30 Greatest Living American Songwriters
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But it was catnip for music lovers, musicians and especially songwriters. Irresistible click bait.
You want to know what I think of the compilation? Okay. Twist my arm.
First of all “living” and “American” certainly narrows the pool – makes it easier for the curators to escape the wrath of … us.
Like what about Paul? … He’s British!
John? … He’s British too. And dead!
Okay, then. Billy Joel. He’s American. And alive.
And it sure feels like they had to include current less legendary artist/writers. Good for them if they’ve cracked a Tik Tok code or knocked the latest diva out of #1. But how can we tell if these trendy folks will pass the test of time? Shouldn’t that matter?
As a songwriter, music lover and voracious consumer of music, I discover, am open to, am enthusiastic about many-a-newcomer. Tyler Ballgame, Suki Waterhouse. But they haven’t proven themselves yet. Even they would agree.
How abundant and lasting is the songwriter’s body of work? How many times have their songs been covered? “Just The Way You Are”? “New York State of Mind”? Shouldn’t that count? How your songs stick?
My criteria would have included the question – where will said writer, or their songs, be in 20-30 years? Will their good name be indelible or will their hits be forgotten – blend in with the masses of algorithm-influenced fodder?
That said, I stand behind many of the chosen 50. Lucinda. Who woulda thought? I’ve shared “I Just Wanted to See You So Bad” on text threads before. Lucinda is a mopey acquired taste but I acquired it big time.
Also, I’m on board with Bruce, Bob, Stevie, Paul, Niles, Brian and Eddie , Lionel, Carole, Willie, Valerie, Smokey, Jimmy and Terry – writers who’ve stood the test of time.
And shouldn’t purists count for something? Like … Billy and Bob, Bruce and Stevie… worked solo. They didn’t need any help expressing themselves. Perhaps it was inconceivable to risk diluting an idea or detouring from a planned destination. IMO, theyshould get extra credit.
Mariah? Don’t hate me. She wrote for what her voice could tackle. And boy I’m grateful to have been on the receiving end of those tracks. Some of which I wish I wrote myself. Especially that Christmas annuity. But … I dunno. She’s on the cusp for me.
Taylor? She’s a remarkable songwriter. But do we hear people covering “We’re Never Getting Back Together” and “Shake it Off?” See what I mean?
Where is Sheryl Crow?
Who would I have chosen? I mean, these lists are personal. Todd, (if just for “Hello it’s Me,” and “I Saw The Light”). Carly, (if just for “Anticipation,” “The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be,“), Don Henley (if just for “Heart of the Matter”), Stevie. “Landslide.” I mean. Maybe these songs aren’t covered so much, but they’re not going away any time soon.
Oh and Diane Warren? I’m down with that pick. But if Diane, what about Desmond? I mean. Just sayin’. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a NYT Op Ed from Mr. Child in the very near future.
How does your list compare with these seasoned critics who were obviously trying to please editors who wanted to include all genres and generations, and keep us talking about it? It obviously worked.
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