Continuing my personal list of the ’30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,’ this next batch consists of the new(ish) guard — artists who’ve released music in the 90s or later.
My list shares three names in common with The New York Times’ list in this category: Fiona Apple, Lana Del Rey, and Taylor Swift.
Here are the rest:
Beck
I personally don’t think a variety of styles is a prerequisite for this list, but it sure doesn’t hurt Beck’s standing that he has created excellent work in folk, hip-hop, funk, alternative, psychedelia, country, dance, pop… you name it. Given his critical acclaim and his unique creativity, I’m frankly shocked he didn’t make the NYT list.
Beyoncé
The argument against Beyoncé is that she has multiple collaborators on just about all of her songs. But she is undoubtedly the ultimate author of her material, conducting every aspect of each production with a vision all her own. If we’re expanding the concept of songwriting beyond the idea of a guitar and a pen, she absolutely qualifies.
Ben Folds
Folds is a more traditional songwriter — in his case it’s a piano and a pen — and he’s one of the very best. At his snarkiest or most sincere, he has a rare gift for melody and clever turns of phrase.
John Mayer
Like Billy Joel, Mayer has a devoted fan base and strong commercial success but has always been targeted by snobbish critics who find his music too mainstream. In fact, he’s an insightful lyricist and a deft melodicist who also happens to be one of the greatest guitarists in the world.
James Mercer
As the sole songwriter and only permanent member of The Shins, Mercer has churned out thoughtful, infectious indie pop for two decades, delivering songs that sound like they’ve been beamed in from a more interesting alternate universe.
Josh Rouse
In a just world, Rouse would be a Platinum-selling juggernaut. Instead, I can’t find his lyrics on Genius.com and I’ve seen him live twice in venues smaller than my living room. His songs and his sound are balm for a weary soul.
Rufus Wainwright
Wainwright has taken to writing operas and performing with jazz ensembles in recent years, lowering his profile as one of the modern era’s most creative and exciting pop songwriters. But over his first 15+ recording years, he delivered a string of baroque masterpieces.
White and brown stray you are so kind
City dog watch ’em all rollin’ by
Made a lot of new friends from broken families
They’re happy to greet you, your country smile
City dog watch ’em all rollin’ by
Dream of all the places you call home
Think of all the places you might go
City dog watch ’em all
City dog by my side
Meet Me In Montauk 
Ben Folds would certainly be on my list!
I just don’t know enough about these artists sorry to say but happy you included Beyonce and definitely agree with keeping Taylor Swift.
I’m not sure exactly how you’re dividing up your personal list, but I will say I’m shocked not to see Jason Isbell in this section!
His name came to me recently as another obvious omission in the NYT ’30 Greatest’ given his critical acclaim and your favorite country singer’s favorite country singer status. It’s actually quite surprising to me I haven’t seen more talk of his exclusion. He’s certainly considered one of the best modern day songwriters by those who know his work and those who have heard tale of it.
I do think if the category was “30 Greatest Living American World Builders” Beyoncé would be on that list. However, I’m not sure I feel confident enough in her contributions to her songs to put her here. There’s no doubt that it’s impressive the way in which she’s leapt from R&B to House to Country in these past years. However, I’m not sure how much of that is owed to her producers and collaborators versus her own pen game.
Ben Folds has never made the kinda headway to make a list like this, but I agree that there’s many a lyric or melody he’s created that stands up against any greatly lauded composition. He certainly earns a spot on my Top 30 as well.
John Mayer is another absolute no brainer. In his case I think his versatility as a guitarist actually somehow hurts the cause as people may think of him a musician before lyricist first. However, if people took time to listen to “If I Ever Get Around to Living”, “In Your Atmosphere”, or “Waiting on the Day” I feel they’d be quite taken aback by just how effectively and profoundly Mayer can turn a phrase.
Again, I’m not sure how exactly this breakdown is being run but I am surprised to see no Adam Duritz here. Excited to see what’s next though!
Stay tuned, good sir 😀