Songwriters: A Dying Breed?

When I think of music that has truly touched my life in a meaningful way, it is almost entirely because of the lyrics written. Of course there are exceptions, such as the driving arena rock nostalgia of Bon Jovi, indiscernible guttural screams of heavy metal, and instrumental jazz. Words hold power; musicians who are capable of harnessing that power and unleashing it full-forced while accompanying it with even just a halfway decent musical composition will stand the test of time, albeit sometimes in small, cult-like circles, such as generational talent Blaze Foley and Linda Perhacs.

I think of artists such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Yes, they both recorded their fair share of covers and unique takes on popular standards, but they receive critical acclaim for their poetry that accompanies the oft-simple country/western/rock/gospel music that acts as a carrier of words and meaning. Songs of sorrow, heartbreak, redemption, and friendship speak to the masses. They are relatable, genuine, and authentic in nature. This attraction towards the desire to feel something has allowed for artists such as Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty, Patti Smith, David Bowie, and Nick Drake (only after his death) to stand in the limelight. Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the origins of songwriting that paved the way for such talent; songwriting draws heavily from the influence of traditional music, folk stories from other countries, and black musicians such as Bessie Smith. Highly regarded as some of the best wordsmiths in history, their dedication to poetry made people think introspectively, socially, culturally, and critically.

For me, my top five songwriters are as follows:

1. Neil Peart

2. Paul Westerberg

3. Townes Van Zandt

4. Tom Petty

5. Jason Isbell

*Honorable Mention: Jackson Browne's "Late For the Sky"

There are specific periods in my life when their music assisted me in some way, whether it be uplifting or supportive in times of trouble and despair. Going beyond the kitschy sentimentality of forced love power-ballads (not to discredit them - I am guilty of belting Love Hurts at the top of my lungs on multiple occasions), these writers craft masterpieces worthy of letting every emotion and feeling seep out of your body. The clever social commentary of Neil Peart, reasonable American spirit of Tom Petty, and the pain and despair of Townes Van Zandt speak to generations of people, no matter their background. There is always something relatable. Listen to "Late For the Sky" and tell me you don't feel compelled or moved in SOME way... it's a perfect record front to back.

Now for the question I set forth: is songwriting a dying craft?

No. Instead, it is only recovering.

Like everything, it has seen a drastic change. In the 90s masters such as Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Blake Schwarzenbach, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, and Sheryl Crow came to the table. Inspired by the songwriters of years gone by, notably by the late 80s powerhouse Tracy Chapman, they brought a certain edge of rebellion and a "Don't F**K with me attitude." Vulnerable and open, the core feeling was still there. The 90s were an era of expression, art, emotion, and advocacy.

Everything pointed to a promising future as they entered the new millennium...

This is where, from my perspective, songwriting suffered. The promise and allure of quick fame and pop-star status crushed the spirit of songwriting. Instead, more bands than ever were relying on a group of individuals to write songs for them; often workshopping the same song with multiple groups/artists, labels just wanted something that would sell BIG. If it was nothing but a shell of a song with no material importance within, so be it. And to be clear, I know this was common practice in past decades, too. But looking back on many songs of the aughts, I question what they are trying to say. Well, the joke is on me because they aren't saying anything at all. Yes, there was new talent that still embodied the true feeling of songwriting, such as the genius of Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, but they were few and far between. Additionally, they didn't sell as well overall. The public wanted that next song on their iPod shuffle to be catchy and poppy, God forbid it actually be substantive.

So, did that spell the end of songwriting as we knew it? No, I don't think so. Around the late 2000's and early 2010s new talent started to emerge that had promise, such as Taylor Swift, Jason Isbell, Adele, Biffy Clyro, Sturgill Simpson, and Kendrick Lamar. Ushering a new era of poetry and substance, modern songwriters are reviving the love and passion for feeling intimately and deeply. Most recently, Zach Bryan has captured the attention of millions of people. Beloved for his authenticity, bluntness, and vulnerability, listeners are starting to remember what poetry in motion sounds like. Rising to quick super stardom, and on his own accord, Zach has broken the mold that has suppressed artists from expressing themselves in fear of being dropped from their label. Proving that the ability to start by yourself, independently, from the ground up is still there, I only hope that more artists will follow in his footsteps.

Regardless of your taste in music, credit should be given where credit is due. Personally, I am hopeful and excited. The world is being graced by more artists that resemble the talent and spirit of David Berman, Jeff Buckley, John Prine, Mac Miller, and Chris Cornell to pick up where they left off. Throw on some Ann Peebles, get emotional, and look forward to the world finally expressing themselves again.