Who Are The Best Female Lyricists?

By Emily Mackay

Posted on 21/10/09 at 03:42:05 pm

Well, our blog about the best lyricists around today certainly generated a bit of a kerfuffle.

Yet, in all the comments, there was a noticeable lack of female wordsmiths. Hardly a surprise: most lists of these sort, whether it's best guitarists, best albums, best gigs, live acts, whatever, tend to have a male bias. Only a few of our commenters singled out worthy women candidates, not least the fantastically erudite Joanna Newsom and the wise and austere Laura Marling.

And moreover, the conventional image of a rock poet does tend to be male, white, sensitive. There's no point getting on too much of a feminist high horse about it (though I do love my feminist high horse) - taste is taste. But let's have a bit of affirmative action and single out some great female lyricists.

Bjork
From the skew-viewed, idiosyncratic exuberance of early days with The Sugarcubes and Debut to the more subtle turns of later years, Bjork has always had a knack for dreaming up strange dramatic conceits, illuminated by her unique personality. There's the exploration of emotions as if they were they behaviour of a strange species on 'Human Behaviour', the strange tableau of a woman throwing small objects off a cliff to satisfy her destructive urges and allow her to be contented with her lover on 'Hyperballad', the charming take on family inheritances on 'Heirloom' ("I have a recurrent dream/Every time I lose my voice/
I swallow little glowing lights/my mother and son baked for me".

continued...

Kate Bush
Definitely one of the most idiosyncratic and creative lyricists of a generation, Kate ran the gamut from intriguing to outright weird. Staking her claim to literary greatness from her first single, a reimagining of Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights'. Later, she also based 'Cloudbusting' on Peter Reich's 'A Book Of Dreams', a memoir of his father, the psychologist Wilhelm Reich. Her own inventions were no less remarkable, though, from 'Breathing''s chilling imaginings of the aftermath of a nuclear bomb, to 'There Goes A Tenner''s bizarre crime capers.

PJ Harvey
Few artists manage to create a world so totally their own as Harvey's world of dark obsessions, southern preacher men, roads, guns, bibles and murder. Well, yes, apart from Nick Cave. You have to go some to beat the delightful dumbness of '50ft Queenie' and the unabashed ferocity of her recent collaboration with John Parish, 'A Woman A Man Walked By' showed she's still got it.

MIA
Not only one of the funniest, filthiest and wittiest word-woman of recent years, but also one of the most interesting political voices we've heard in a long time.

Patti Smith
The original punk poetess, her heroes were mostly all writers rather than musicians. Her classic album 'Horses', and her recent long musical poem 'The Coral Sea' are both masterclasses in the potential of setting words to music.

And then there's Kristin Hersh, Tori Amos (early period, mind), Kim Deal, Kim Gordon, Missy Elliott, Beth Gibbons, Justine Frischmann, yada yada... who are your favourites?

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Sam Tatt [Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 18:55

What no love for Karen O? Love the lyrics to go with that voice

disney! [Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 19:35

myley cyrus

Ben [Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 20:38

Patti Smith. 'Kimberley' is beautiful.

Toni Wal [Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 20:48

Laura Marling is good

SCRIBER [Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 21:55

You've gotta give Laura Marling a post on the podium And Tracy Chapman, 'cos...why not

[Visitor] //October 21 2009 at 23:02

Santogold/Santigold defo a brilliant lyricist!

Respektor [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 00:05

WHAT ABOUT REGINA SPEKTOR?

[Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 01:14

Bjork, Kate Bush, Pj Harvey, MIA and Patti Smith have a few good songs but are very 'look how quirky and original i am- I'm wearing odd clothes- Is this next song going to be accapella? No it has a child screaming in the background' Generally I like quite a few female led bands, but I guess not many women have the same kind of interest in rock music to persue it.

JDS [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 01:28

Emmy The Great and Emily Haines are two of my favourites.

courtney love cobain [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 06:22

UMMM CONOR FUCK YOU! other than Patti can i just say this ghettosied Bullshit is GROSS im simply about to go sing something trivial and my usual banal crap where you know, is say FUCK ALL as usual, and listening to imho my only true competitor for this crown COHEN. who should always be 1 Cave 2 Patti 3 Me 4. that is the world order! Know it!

courtney love cobain [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 06:23

go edit your paramore cover guys!

Caity [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 07:12

Courtney Love- amazing lyricist. She can put words together and everything just clicks, her imagery is awesome and Brody Dalle has got talent and it especially shows on Spinnerette, as well as Shirley Manson has got some great lyrics aswell.

James [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 10:57

Isobel Campell - The 2 albums she's recorded with Mark Lanegan are 2 of my favourite records

[Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 11:19

Joanna Newsom!

Paul [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 11:30

A pretty ill thought out article as one great name is missing - Tori Amos. The list of important subject matter would be too long to go into on here but Tori is a genuis lyricist.

[Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 11:44

Fuck Karen O

John R [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 11:57

Marissa Nadler.

[Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 12:02

siouxsie sioux is the best in my opinion

Des Ray [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 13:18

Sureley Des'ree is the finest female lyricist of all time? She's still around somewhere. 'Life, oh life, oh liiiiife, oh life, do do do do do.' Sublime.

Alex [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 15:19

Definately agree that Laura Marling and PJ Harvey are great lyricists, although I'd probably add Winehouse and Speech Debelle?

OMTWF [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 15:30

Agree with respektor. Regina is Awesome.

DDDDDDDDDDave [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 16:53

I'm going for Karen O as my favourite

Callum [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 17:02

Lady Gaga?

James Brilley [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 17:05

justinne frinchmann

Molly Murray [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 18:41

florence and the machine. laura marling is amazing no doubt, MIA has some smart lyrics and Bjork's writing is brilliant.

Malcolm [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 19:34

What about Martha Wainwright? Such a sweet voice yet such a sharp and often scathing lyrical insight!

Jon B [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 20:28

Tori Amos

Sandwell [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 20:31

JONI MITCHELL! best female lyricist and songwriter ever. all other women (except pj) cannot compare to joni, and i consider her to be better than pretty much any male one too. listen to "for the roses" and you'll totally understand

Norway1 [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 20:39

Bjork!

Alderete [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 20:55

What about Devics´ Sara Lov?

Toney Boney [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 22:11

aussie Missy Higgins, Laura Nyro, I guess the always hippie joni mitchel and maybe Leslie Feist.

bee gee [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 22:13

ResPekt

Nebelhexe fan [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 23:07

Nebelhexe writes best! Her stuff is deeper than all else

Oscar [Visitor] //October 22 2009 at 23:26

Yeah just Joanna Newsom. absolutely not even the slightest hint of competition.

I say [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 00:59

Beth Gibbons Peggy Lee Chrissie Hynde The Shaggs Lucinda Williams Ellie Greenwich Annie Lennox

Paramore [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 02:04

Hayley Williams!

Heloisa [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 02:39

And what about Amy Winehouse, her lyrics are marvellous!

Drop mushies [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 05:03

Fiona Apple is certainly my favorite.

Jacob [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 05:32

Beth Gibbons hasn't been mentioned. For shame, NME. Shirley Manson, Jenny Lewis, and Neko Case are also pretty good.

Sunday Girl [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 05:33

What about Harriet Wheeler from The Sundays? Her lyrics are witty and heartful; pure poetry. She has the most lovely voice too!

The Stodd [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 08:51

No Amanda Palmer or Regina Spektor? Top of their class.

'n Cream [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 08:52

PEACHES! Sucking on my titties...

Thorir [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 10:14

Eh hello, Aimee Mann! One of the best lyricists working today, male or female! Also agree with Joanna Newsom, Björk, Patti and PJ.

Coj [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 10:16

I would proffer Alison Statton to this debate. Young Marble Giants were an excellent band.

Tim [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 10:47

Why has no one mentioned Natasha Khan? Also Imogen Heap, Alison Mosshart, Laura Marling and Lisa Hannigan

Lucy [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:01

Stevie - fleetwood. Regina spektor. Tracy chapman. The best.

Lucy [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:02

Lamb.

Regina Regina [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:04

Regina ah ah ah ah...

Marina72 [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:06

Amy Winehouse, hello?!

HD-J [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:08

I agree with Sandwell, Joni Mitchell has to be up there. And Emmy the Great - her lyrics are fantastic, thoughtful and yet unpretentious. I think, however, that you should only be praised for lyrical prowess if your music matches up, which is where Bjork and Amos fall short every time.

Tirreni [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:09

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned The Indigo Girls! Amy Ray & Emily Saliers write amazing lyrics, whether it's a love song, protest song, or song about social or environmental issues. I wish they were better known over here!

Chuck Norris [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:11

FLORENCE WELCH

MIchael_mtp [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 11:51

Lauryn Hill

Robert John [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 12:39

Check out Pheoebe Kreutz - the whole of her album 'Big Lousy Moon' is genius.

Steven [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 13:09

Alanis Morissette all the way, when talking of lyricists there is nobody better

London man [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 13:29

yes Nebelhexe! She's a deep artist... too deep for mainstream :-)

shan [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 13:52

Carina Round, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple and early Lisa Loeb (from Tails era especially) would be my picks - extremely intelligent and so emotive.

a [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 14:03

Catpower!!!

Chris [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 14:47

Regina Spektor gets my vote too. She manages to charm the listener often being philosophical and almightily powerful. Nice voice and piano playing as well.

Jack [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:04

Every female artist other than Courtney Love.

PATTYWAYLEE_MCR [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:07

WELL SOMETHING ABOUT TO MCR AND SLASHING PUMPKINS OR BILLY CORGAN......AH......PLEASE SELL IN ECUADOR THIS OK XOXO

Idz [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:11

Bjork is my favourite. I also like Karen O, Kim Gordon, MIA, PJ Harvey, Siouxie Sioux, Beth Gibbons and Kate Bush.

aimee [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:17

NATASHA KHAN! aka Bat For Lashes

johnny [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:19

although i think courtney love is a stank ass ho, she does make a good point about the appointments of great writers but i wouldn't be so fast to put her in the top twenty even. i mean, i'm not often singing her lyrics in my head. if fact, i never have. she ripped everything she is from her late husband and this band queen andreena from the UK. damn ho. curt should have wooped that bitches ass more. that's all i'm saying. that was probably his only fault.

johnny [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:22

AND, i also agree with her that nme pretty much blows with bias. and if this doesn't get added to the comments on this page, which it won't, i'll know its even more true. faggots. get some MODERNLESS in your ears. quit fucking around.

johnny.... again. [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 15:23

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....

Rik [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:15

Lauren Hill was a good shout. I'm quite supprised that nobody has mentioned Natasha Khan, she would be my joint fav with PJ Harvey..I'm slightly in love with them both

Chris [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:20

Some of you people need to go back and read the article - Tori Amos, Beth Gibbons and Laure Marling all got a mention. Oh, and Courtney Love is making no sense as usual. Conor McNicholas has left NME, dear. Emily Mackay wrote this piece.

Black&White [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:32

'single out SOME great female lyricists'... there's always gonna be other artists. And the fuck is Courtney Love on about? 'ghettoised Bullshit'?? I don't know about you but I usually find it easier to write sober, it tends to make more sense too. Another thing, does no one value female hip-hop artists? Kenny Arkanna for one and there have been many that have done heaps for female rights in the states amongst another places. Women in hip-hop are what I call 'ghettoised'. You cant beat Reginaaa

Erm... [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:40

Nina Simone. Obviously.

Sophie White [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:42

I'm 13 and i think that women find it harder to right about men because their useless. I write songs myself on myspace thats how i can explain my theory.

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:46

There's so many great female lyricist- Florence Welch, Kate Cooper of An Horse, Tegan and Sara, Karen O, Amanda Palmer, Charla McCutcheon of Bella/Char2d2, Emily Haines, Missy Higgins.

unearthy voices [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:50

Lisa Gerrard and Liz Fraser anyone ?

Marcus [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 16:55

How about Rilo Kiley or Kimya Dawson ?

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 17:23

tori amos, pj harvey, amanda palmer, regina spektor, joanna newsome, bjork,

sabine [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 17:24

tori amos, pj harvey, regina spektor, amanda palmer, bjork, joanna newsome

Sweeps [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 17:33

The wonderful Courtney love gets my vote :0)

Sweeps [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 17:33

The wonderful Courtney love gets my vote :0)

Sweeps [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 17:35

The wonderful Courtney love gets my vote x

Sarah-J [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 18:16

The Raincoats.

yoyo [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 18:32

SANTIGOLD !!

Ralph [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 18:35

Joni Mitchell puts most other lyricists to shame, female or male. Corin Tucker, Kim Deal, Cindy Wilson, Kaki King (even though she started as a composer, the lyrics on recent records are great), Rose Melbeg has her moments...

Noah [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 18:37

Sara Lov. Hands down.

Zoe [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 18:52

where are the following?: Katie Jane Garside, Natasha Khan, Juliette Lewis, Alison Goldfrapp

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 19:13

have to kind of agree here about the ghettoised bullshit. for my money the two best new(ish) lyricists around at the moment are female - why their sex should matter is anyone's guess - anyway, joanna newsome and emmy the great

why is nme so bad? [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 20:04

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, Amy La Vere (Seasick Steve support act), Dawn Landes (Josh Ritter's Wife) and of course Joni Mitchell.

estanis [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 20:35

definitely -KRISTIN HERSH

;) [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 20:42

FLORENCE WELCH IS AMAZING

AvA fan [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 20:54

Tom DeLonge from Angels and Airwaves and Blink 182!!! I luv you!

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 20:55

Tracy Chapman

hi [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 21:11

regiiiiiina and laura marling

Lily [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 21:34

Amy Winehouse- 'At his side, and drunk on pride, we wait for the blow' /' The guilt will kill you, if she don't first' / You went back to what you know, so far removed from all that we'd went through' / 'Over futile odds, and laughed at by the gods'

overnightmagicbullet [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 21:52

marina diamandis or santogold

Cleo [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 21:58

Karen O

Giannis Drakos [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 21:59

Shame Tori Amos is missing...

Emma [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 22:16

bloody miley cyrus. shut up :L

JacobRyan [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 22:19

Currently, Regina Spector is one of the most unique and creative writers out there. Example, her song "Chemo Limo" is about a dream in which a $100 bill babysits her kids while she goes to chemotherapy.

Mary [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 22:36

Emily Haines hands down!

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 22:51

Kat Bjelland, PJ Harvey, Emma Anderson, Kristin Hersh, Kim Deal, Miki Berenyi, Karen O, Tanya Donelly

[Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 22:52

what about Dolores O'riordan from the Cranberries? Now , she can write!

Tony D [Visitor] //October 23 2009 at 23:42

Cyndi Lauper for putting the simplest words to project the most complex of times. Siouxsie Sue & Bjork for art and grace, Missy Elliot/MIA/Santigold for clever tricksters to leave any man in the dirt!

luca [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 00:09

bjork's fantastic tori amos is magnificent Kate Bush is unique Aimee Mann is very sweet but what about Sinead O'Connor? She's great

tom [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 01:02

amy winehouse, for all her percieved faults, is one of the greatest lyricist's of her generation. Although i may be slighlty jumping on the mercury bandwagon here, speech debelles lyrics and emotional and heartfelt. a very talented young lady with a bright future

Thomas Birch [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 01:49

Sandy Danny of Fairport Convention. Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex.

nina Boyd [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 02:39

in the words of jonny rotten "Horses' fuking horses" patti smith didn't even write her own stuff on her latest album twelve

Shasta [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 03:02

yeah marcus i agree with you i was excepting jenny lewis!

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 04:07

umm.... Ani Difranco, anyone? I agree with Patti Smith, and I'd add Fiona Apple, Jenny Lewis, Regina Spektor, Alanis Morisette, and Damhnait Doyle

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 04:11

jewel. pure poetry.

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 06:26

tegan and sara should be in here

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 08:52

amy winehouse?

Kris Pain [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 09:58

Fiona Apple, by far the best lyricist around.

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 10:40

What about Ani Difranco?

Marcel [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 11:13

Moderation ?-what about comment @06.22 22nd Oct!! Emma-Jane Thommen is the best

scarlet [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 11:37

Great list, agree with them all except you missed out Siouxsie Sioux, Emily Haines and Natasha Khan!

Stuart [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 12:13

Can't believe nobody mentioned Tanya Donnelly. The two Belly albums are two of my favourites ever, regardless of gender, full of brilliant, quirky imagery and her solo records are beautiful. Also Jenny Lewis writes brilliant, witty lyrics

cat [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:04

shirley manson&courtney love are obviously the best.

Elle [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:06

Florence Welch, Eleanor Friedberger

Tony [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:11

Kate Walsh, Ingrid Michaelson, Kathleen Edwards, Gabby Young, Kat Flint, Regina Spektor.

JC [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:23

Of all time? Nina Simone by a long way.

Dum De Lucca [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:26

Patti Smith and Joni Mitchell

Thomas Flan [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:37

Ummm what about Florence Welch ( Florence & the Machine) KT Tunstall Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes)

Matilda1234 [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 13:58

Dolly Parton - just for Jolene

Sandy [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 14:44

Karen O all the way! And Lady Gaga. And Regina Spektor. And Hailey Williams. And Peaches!

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 15:00

PJ Harvey. No one can trump Polly.

Mike [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 15:13

Debbie Harry?

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 15:20

Simone White,Bjork,Madeleine Peyroux. So many I don't know & the 'best' is such a difficult term anyways, the best 'NOW'? Or the most constant bringer of quality? i dunno. (best lyricists of this time, right?)

Dave [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 15:33

Bjork is one of my favorites but also like Gemma Hayes, Cathy Davey, Nina Hynes,

Jess [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 16:04

I'd champion Fiona Apple for this... her way with words is so beautiful and delicate at times, but then she hits us with some serious anger! She's the female lyricist I feel that I can relate to most. Love Juanita Stein from Howling Bells too, and Brody Dalle is probably the coolest girl in the world. Her lyrics are pure hell.

Tomm [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 16:30

Carole King? Tracy Chapman! VVs Browns good too :) x

kartina [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 16:48

i vote for amy wine!

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 17:01

joni mitchell

Porschemat [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 17:05

Tegan and Sara!!

anonymous bosh [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 18:09

joni no. 1 easy peasy

Ciaran [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 18:37

Thom Yorke...

CharlieBBC [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 19:29

Regina Spektor FTW

hmm [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 19:37

Not being funny, but why do you think there aren't more Women on these lists? Is it taste? Of everyone? I don't get most of the female artists who write. I don't hear a lot of catchy songs. I don't hear the exciting grit. Save maybe a couple of Alanis's and Bjork's songs. Girls like it but why don't guys? I'm certainly not sexist. Nina Simone and Eva Cassidy are two of my favourite artists, but Nina wrote VERY few of her best tunes and I don't think Eva wrote any. When was the last time a female fronted group headlined a festival? I'm sure there has been one sometime, but I can't think of one. Oh and Janis - gotta love her. And Aretha, and the Supremes, and probably loads more, but how many of them wrote their hits? Why?

[Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 19:51

Emily Breeze... she recently posted her new album on myspace, I've had it on heavy rotation since. Real heavyweight songwriting there, a vice-like grip on the English language..

Quagmire [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 20:26

Antony Hegarty

Indeed [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 23:02

Yeah, Kimya Dawson is pretty creative with their lyrics. Bjork is pretty amazing though..

E. [Visitor] //October 24 2009 at 23:30

Karen O Is Over-Rated. I Like Kate Nash, Kate Bush, Courtney Love ( She' s Very Good as a Lyricist) Beth Gibbons and Betty Ditto.

Caris [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 00:20

I agree with all the ones listed. In my opinion Siouxsie Sioux, Natasha Khan, Juanita Stein and Ladyhawke are all great lyricists too. I would have said Ari Up as well for the weird brilliance of the first Slits album, but the lyrics from their latest release are just awful.

pamela [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 00:23

for me it´s shirley manson

zsa Zsa [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 02:46

Kate McGarrigle, Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright

The Chuckster [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 03:09

Here are my top 5 in no particular order! 1. Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries… 2. Beth Orton… 3. Bjork… 4. Regina Spektor… 5. Sade ...

raven rogers [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 03:24

HELLLLOOOOO- TORI AMOS hands down! FIONA APPLE!!! Kate Bush. Regina. and me! :O)

not your time [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 03:27

sophie white, bless your soul. but at your young and tender age, i don't think you are old enough to contradict. go out and experience break-ups, pseudo-lesbianism, sneaking ciggarettes for another 6 years then come back. this thread will welcome you back with open arms

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 05:53

Francoise Hardy wrote the majority of her own stuff. And if we're talking about songwriters it's shocking that nobody has mentioned Carol King.

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 06:44

Jenny Lewis!!

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 07:23

Definitely Polly Harvey, Patti Smith, Marissa Nadler, Kristin Hersh

max [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 08:54

patti smith. hands down!

Martine [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 08:58

Oh, how about Michael Steele, Rose Melberg, Jen Sbragia, Tori Amos (not just the early years) and dare I say Kate Nash? Yes, I dare saying so.

Justified Ancient of Mu Mu [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 09:21

Where's Siouxsie? She wipes the floor with the others, lyrics-wise.

Q [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 10:15

Kate Bush

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 10:17

Sheryl Crow.

Gayle [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 10:22

Yeah, what about Regina Spektor?

ed [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 11:31

sophie white get a fucking life

Uhm... [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 11:41

Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes)

P13xForever [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 11:54

Kudos for mentioning the fabulous PJ Harvey and Bjork but other female lyricists I would love to see added to such a list would be Shirley Manson, Skin (Skunk Anansie for tracks like Tracy's Flaw), Karen O, Fiona Apple, Juanita Stein From Howling Bells and Chrissy Hynde

Hols. [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 12:04

Regina Spektor, Alanis Morissette, Laura Marling im 15 and i can tell you that. No doubt about it, they are amazing

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 12:08

beth gibbons, crime that shes not there

Drongo [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 12:54

Joni Mitchell - best ever.

Laura May [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 13:59

What about Natasha Khan, Florence Welch, Pip Brown (Ladyhawke) & Little Boots? All really good.

Katie [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 14:06

Florence Welch, Emmy the Great, Laura Marling, Karen O, Regina Spektor, Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, MIA, Marina and the Diamonds

michal [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 15:23

sinead o'connor had some brilliant lyrics. also tori amos, louise werner of sleeper, long blondes, bjork is not bad as well

James [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 15:42

Joelma do Calypso

jim [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 15:45

mia,natasha khan and florence walsh

oldtimer [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 15:56

For those of us over 50 - Carole King. For those of us over 40 - JOAN JETT!!! For the rest of you, your fave would not exist without these two pioneers.

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 16:25

Siouxsie Sioux

whitrabbit [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 16:32

grace slick from jefferson airplane??!! cool voice and lyrics.... she really captioned that flower power spirit

cynic [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 16:35

always have to love the 'who can name the most obscure artist' competitions that come hand in hand with these posts.

Michael [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 16:50

Lisa Germano, by far.

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 17:48

marina & the diamonds & emily haines both blast my mind

sofia [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:10

I love Little Boots's lyrics :D

Hot Snow [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:12

KATE & ANNA McGARRIGLE If you know them, you agree. If you don't know them, you've got some major revelations ahead.

Katie [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:24

Ani Di Franco. . . her song lyrics stand up as poems in their own right. "And in the Garden of Simple, I had a machine that made silence/it just sucked up the whole opinionated din...'

ys [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:34

did i hear someone say lady gaga?????????????? thats a very funny joke, i think i havent seen anyone say KIRTSY MACCOLL yet.......

Dragan [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:36

PJ, no doubt! :D

Visitooor [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:37

Winehouse!

Lo [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:49

Dolly Parton of course Tori Amos & Fiona Apple Anne Sylvestre in France

Sundays fan [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 18:52

Harriet Wheeler hands down.

Hannah [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:15

Personally, Jose Vanders is my favourite!

dede [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:28

Natasha Kahn,Kate Bush,Joni Mitchelle, Allison Mosshart.......they can write songs.....

frenchie mcgrath [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:33

for me stephanie dosen, joanna newsom and joni mitchell. bjork is amazing vocally but her lyrics i wouldnt class in same league as the above.

Sadhak [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:40

Suzanne Vega, Beth Orton and Neko Case.....awesome!!!!!!....

Jamie M [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:42

Joni Mitchell. Simply beautiful lyrical artist. The album Blue is one of the most devastatingly beautiful albums ever written. The song Little Green, about the daughter she gave up, is simply breath taking.

jazz2go [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:57

V.V. BROWN!!!

Karan [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 19:59

That's funny, Courtney Love wants recognition for lyrics that I thought she never even wrote... I always thought Kurt was the one to live through this... my bad. Heh...

Kat [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 20:12

Miley Cyrus, duh. Joking btw. I dunno, Fiona Apple and Jenny Lewis are amazing but I dont know if theyre the BEST female lyricists because I usually listen to boys more. But I know that both of them are amazing.

ChaisawWookie [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 20:13

No one has yet mentioned two of my personal faves : Tanya Donnely and Natalie Merchant

Kat [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 20:15

Although Courtney Love is a complete idiot for saying shes better than a ton of people who are clearly way more talented than she is

theoneandonly [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 21:46

kate nash ???

WHAT ABOUT?? [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:02

JOANNA NEWSOM?

Katy [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:04

Exactly Marcus - Jenny Lewis! Cat Power is also a favourite of mine.

Callum [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:07

I ahve to speak up for Beth Gibson from Portishead. Voice of the soul, lyrics of mind.

charlie c [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:08

laura marling defiantly, also tracyanne campbell of camera obscura

IDIOT [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:35

Alanis Morrrriissssette

[Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 22:37

Sharon Robinson co-wrote "Everybody Knows" with Leonard Cohen, and won a Grammy for writing Patti LaBelle's "New Attitude".

Buddy [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 23:11

Joni Mitchell anyone?

YYYLover [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 23:29

Why not Karen O? Although, perhaps her voice is better than the lyrics that go with it. But Bjork sings a load of crap doesn't she?

S [Visitor] //October 25 2009 at 23:55

Who gives a fuck?

sassoonboy [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 00:27

im thinking siobhan donaghy.......albums such as revolution in me and ghosts prove masterpieces!!!!

lw [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 00:48

FIONA APPLE

Canadiana [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 02:51

Joni Mitchell needs more respect on this. I also agree with anyone that said Emily Haines. Feist can also right a beautiful lyric.

Adrian Lestrange [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 02:55

90% of the people saying Regina Spektor only like her lyrics and her music because they want to shag her. Regina Spektor is a ditz with repetitive cheap lyrics.

[Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 04:12

the jonas brothers... wait...

Angelie [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 04:26

HAZEL O'CONNOR !!!

Idiotdisease [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 04:41

What about Hope Sandoval...great voice and great lyrics

Timbo [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 08:49

Lady Gaga - So insightful, lyrics like 'I wanna take a ride on your disco stick' must have taken years of stewing over to perfect...

aye [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 09:55

emily haines

jckkrc [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 10:30

Sybille Baier

Veritas [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 11:10

Laura Veirs rules the roost when it comes to lyrics... closely followed by Ani Di Franco, Joanna Newsom and Luara Marling

[Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 12:26

Joni Mitchell

Sapi [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 12:48

They wrote little names of great female singers! How about Anouk? Fiona Apple? Lily Allen? Alanis Morissette?

valdo [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 14:08

Hey guys what about Sarah McLachlan? She´s an awesome lyricist, take songs like Ice and Good Enough as a great example.

sean [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 14:19

karin dejier andreesn

djshuggg [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 14:52

Kristin Hersh

i like... [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 15:16

Laura Marling, Chan Marshall and Fiona Apple

Fiordo Manzana [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 15:22

Fiona Apple Carole King Juliana Hatfield Emily Haines Suzanne Vega Juanita Stein (Howling Bells first CD) Joni Mitchell Kristin Hersh Rose Marie McCoy (wrote songs that Elvis, Ike and Tina, James Taylor, Nat king Cole, Aretha Frankling... performed) Patti Smith Joan Jett Joan Wasser (Joan As Police Woman) Pip Brown (Ladyhawke) Tori Amos Ellie Greenwitch (songs like "‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ (The Crystals), ‘Baby, I Love You’ (The Ronettes), ‘Be My Baby’ (The Ronettes), ‘Chapel Of Love’ (for The Ronettes,nº1 with The Dixie Cups), ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ (The Exciters, ‘Leader Of The Pack’ (The Shangri-Las), ‘River Deep – Mountain High’ (Ike & Tina Turner)...) Cynthia Weill... Different styles, great songs! Not a ranking. Just some ideas for those who are interested in the very cool composers I just mentioned. There's life before and after Bjork or Bat for Lashes, although I like them too...

yo [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 15:45

violeta parra

hal [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 17:32

Suzanne Vega is a poet and songwriter in equal measure; "The Queen & the Soldier", "If you were in my movie", "Freeze Tag". If you think you know her material because you've heard "Luka" and "Tom's Diner" - you couldn't be more wrong - these are not examples or her best work.

Paul [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 17:59

Althoough Tori Amos did get a mention I have a feeling that the columnist has not heard any of her later material as there was a reference only to early period Tori. The split personalities of 'American Doll psse' and the dark subject matter of 'Abnormally attracted to sin' highlights her recent lyrical worth I believe.

costanza [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 19:28

amy winehouse, kate nash especially b-sides and songs not on made of bricks (don't you want to share the guilt/ I hate seagulls) , and pull in emergency is pretty good, but really young...

[Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 19:58

FLORENCE!

Wehey [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 20:07

Alanis Morissette, although not a brilliant melody crafter, has to be one of the best lyricists out there. I really like Cocorosie's lyrics as well, they're evocative. Of course all the names mentioned in the article are top of their game too

Bonjela [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 20:50

Nicole Appleton!

BEST BEST BEST!!! [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 21:11

FIONA APPLE FOR SURE

xyu [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 21:47

Stevie Nicks

Lady Solitude [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 22:29

Um, has anybody mentioned Beth Gibbons? Please tell me they have....

Alan [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 22:54

Fever Ray.

gary bumbergay [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 22:59

what about Gary Newman?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Dj Jesse Hipster (Supersonic club Madrid) [Visitor] //October 26 2009 at 23:09

Debbie Harry, Maja Ivarson, The Donnas! haha

Grubbanax [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 01:51

Nina Hagen, Jarboe and Diamanda Galas

Rach [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 10:06

ER, JONI MITCHELL, PEOPLE, COME ON!!

Nick Wall [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 10:18

Excellent choices. I've recently compiled a list of my 100 favourite female vocalists of the decade (on my music to die for site); many of these are also great lyricists, so here's some more names : Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch, Erykah Badu, Cat Power, Beth Orton, Amber Rubarth, Meg Hutchinson, Laura Veirs, Kaya, Ruthie Foster ...

[Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 12:18

Joanna Newsom and Ani Difranco are peerless. Whilst I also love Tori Amos, her work has been far too concerned by concepts and fads of late and, sadly, the songwriting has suffered hugely. Her early stuff was superb though, particularly the abstract emotion of Boys for Pele.

sheffield [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 12:43

Erin Moran aka A Girl Called Eddy. Thea Gilmore. Sophie B Hawkins. Beth Orton.

johnniegreece [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 16:13

whos the singer of portishead,does she write her own stuff?if she does shes pretty amazing.florence is good,and i liked bat for lashes and imogen heap.oh and fight like apes r ok.

johnniegreece [Visitor] //October 27 2009 at 18:16

katerina apla oxi

marco [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 04:32

Fiona Apple = poignant, relatable, strong lyrics. Bjork = Poetic, complex and imaginative. Both deserve recognition. As is Tori Amos Little Earthquakes-To Venus And Back (92-99)

LILY ALLEN [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 11:52

Lily Allen

[Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 12:09

KIMYA DAWSON!!

Marcus [Visitor] //October 28 2009 at 15:07

Yes sorry,I did mean 'Jenny Lewis' :)

Elisha [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 00:23

Imogen, Ani, Tori, Sarah Slean, Sarah Harmer,PJ, Shirley, Beth, Karen O, the chick from Goldfrapp if she writes her music.. and fuck yes, Lady GaGa - I love her and she can write crazy pop hits. My roommate would be upset that Anne Murray wasn't mentioned. I'd like to give Cyndi a nod too.

Kelly [Visitor] //October 29 2009 at 20:15

You know who's good? Jennifer Hannah. Also Junie Lovell. And Katelyn Kamakama. She's great. There's that one lyric that goes something like this: "A shoe / I took / Off / A flu / Made me / Cough / A sock / In my pocket / A boyfriend / To rock it."

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Who Are The Best Female Lyricists?

By Emily Mackay

Posted on 21/10/09 at 03:42:05 pm

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