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.