot chili peppers though.
Not a bad place. Maybe could be a little higher, but not bad.
One of the best songs
Green Day are an American pop punk/punk rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1987. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar). Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative rock. Some of their influences include The Ramones, Sex Pistols, NOFX, and Bad Religion. They are best known for their songs like ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Basket Case’ and their ‘American Idiot’ & ‘Dookie’ albums. American Idiot sold 6 million copies in the U.S. and won a Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album". Green Day have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have won 5 Grammy Awards. They ...read more. Green Day should at least be in the top three, if not, number 1.
Their songs have are so meaningful.
Just Listen to 'Jesus of Suburbia', 'Holiday', '21 Guns', 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' and 'Wake Me Up When September Ends'.
I don't understand why on earth Linkin Park is 1#! It's obvious that GD must be 1#! M/
Metallica is an American Heavy/Thrash Metal band formed in 1981 . The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman". ...read more. The lyrics are far from straightforward and annoyingly repetitive. Just listen to Nothing Else Matters. Or even Fade to Black. Beautiful lyrics, great lyrics, awesome lyrics.
Who said Metallica doesn't deserve to be on the list? ARE you insane? What about nothing else matters, fade to black, unforgiven, sad but true?
Enter Sandman, One, Nothing Else Matters, and even Until It Sleeps represent Metallica's excellent lyricism.
They definitely have their own style that works with the music, BUT the lyrics aren't GREAT like some of these other artists
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. The classic lineup, as signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. Apart from hard rock they are also ...read more. Lyrics on Appetite for Destruction may revolve around "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll", and they are very efficient in doing so. But Illusions and Chinese Democracy have very profound and interesting lyrics. Axl has really matured as a lyricist and songwriter, and got better as a person through the years.
Strong lyrics would imply multiple interpretations for the same song. Gn'R is able to achieve that with their interesting lyrics and also beautiful chorus that goes with their songs.
Sweet child o mine, November rain, don't cry, Paradise city, and more.
Alter Bridge is an American hard rock/alternative metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips.
Adema is a nu metal band from Bakersfield, California. The band formed in 2000 with members lead vocalist Mark Chavez, vocalist/guitarist Tim Fluckey, guitarist Mike Ransom, bassist Dave DeRoo, and drummer Kris Kohls.
Anberlin was an American rock band formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 1998. Since the beginning of 2007, the band consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocal, lead guitar, piano, keyboard), Dom Howard (drums, percussion) and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They've won several awards including 5 MTV Awards, 8 NME Awards, 2 ...read more. "Life will flash before my eyes
So scattered and lost
I want to touch the other side
And no one thinks they are to blame
Why can't we see
That when we bleed we bleed the same"
The music and lyrics just blend so flawlessly. This band is fabulous!
Love is our resistance
Tool is an American alternative metal/progressive metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more. Tool offers the deepest lyrics of any band in my opinion, it offers lyrics that delve into so many different subjects. The diversity between their songs in terms of the lyrics is asstonishing, listen to H. and then listen to Vicarious, there is just such a difference. Tool easily belongs in the top 3, the only reason it's not there is because not many people have listened to Tool. If you haven't listen to them I highly recommend you do.
Of all the other names on this list, Pink Floyd is the only band whos lyrics even come close to hosting the same amount of depth, intelligence and insightfulness. Before discovering tool, I was a huge Rush fan, and I was absolutely blown away by what I read when I researched the lyrics to one of their songs. Literally pick any one, read the lyrics, then come back to this list and try and convince yourself that the 26 bands listed above have higher quality in lyrical content
How this band is at 27th is beyond me, for their lyrics are far beyond any of these hypothetical competitors. Not much needs to be said besides go and listen for yourself, and if you absolutely hate metal, just look up the lyrics to almost any one of their songs and the depth and complexity of the lyrics will be far more advanced than any other songs you could name. Even RUSH songs pale in comparison
Tool has the best lyrics I have ever heard. The reason why it is so low is because whoever is voting for the other bands have not heard a single tool songs. "I will choke until I swallow. Choke this infant here before me. What is this but my reflection? Who am I to judge or strike you down... Rest your trigger on my finger. Bang my head upon the fault line." Genius!
Disturbed is an American alternative metal/nu-metal/heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken" . I got into this band bcos the boy I've had a crush on for like 8 months has them on his Facebook likes and I listened to them and I cried.. a lot
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Michael Thomas (drums) and Jamie Mathias (bass guitar). Former members include Nick Crandle and Jason James; ...read more.
Coldplay are a British pop rock band formed in 1996. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocalist and pianist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer and backing vocalist). Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed ...read more. They have some of the best lyrics ever!
For example:
"And I could write a song a hundred miles long, well that's where I belong, and you belong with me." (Swallowed in the Sea)
The have very power lyrics. Should be much higher on this list.
The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and ...read more.
Brand New was an American rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 2000, the band consisted of Jesse Lacey, Vincent Accardi, Garrett Tierney, and Brian Lane; they were joined by Benjamin Homola for their live performances. There is no way in HELL that Linkin Park has better lyrics than Brand New. I like LP as well, but BN has amazingly deep and introspective lyrics, as do many other bands on this list below LP. What a shame smh...
The only band that rivals brand new is modest mouse lyrically.
Brand new is amazing
I wish suddenly brand new gained a crap ton of popularity and every one loved them
Alice in Chains is an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.
Thirty Seconds to Mars (commonly stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto.
Pearl Jam is a grunge/alternative rock Band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band had comprised of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament.
Pearl Jam are most famous for their hit singles "Even Flow", "Black", and "Jeremy" which all appear on their debut album, "Ten", named after the basketball player Mookie Blaylock's jersey number, #10. Their is a Pearl Jam song for everyone and all of their songs have truly amazing lyrics.
"I know I was born I know that I'll die the I between is mine."
"I know someday you'll have a beautiful life under somebody else sky but why can't it be mine."
If once I could feel loved, oh stare back at me."
"All the advantages this life's got on me picture a cup in the middle of the sea."
Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (Vocal), Jimmy Page (Guitar), John Paul Jones (Bass, Keyboard) and John Bonham (Drums) and was very much the child of Jimmy Page who even financed their first tour. He had tasted some previous success with The [original] Yardbirds and was friendly with some big names in rock. Page states it was Keith Moon of The Who that claimed the band could only go down, like a lead balloon -- thus prompting the iconic name of Led Zeppelin. The band's heavy, guitar-driven sound, rooted in blues and psychedelia on their early albums, has earned them recognition as one of the progenitors ...read more. Well to be true in my opinion Except for some songs like stairway to Heaven their lyrics are not good. They use the word baby like in so many songs and those songs end with no proper meaning. It seems as if some forlorn teenager is writing those lyrics and someone is just screaming them. That's just ans opinion so, don't start with fan of they are greatest they are revolution. Just because they were popular doesn't mean they will be liked by everyone. And just because they produced a few good songs doesn't mean all of their songs shoukd be called gold. Get over with bind fan stuff. Enjoy music don't claim it or get annoyed with criticism.
Some stupids think that Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" has a subliminal diabolic message... they are jealous of the song because they realized that the lyrics of the song are just great and amazing... they wanted to hide these awesome lyrics with a supposed "message"
Led Zeppelin is a perfect band, these four guys are great in their work!
I think Led Zeppelin has really great lyrics, and if you don't think so... you like commercial music like hip hop and pop!
Led Zeppelin is my favourite band of all time, and I think they are the best thing that ever has happened to music. but, I gotta admit-they're lyrics was 60% about sex, 30% about vikings and mythology/lord of the rings, and 10% songs with great lyrics, like stairway to heaven, since I've been loving you, and Gallows pole. And that 10% isn't enough for them to be in the top 10.
Kashmir and stairway to heaven, up to the mark. I can't even think this list is complete without Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Lyrics must be match with the music. And this band is maestro for this quality. Its right now on 8th because its not easy to digest this band too easily.. :D
Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band. ...read more. "My heart is broke, but I have some glue.
Help me inhale and mend it with you,
we'll float around, and hang out on clouds,
then we'll come down... have a hangover... "
His lyrics were, all at once - soft, heartbreaking, angstful and bitter. The sarcastic pop-tone of Cobain's lyrics shouldn't be overlooked. Sarcasam is hard to get across sucessfully in lyrics.
A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido
?
Love the songs and the band, but best lyrics?
You the hell puts Metallica on this list? I guess they're great lyrics when you're 13.
I'm so ugly, that's okay, 'because so are you.
Come on! Can anything top this?