Hi Mazzy, lot of great music there, too much to mention. I need to re-listen the Waits album, don’t have it in my top 5 of his works. That background music was brutal, felt like I was at a renaissance fair. Take care😀
Tracy Chapman is so incredible. I have the album you were holding. It is more scarce now as well as most of her other work on vinyl. At some point, I'm hoping for a vinyl box set like Sade has coming out for Tracy. Until then, her CDs are pretty accessible so people can hear her greatness. I love her writing style and her voice. I'm so glad you brought her in on your choices here. I think she is so overlooked sadly.
i have all her albums that are available on vinyl...i agree that there are too many only on cd...hoping that will change...but i actually broke down and bought 'let it rain' on cd...my favorite album of hers...she is one of my all time favorites...
Norman, although I'm a bit younger than you, born in '64, you are definitely a kindred soul musically, as I think I have nearly every album you featured. Great selection! Just some housekeeping in case someone missed it, Badfinger was the first artist/group signed to Apple records, James Taylor was the first non-British artist. Maybe because I'm Canadian, I would say Gordon Lightfoot. Keep up the great content, sorry I'm 3 years behind the comments. Story of my life!
Great video of essential s/s artists and their praised works. Sea Change, Boatman's Call, Blue, Astal Weeks and The Heart of Saturday Night are favourites. Clark's No Other is an album I hadn't heard until recently. Enjoyed Renbourn, too. Cheers!
Kudos for including Phil Ochs - Pleasures of the Harbor. Blue is also one of my favorites. An amazing album from start to finish. Thank you for a great list.
Agreed on Elvis Costello, it took me years to get into his discography, but once I listened to Watching the Detectives I was instantly hooked. I treasure my 45 of I Don’t Want to go to Chelsea. I really enjoy lyricists who can be cryptic without sounding nonsensical, very few walk that line well.
Some personal favourites you missed - Sam Cooke, Paul McCartney, Dory Previn, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Roy Harper, Tori Amos, Beth Hart, Kacey Musgrave, Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, Norah Jones, Tom Russell, and Gretchen Peters. Gretchen Peters in particular has an extensive catalogue of beautiful and skilfully crafted songs.
Hello Mazzy, thanks for showing John Hiatt. I love this album from him and the following one « Slow Turning ». 👌 This guy is rarely shown in the VC or rarely shown by youtubers I follow ! I learned about some artists you show here in the VC (Newsom, for example) and it is still true for this video (Welch, Nyro...). Thanks for that. I’m a fan of most of the big names here : I collect them from time to time (except E. John, only one Album I keep because there is a Jaguar in the gatefold - you should do the same Supertramp had fun artworks). One of my favorite singer-songwriters is not here and he is American : James McMurtry. I also used to like the rural guy John Mellencamp mainly for two albums in the mid 80s : I only saw him one time in the VC and it was for laughing... As a rural guy myself I understood the lyrics. It can be the reason : obvious lyrics. I don’t know. And the last one, great pianist, I saw him in concert in Antwerpen in Belgium : Bruce Hornsby. His two first albums are unique for me. Take care. Bruno
Love this video Mazzy..love Jackson Browne..his first three albums are among my fav records by any artist..great Nick Cave record..My Aim Is True is awesome..although I like Armed Forces better...Also love Spike..You turned me on to that Gene Clark No Other record and it never leaves my heavy rotation pile..A fabulous record..I have to watch the rest later...👍👍👍👍glen kellaway
Hi Mazzy great show and a fascinating and interesting list of great artists you must do a part two,and I have to agree about Springsteen’s Sandy it’s my all time favourite song the story it tells is just so poignant we’ve all been there,fabulous stuff hope there’s a part two,thanks Tony.
great list....I would add Martin Newell a somewhat obscure English singer songwriter (his 'band' Cleaners from Venus was essentially a solo project for the most part). Great Beatle-esque/Ray Davies-esque low fi pop songs. The Greatest Living Englishman is a fine album produced by Andy Partridge
Back to watch the rest of this video..I am a big John Hiatt fan..you are correct..Bring The Family is his best..RUCKIE Lee Jones debut is a great album and so well recorded..sounds great..Astral Weeks..THE PERFECT RECORD...I saw Randy Newman and Ry Cooder at Massey Hall around 1973..John Prine is like family to me..Leon Russell..I just picked up Carney on vinyl..love that album..Sweet Baby James is a favorite..also love Mud Slide Slim..Neil and Warren..great way to end..👍👍👍👍👍👍glen
I can agree with most all the Artist's I just differ on the albums, I was afraid Loudon was going to be left off (prefer unrequited to the Nth degree) off the top of my pointed little head Richard Buckner (Bloomed) and Willie Nelson (Teatro) would like to see a video of Artists with Great albums more than 5 or more years apart. Keep up the videos they are quite enjoyable.
of course you know i love this theme...and i love tracy chapman...her album 'let it rain' is one of my top five of all time....of course rickie lee jones (who i paid tribute to on my album)...my favorites..leonard cohen, van morrison and dylan....also tom waits, john sebastian, laura nyro, nick drake....so many great ones...just one that i would love to see mentioned...tina vero...she has a few albums but her debut 'in the waiting' is absolutely brilliant (sadly only on cd)...thanks for this...peace...rocky
This was very extensive, I really appreciate your efforts in creating this list. There are artists you mentioned I do not know. I wondered why you did not include Dave Alvin.
I expect that all real music lovers would be into most of these but it still surprised me that I'm a fan of almost every one of your picks. It's like having a conversation with your best mate. I expect you always knew but after loving 'Shipbuilding' since it came out I was surprised when I found out that Chet Baker played the trumpet on it. I still have so much to learn!
I have just discovered this, thank you, a great and inspiring list. You have included some of my favorite artists and there are many that I still want to get more familiar with. Some names that are neither been listed nor I have seen being mentioned in the comments are: Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Eva Cassidy (though she is more a mere singer/ interpreter, but she is definitely worth checking out). 10 more and lesser known artists and records I would recommend: Loreena McKennitt - Live at Alhambra Sophie Zelmani - Sing and dance Sarah Jarosz - Undercurrent Asaf Avidan - The reckoning Chris Stapleton - first record J. S. Ondara - Tales of America David Ramirez - Fables Joel Rafael - Baladista Fernando Ortega - Fernando Ortega Martyn Joseph - Thunder and rainbows Another one would be Andrew Marlin (former Mandolin Orange - Wildfire, now Watchhouse)
Glen Hansard, the great Irish singer/ songwriter from the Frames and solo. His album Rhythm and Repose(2012) is fantastic, as are the three following this one:) I also really like Gordon Haskell, a judgment that for the moment is solely based on my appreciation of his Harry's Bar(2002) album. With the gorgeous How Wonderful You Are on it. Guy became popular at 57 with this song and album. That's what is beautiful and tragic with some of these singer-songwriters. Sometimes they don't get noticed until way later of even after they've passed away... Anyway, great list there, Mazzy! Take care.
Have you ever heard Robert Wyatt's version of Elvis Costello and Clive Langer's Shipbuilding Mazzy? They actually wrote it for him and his unique mesmerising vocals just elevate the song to a different dimension. Afterward, Elvis recorded his own version of it. The song is an anti-Falkand's war song. The controversial war Margaret Thatcher's government fought against Argentina. The lyric refers to the irony of how war can lead to work for the men who build warships which will ultimately send their sons off to die. Apologies if I am telling you stuff you already know! Also if you get a chance check out another great version of Season of the Witch by Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger and the Trinity. Great pick on the Bert Jansch! and great video as ever.
nice mix of well known and not as well known singer/songwriters - thanks for the video! FWIW, Harry Nilsson’s song for the Midnight Cowboy theme was “I guess the lord must be in new york city”. . . also Guy Clark died at age 75 after battle with lymphoma stay well!
As usual, I’m late to the party as I just discovered your channel. Even though these lists can be very subjective, I still enjoyed your video. I’m also very happy you included Nick Cave. By far, my absolute favorite and “The Boatsman Call’ is a masterpiece. Thank you for doing this.
A somewhat newer artist that I came across that I've fallen in Love with regarding singer/ songwriter is Ryan Montbleau. Absolute monster lyricism, can hold his own against pretty much any of the greats IMO. Interestingly, I discovered him they'd his song "Pacing Like Prince" which is from his more soul side of music, then when I went to check out his other stuff I realized he has a lot of singer/songwriter and roots/ Americana stuff. Some other top favorites for songwriters or specific songs on my "singer/ songwriter" playlist: Ben Kweller (very unique lyricism), Adam Duritz/ Counting Crows, Ryan Bingham, The Avett Brothers (February Seven is great), Amigo- The Glorious Sons, Makin It- Bishop Gunn, Soulfight- The Revivalists, My City of Ruin- Eddie Vedder, Move On- Jet, The Sun is Shining- JJ Grey and Mofro. Just some breadcrumbs for anyone reading :) Great, comprehensive list in this video for sure!
Nice list, for the most part. I've got that Springsteen album and I remember the song you keep referring to as "Rosita" is actually "Rosalita". Quibble, I know. Big fan of both Randy Newman and John Hiatt - glad you featured both.
Mazzy, do you know Australian Paul Kelly, arguably Australia's greatest singer/songwriter. David Fricke from Rolling Stone said Kelly is one of the finest singer/songwriters he has ever heard, in Australia or anywhere. Kelly's 'How to Make Gravy' is Australia's unofficial Christmas song. Kelly started in the early 1980's and is still making great records.
Hi Mazzy. Saludos from Madrid. This is Rafael. There are so many great singer songwriters. I miss a few more but its your selection, maybe next time. I suggest you a challenge. What about a list of great songs that named cities or places and travel around? An example. From Andalucía by John Cale to Alburquerque by Neil Young in 10 steps, what a trip! and the connections between them as the stuff, colaborations or covers of the records, you know well, you're very imaginative. It could be too a playlist of songs from deep America, old Europe, exotic places... come on. What do you think about? Check it out and show us. Have a nice day
People love him or hate him, and I can understand why you may not have him in your collection. But there can be no discussion of singer-songwriters without Dan Fogelberg. He was there at the start, and along with James Taylor, pioneered the genre.
Absolutely beautiful music by Dan fogelberg I agree with you, his arrangements are very outstanding. I have the John Martyn "church with one bell" on cd and many John Hiatt albums
A lot of great albums I love, and a lot of new ones to discover. I would add Al Stewart. I particularly like his three albums: "Orange", "Love chronicles" and "Zero she flies". All of them are overall better IMO than his most praised "The year of the cat" which is too polished for me. An important part of my singer/songwriter pantheon is Roy Harper. His "Stormcock" is the ultimate album for me. One of the brightest stars in my singer/songwriter heaven is Scott Walker, particularly for his third album, which is achingly beautiful. The same may be said about Lou Reed and his dark masterpiece "Berlin". I'm not sure if Syd Barrett qualifies (it does to me) but I love "Madcap Laughs". Same with Robert Wyatt and his "Rock bottom". A relatively more recent example is Heidi Berry. Her first two 4AD releases from the early 90s ( "Love" and "Heidi Berry") are really nice. And the last but not least, a rather controversial choice: Alice Cooper "On the inside". Written with Elton John's right-hand man - Bernie Taupin, is an amazing gallery of songs depicting some lunatics, met while Alice was in rehab, plus some autobiographical songs show Alice himself at his most vulnerable.
Nice, Mazzy! As always very entertaining & full of good, interesting music and infos. Surprised though, that neither Townes Van Zandt made it in your list, nor Ryan Adams (and Mark Knopfler). But still: Great list. Greetings from Germany. Check out Fink, by the way.
A very cool list! I like that you mixed the singer-songwriter era with some contemporary names! It breaks my heart though that Neil Diamond didn't make your list. You're right about the Vegas era, but the run from Velvet, Gloves and Spit (1968) to Moods (1972) had some real magic in it!
So so many. You took most of my picks for greatest singer songwriters out there. But I'd also add the other two Beatles singer-songwriters, Georgie and Paulie 😄 both remarkable wordsmiths and melody makers in their solo work. More soul, funk and RnB representation: Bill Withers, Prince, Labi Siffre (he always gets missed out these lists). It was under the umbrella of the Family Stone, but everything from There's a Riot Going on onwards was Sly Stone's own work, with a couple of contributions here and there from the band.
Nice collection. One I would add is Richard and Linda Thompson's ''I want to see the Bright Lights Tonight''. It is a perfect record with songs that stand comparison with the best of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
I see others have mentioned Richard Thompson too and that you've already addressed that. I'll leave the comment there though because that album is one of the all-time greats, and unique.
If I had to pick one Dylan album, I'd be in big trouble! There are songs on every one of the classics, from Freewheelin' to Nashville Skyline, plus Blood on the Tracks, but every one of them is powerful, titanic and indelible. I tend to gravitate to John Wesley Harding and Bringing It All Back Home, with a healthy dose of Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. Great catches with Gene Clark, Guy Clark, John Hiatt, Randy Newman, Phil Ochs, Gram Parsons, John Prine, Leon Russell, Paul Simon, Lucinda Williams and Warren Zevon, but what about Gordon Lightfoot, Al Stewart, John Fogerty, Garland Jeffreys, Neil Diamond, Marc Cohn, Bill Withers, Janis Ian, Otis Redding, John Mellancamp, and Bob Welch, who wrote hits for Fleetwood Mac (Bermuda Triangle, anyone?), then as a solo act, and in Paris, with Tony and Hunt Sales Also, Dave Edmunds, Karla Bonoff, Tom Cochrane, John Hartford, Gerry Rafferty, Emmitt Rhodes, Bruce Cockburn, Dan Fogelberg, Mark Knopfler, Boz Scaggs, Harry Chapin, Dan Hicks, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Buffett, David Bromberg, singers and songwriters, all, Then There's Pete Townshend, Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and Peter Frampton. Not to mention the amazing, and hard to find, Willis Alan Ramsey. Jackson Browne's very best is Saturate before Using. I like Late for the Sky, but Saturate is filled with timeless songs, an intimacy lacking in later albums, and heart. Donovan deserves kudos for Sunshine Superman, still on my Hot 100 after 57 years. The songs are his strongest non-single efforts, the flow between songs sublime. I put it with Dark Side of the Moon as one of the most important albums of the era. I prefer For the Roses, or Court and Spark, to Blue, the common pull for many critics, Mona Bone Jakon to Tea for the Tillerman, and Saint Dominic's Preview, to Astral Weeks. I never thought of Bert Jansch as a singer, much less a songwriter, but a great guitarist. My loss, I suppose, but one of those I mentioned deserved a spot, in his place.
Great video, I love the selections and the commentary! Your list is so comprehensive, it would hurt my head to try to think of any major singer-songwriters left out. Of course, being the Beatles fanatic that I am, I would include Paul and George. I'm a huge fan of Stevie Winwood, but I know he co-wrote many classic songs with Jim Capaldi. Going way back, I would give a sentimental nod to Buddy Holly. Chuck Berry seemed to be effortlessly capable of writing great tunes and lyrics. Randomly, David Bowie is a personal fave, also Cat Stevens. Dolly Parton. Hank Williams. Nick Lowe. Jim Croce. Honorable mentions: Emmit Rhodes, Joe Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Suzanne Vega, Imogen Heap, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins, Yukimi Nagano, Peter Gabriel, Loreena McKennitt, O.K. I'd better stop, my head hurts.
Hi mazzy you don’t need notes it’s all from the heart ..I knew billy would get a mention . Neil Young is a big favourite of mine .. I keep seeing that rickie lee jones album I should grab it .. great personal choices 👍
In November 1969, three Laura Nyro songs were in the USA Billboard top ten: No.1 Wedding Bell Blues, No.2 And When I Die, No.10 Eli's Comin'. I believe that she's the only solo songwriter to have achieved this.
Great list Maz. Can't really argue with any of them. Did I miss Townes Van Zandt, or was he not included? Glad to see the inclusion of a few 90s and 2000s artists like Elliott Smith, Gillian Welch, Smog, Bon Iver, etc. When considering artists of that era, and even including today, so many more could be listed in my list. Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Will Oldham (Palace Bros, Bonnie Prince Billy), Jason Molina (Songs Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.), and John Darnielle (Mountain Goats) come to mind. Again, great list.
I think, if you include Mark Kozelek, you could also consider Mark Oliver Everett , aka E of Eels fame. Albeit I grant you that Kozelek has recorded much more solo material. You always seem to leave out Richard Thompson from these lists. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to mention him in the comments. Same goes for Sandy Denny. Ralph McTell springs to mind as another great British singer/songwriter who isn't that well known outside the UK & even here, most people only know him for one song. I know at least one VCer, Shannon D., who will be somewhat perturbed that you failed to mention Tori Amos. She seems to have gone quiet of late. I hope she's OK. I don't think it would be all that hard to come up with a list of 100 great singer/songwriter albums, without repeating any artist.
Dave Brzeski yes great suggestion. Love richard and Linda Thompson and just got their new cd box set but aside from Shoot out the Lights I have none on vinyl. I have many of Ricardo’s albums and Tori Amos on CD. I suppose I could make a CD version that would add many of the artists you suggest including Mark Oliver Everett. Of course 100 would be more inclusive. I think others would have a different list. Thanks for comments. Your suggestions are all great.
Strong list. Obligatory listing of omissions (some more glaring than others): George Harrison Paul McCartney Hank Williams Bob Marley Lou Reed Syd Barrett Townes van Zandt (acknowledged) Merle Haggard Willie Nelson Robert Johnson David Bowie Tom Petty Gordon Lightfoot Woody Guthrie Kate Bush John Denver C/S/N
Hi Mazzy- enjoyed this and some great choices. While E Street Shuffle is not my favorite Bruce album, it is certainly representative. And was glad to see Late for the Sky, although I love the first two JB albums as well .Three other artists that I'd consider solo work from Chris Hillman, Rick Roberts, and Bill Wilson- although the latter may be more of an Indiana phenomenon...Maybe one of the first two Karla Bonoff albums, with all of those classic songs Linda Ronstadt covered...
Mazzy, Richard Thompson is an very underrated singer-songwriter(guitarist) with many very good albums. I would have to go with Rumor & Sigh (1991) for 1952 Vincent Black Lightning alone but there are 14 excellent songs on this disc. Two other very talented British singer-songwriter-guitarist sometimes overlooked are Mark Knopfler and Chris Rea.
Thanks Mazzy. I started a list, but only made it to five entries, with at least one that I have to check if he fits, but it included John Stewart. Sun Kil Moon I will need to check. - Chris
Great show. Kate Bush would been in mine. I know you like her too. Maybe she isint a singer songwriter at second thought. Tori amos first few albums are great also.
Really enjoyed this one! ✌🏻😎 The Black Swan is a great album. Did you see that Earth Recordings is issuing Crimson Moon on vinyl? Comes out in a couple weeks. I’m so excited - it’s such a wonderful later album for Jansch. From the early 2000s I think.
I'd really like to see the rest of the top 100, because some big names are left out, like others have pointed out. One I was hoping to see, though not expecting, was Stan Rogers. Fantastic Canadian singer-songwriter.
Hi there. Would add Eric Andersen to the list. His first (& second albums), along with Cohen's first album were responsible for my initiation into poetry. I think your listed albums here are bang on. Enjoy your channel.
You are much better than me and this is pissing me off ! :) You even have Jansch and Martyn. I bet not that many heard about Martyn in States. Great watching this !!! :) Have about 70% of what you are presenting here...Best Wishes from UK. PS You forgotten about Crosby 'If I could only remember my name' :)
hmmm, interesting : that must be a anglo-saxon paradigm, as the songwriter/singer mostly started in the 40ies in France (bands, outside of jazz, probably came a little later to us, though), and probably other countries. But do you separate blues from what you're talking about? My fave of all those is the Harry Nilsson one. But you're not that much into Robert Wyatt, or Kevin Ayers? Didn't know about Laura Nyro, and will check, so thanks ^^
For me John Prine and Joni Mitchell are magical singer-songwriters. Didn't see if you included anything of hers. 🙂 Cheers! Was finally gonna see John Prine live a few years ago, it got cancelled due to illness, shortly after he passed away. :( RIP.
I'm getting behind again but here I am. For all us European people you should make a video all about Fiona Apple we don't know who she is. Carole King for me as a songwriter was hit and miss until Tapestry where she just poured her life into her songs. She was getting divorced or had just gotten divorced and was starting a new life with her daughter and the album really reflects that. The Tapestry album was very important at the time for so many woman. It became their voice if they where in an unhappy marriage. A Natural Woman was not covered by Aretha. Carole was asked to write a song for Aretha and she wrote that song. Carole's demo is on the end of the album. I love Steve Wonder like many people do. Inner Visions is a beautiful album it has a longer version of Living for the City on it. Wonderful music. There other people you should get into are... *Suzanne Vega* she is a great singer / songwriter. Longs of her songs really reflect New York City where she is from. The first song of hers I really liked was The Queen and the soldier. Her big album was Solitude Standing with songs like Tom's Dinner on it. *Nerina Pallot* She is a British singer, songwriter piano player who has released six albums and over a dozen Eps. She is from Jersey one of the Channel Islands off the French coast of Normandy that are owned by Great Britain. Her first three albums are hit and miss. There are some good songs on them Her forth album Year of the Wolf named after her son Wolfie is an album where every track is amazing. Her music is very Carole King like. The song I Do Not Want What I Do Not Have is named after a Sinéad O'Connor album. The Sound and the Fury album is songs from Eps and new songs. Her last album Stay Lucky is the kind of album that Angels would make if they could. Beautiful music. Lets not forget *Michale Kiwanuka* he is Britain's Bill Withers and he says that himself. He won the Mercury Music Prize this year awarded for the best album released in the United Kingdom, for his Third album “ Kiwanuka”.
Thank You for reading my long comment. I Wish Donald and Melania Trump well because they have children. Its Donalds trumps own fault he has Covid for not wearing a mask that often. Many world leaders have had Covid. It was only a matter of time before the Trumps got ill.
A most enjoyable video. If there is a perfect album from Townes VanZandt it is, without question, Live at the Old Quarter. Interesting to see your selections from those artists in particular we both admire: Beck, Nilsson, Neil Young, Dylan, Randy Newman, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, John Martyn (btw I saw 'Church with One Bell' in a record store the other day on reissue - let me know if you are still looking, I will buy and forward it to you if you send mailing address). I actually prefer Teaser and the Firecat (if ever so slightly) to Tea for the Tillerman, Jackson Browne's debut to Late for the Sky, White Light to No Other, and Shelter People to Leon's first. Richard Thompson's Hand of Kindness is a perfect album. Jackson C Frank's one album is perfect. Ditto Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind (Sit Down Young Stranger), Phoebe Snow's debut, Blaze Foley's Live at the Austin Outhouse, and Willis Alan Ramsey's one album.
Great list! Love all those albums. Roddy Frame is, I think, one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever and a hell of a guitarist. Check out the "Surf' album or any of his solo records. He's also great on RUclips on the songwriters circle with Neil Finn and Graham Gouldman.
No Gordon Lightfoot (Sunday Concert), Joni Mitchell (Song to a Seagull), Dan Fogelberg, Stan Rogers (Between the Breaks....Live) Harry Chapin? A newer singer / songwriter, I'd like to see on Vinyl, David Wilcox (Songs & Stories ). (This interest in getting back into Vinyl is Dependent on whether or not I decide to put my VPI HW19 back into service when I'm able to move, it's currently boxed up sitting in a closet. If I do decide to keep it, I would do so to get back into Classical Vinyl. Digital doesn't seem to capture the same amount of Orchestral Instruments w/o using a $$$$ DAC)
Todd Rundgren would fit in here easily - the problem with him is picking an album. Something/Anything is the obvious choice, but Runt and Hermit of Mink Hollow are also great, and then there's the likes of Nearly Human and Second Wind. More recently, Andrew Bird. His stuff is just delightfully weird (prog folk???). Noble Beast lived in my car from the time I got it until I had to get rid of the car, and everything I've heard off My Finest Work Yet is fantastic.
Hi Mazzy, thank you for all the music that you share with us, I would like to know why i never mention Crosby Still Nash, you don'nt like them? Kind Regards Alberto
Great video . I would also include Sundown by Gordon Lightfoot , one of Nightvision , Salt Sun and Time , The Trouble with Normal , or Nothing but a Burning Light from Bruce Cockburn. , and something from Joe Jackson .
I'm pretty sure I am the only person that doesn't love Tracy Chapman. I do respect so many of the great song writers you named. Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Carole King. Elton John and so many more.
Many to add, I'm sure but I think these three stand out as exceptional: "John Prine" of course, John Stewart's "California Bloodlines" and Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". I appreciate you including Phil Ochs and John Sebastian (his lyrics are so relatable and positive without being preachy or corny). Randy Newman is incredible.
I have no argument for deleting any of your choices., Mazzy. I’m reveling in the abundance of singer-songwriting brilliance you gathered…but, I’m a huge Jesse Winchester fan and he wrote and sang some amazing songs over lots of years….would also give a shout-out to Jason Isbell.
Well, that was fun. Isn't there so much wonderful music out there? There's very few of those I don't own albums by. Possibly only Elton John I don't. Good to see Smog (Bill Callahan). Yes, his new album is amazing, as all of his are. He, along with other Americana tinged artists are firm favourites of mine. Vic Chesnutt's Is The Actor Happy, Songs: Ohia's (Jason Molina) Lioness, Howe Gelb's 'Sno Angel Like You, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's (Will Oldham) I See A Darkness and Neko Case's Furnace Room Lullaby would all make any list I would make. Of course, I love Guy Clark and John Prine, but I'd have to include more country artists. Kris Kristofferson's debut album, Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger, Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home and Billy Joe Shaver's Old Five and Dimers Like Me. B. C. Camplight is an artist who just gets better and better. His album from earlier this year, Shortly After Takeoff, is almost without doubt going to be my favourite album if the year. ...Sorry, I've gone on a bit...Much like your video 🙂
Hi Mazzy, lot of great music there, too much to mention. I need to re-listen the Waits album, don’t have it in my top 5 of his works. That background music was brutal, felt like I was at a renaissance fair. Take care😀
Terrific list. I'd add (unless I missed him) Gordon Lightfoot. SHADOWS, DREAM STREET ROSE, COLD ON THE SHOULDER, and many other superb albums.
Tracy Chapman is so incredible. I have the album you were holding. It is more scarce now as well as most of her other work on vinyl. At some point, I'm hoping for a vinyl box set like Sade has coming out for Tracy. Until then, her CDs are pretty accessible so people can hear her greatness. I love her writing style and her voice. I'm so glad you brought her in on your choices here. I think she is so overlooked sadly.
i have all her albums that are available on vinyl...i agree that there are too many only on cd...hoping that will change...but i actually broke down and bought 'let it rain' on cd...my favorite album of hers...she is one of my all time favorites...
Norman, although I'm a bit younger than you, born in '64, you are definitely a kindred soul musically, as I think I have nearly every album you featured. Great selection! Just some housekeeping in case someone missed it, Badfinger was the first artist/group signed to Apple records, James Taylor was the first non-British artist. Maybe because I'm Canadian, I would say Gordon Lightfoot. Keep up the great content, sorry I'm 3 years behind the comments. Story of my life!
Great video of essential s/s artists and their praised works. Sea Change, Boatman's Call, Blue, Astal Weeks and The Heart of Saturday Night are favourites. Clark's No Other is an album I hadn't heard until recently. Enjoyed Renbourn, too. Cheers!
Wow what a collection...magnificent..!!
Kudos for including Phil Ochs - Pleasures of the Harbor. Blue is also one of my favorites. An amazing album from start to finish. Thank you for a great list.
Someone who always considered himself to be more of a writer than a singer (for good reason), Lou Reed. Lou wrote some incredible music.
Lou Reed - Yes
Love the 70s and Texas singer/songwriters. I'll have to break this one up into parts but really enjoy it so far! take care friend.
Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell - Yes
Agreed on Elvis Costello, it took me years to get into his discography, but once I listened to Watching the Detectives I was instantly hooked. I treasure my 45 of I Don’t Want to go to Chelsea. I really enjoy lyricists who can be cryptic without sounding nonsensical, very few walk that line well.
Loved this video. Thanks for sharing.
Some personal favourites you missed - Sam Cooke, Paul McCartney, Dory Previn, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Roy Harper, Tori Amos, Beth Hart, Kacey Musgrave, Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, Norah Jones, Tom Russell, and Gretchen Peters. Gretchen Peters in particular has an extensive catalogue of beautiful and skilfully crafted songs.
Fantastic selection.. Best wishes from London, England
Hello Mazzy, thanks for showing John Hiatt. I love this album from him and the following one « Slow Turning ». 👌 This guy is rarely shown in the VC or rarely shown by youtubers I follow ! I learned about some artists you show here in the VC (Newsom, for example) and it is still true for this video (Welch, Nyro...). Thanks for that. I’m a fan of most of the big names here : I collect them from time to time (except E. John, only one Album I keep because there is a Jaguar in the gatefold - you should do the same Supertramp had fun artworks). One of my favorite singer-songwriters is not here and he is American : James McMurtry. I also used to like the rural guy John Mellencamp mainly for two albums in the mid 80s : I only saw him one time in the VC and it was for laughing... As a rural guy myself I understood the lyrics. It can be the reason : obvious lyrics. I don’t know. And the last one, great pianist, I saw him in concert in Antwerpen in Belgium : Bruce Hornsby. His two first albums are unique for me. Take care. Bruno
Love this video Mazzy..love Jackson Browne..his first three albums are among my fav records by any artist..great Nick Cave record..My Aim Is True is awesome..although I like Armed Forces better...Also love Spike..You turned me on to that Gene Clark No Other record and it never leaves my heavy rotation pile..A fabulous record..I have to watch the rest later...👍👍👍👍glen kellaway
Hi Mazzy great show and a fascinating and interesting list of great artists you must do a part two,and I have to agree about Springsteen’s Sandy it’s my all time favourite song the story it tells is just so poignant we’ve all been there,fabulous stuff hope there’s a part two,thanks Tony.
Just getting round to watching this today Mazzy.
Definitely going to seek out some of these that I am unfamiliar with.
Best wishes from Ireland Sir!
great list....I would add Martin Newell a somewhat obscure English singer songwriter (his 'band' Cleaners from Venus was essentially a solo project for the most part). Great Beatle-esque/Ray Davies-esque low fi pop songs. The Greatest Living Englishman is a fine album produced by Andy Partridge
Back to watch the rest of this video..I am a big John Hiatt fan..you are correct..Bring The Family is his best..RUCKIE Lee Jones debut is a great album and so well recorded..sounds great..Astral Weeks..THE PERFECT RECORD...I saw Randy Newman and Ry Cooder at Massey Hall around 1973..John Prine is like family to me..Leon Russell..I just picked up Carney on vinyl..love that album..Sweet Baby James is a favorite..also love Mud Slide Slim..Neil and Warren..great way to end..👍👍👍👍👍👍glen
I can agree with most all the Artist's I just differ on the albums, I was afraid Loudon was going to be left off (prefer unrequited to the Nth degree) off the top of my pointed little head Richard Buckner (Bloomed) and Willie Nelson (Teatro) would like to see a video of Artists with Great albums more than 5 or more years apart. Keep up the videos they are quite enjoyable.
of course you know i love this theme...and i love tracy chapman...her album 'let it rain' is one of my top five of all time....of course rickie lee jones (who i paid tribute to on my album)...my favorites..leonard cohen, van morrison and dylan....also tom waits, john sebastian, laura nyro, nick drake....so many great ones...just one that i would love to see mentioned...tina vero...she has a few albums but her debut 'in the waiting' is absolutely brilliant (sadly only on cd)...thanks for this...peace...rocky
Your list awesome. A couple surprises for me, will check them out. My list would include Gordon Lightfoot and Tim Hardin.
This was very extensive, I really appreciate your efforts in creating this list. There are artists you mentioned I do not know. I wondered why you did not include Dave Alvin.
There so many more 🎸🎸🎸🎸
Going through videos i didn't watch . this one is great and you could do another 50 artists easily , just lovely
Thank you. The hits will keep coming. Appreciate it 🎶
The last Warren Zevon album The Wind might just be the best I-know-I'm dying record ever. Only Blackstar challenges it for me
Great video. I love that Tracy Chapman album. Donovan rules. I have to listen to Leonard Cohen today. Joni Mitchell is always amazing.
I expect that all real music lovers would be into most of these but it still surprised me that I'm a fan of almost every one of your picks. It's like having a conversation with your best mate.
I expect you always knew but after loving 'Shipbuilding' since it came out I was surprised when I found out that Chet Baker played the trumpet on it. I still have so much to learn!
Natalie Merchant is my favourite female singer songwriter. Do you have any of her albums?
Great video. You open my musical mind to listen to different things. I would add Kris Kristofferson to your list. Thanks for all your videos.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching ❣️
I have just discovered this, thank you, a great and inspiring list. You have included some of my favorite artists and there are many that I still want to get more familiar with. Some names that are neither been listed nor I have seen being mentioned in the comments are:
Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Eva Cassidy (though she is more a mere singer/ interpreter, but she is definitely worth checking out).
10 more and lesser known artists and records I would recommend:
Loreena McKennitt - Live at Alhambra
Sophie Zelmani - Sing and dance
Sarah Jarosz - Undercurrent
Asaf Avidan - The reckoning
Chris Stapleton - first record
J. S. Ondara - Tales of America
David Ramirez - Fables
Joel Rafael - Baladista
Fernando Ortega - Fernando Ortega
Martyn Joseph - Thunder and rainbows
Another one would be Andrew Marlin (former Mandolin Orange - Wildfire, now Watchhouse)
Glen Hansard, the great Irish singer/ songwriter from the Frames and solo. His album Rhythm and Repose(2012) is fantastic, as are the three following this one:) I also really like Gordon Haskell, a judgment that for the moment is solely based on my appreciation of his Harry's Bar(2002) album. With the gorgeous How Wonderful You Are on it. Guy became popular at 57 with this song and album. That's what is beautiful and tragic with some of these singer-songwriters. Sometimes they don't get noticed until way later of even after they've passed away... Anyway, great list there, Mazzy! Take care.
Surprised to see no PJ Harvey! Always love your videos Mazzy!
Jason Isbell
Have you ever heard Robert Wyatt's version of Elvis Costello and Clive Langer's Shipbuilding Mazzy? They actually wrote it for him and his unique mesmerising vocals just elevate the song to a different dimension. Afterward, Elvis recorded his own version of it. The song is an anti-Falkand's war song. The controversial war Margaret Thatcher's government fought against Argentina. The lyric refers to the irony of how war can lead to work for the men who build warships which will ultimately send their sons off to die. Apologies if I am telling you stuff you already know! Also if you get a chance check out another great version of Season of the Witch by Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger and the Trinity. Great pick on the Bert Jansch! and great video as ever.
nice mix of well known and not as well known singer/songwriters - thanks for the video! FWIW, Harry Nilsson’s song for the Midnight Cowboy theme was “I guess the lord must be in new york city”. . . also Guy Clark died at age 75 after battle with lymphoma stay well!
As usual, I’m late to the party as I just discovered your channel. Even though these lists can be very subjective, I still enjoyed your video. I’m also very happy you included Nick Cave. By far, my absolute favorite and “The Boatsman Call’ is a masterpiece. Thank you for doing this.
Welcome these are just for fun Depends on mood ✌🏼
A somewhat newer artist that I came across that I've fallen in Love with regarding singer/ songwriter is Ryan Montbleau. Absolute monster lyricism, can hold his own against pretty much any of the greats IMO. Interestingly, I discovered him they'd his song "Pacing Like Prince" which is from his more soul side of music, then when I went to check out his other stuff I realized he has a lot of singer/songwriter and roots/ Americana stuff. Some other top favorites for songwriters or specific songs on my "singer/ songwriter" playlist: Ben Kweller (very unique lyricism), Adam Duritz/ Counting Crows, Ryan Bingham, The Avett Brothers (February Seven is great), Amigo- The Glorious Sons, Makin It- Bishop Gunn, Soulfight- The Revivalists, My City of Ruin- Eddie Vedder, Move On- Jet, The Sun is Shining- JJ Grey and Mofro. Just some breadcrumbs for anyone reading :) Great, comprehensive list in this video for sure!
Some great top tips. I would also add Graham Parker, Ron Sexsmith, Jason Isbell and Aimee Mann
Jason Isbell is one of the best current singer songwriters for sure.
Nice list, for the most part. I've got that Springsteen album and I remember the song you keep referring to as "Rosita" is actually "Rosalita". Quibble, I know. Big fan of both Randy Newman and John Hiatt - glad you featured both.
Mazzy, do you know Australian Paul Kelly, arguably Australia's greatest singer/songwriter. David Fricke from Rolling Stone said Kelly is one of the finest singer/songwriters he has ever heard, in Australia or anywhere. Kelly's 'How to Make Gravy' is Australia's unofficial Christmas song. Kelly started in the early 1980's and is still making great records.
Great list Mazzy, but any list of 50 singer songwriters should include Vic Chesnutt. If you are not familiar with him start with Is The Actor Happy.
Hi Mazzy. Saludos from Madrid. This is Rafael. There are so many great singer songwriters. I miss a few more but its your selection, maybe next time. I suggest you a challenge. What about a list of great songs that named cities or places and travel around? An example. From Andalucía by John Cale to Alburquerque by Neil Young in 10 steps, what a trip! and the connections between them as the stuff, colaborations or covers of the records, you know well, you're very imaginative. It could be too a playlist of songs from deep America, old Europe, exotic places... come on. What do you think about? Check it out and show us. Have a nice day
Love serrat
Happy to see I have a lot of those.........and now I have a few to look into as well :)
People love him or hate him, and I can understand why you may not have him in your collection. But there can be no discussion of singer-songwriters without Dan Fogelberg. He was there at the start, and along with James Taylor, pioneered the genre.
Absolutely beautiful music by Dan fogelberg I agree with you, his arrangements are very outstanding. I have the John Martyn "church with one bell" on cd and many John Hiatt albums
The Innocent Age is a masterpiece.
A lot of great albums I love, and a lot of new ones to discover. I would add Al Stewart. I particularly like his three albums: "Orange", "Love chronicles" and "Zero she flies". All of them are overall better IMO than his most praised "The year of the cat" which is too polished for me. An important part of my singer/songwriter pantheon is Roy Harper. His "Stormcock" is the ultimate album for me. One of the brightest stars in my singer/songwriter heaven is Scott Walker, particularly for his third album, which is achingly beautiful. The same may be said about Lou Reed and his dark masterpiece "Berlin". I'm not sure if Syd Barrett qualifies (it does to me) but I love "Madcap Laughs". Same with Robert Wyatt and his "Rock bottom". A relatively more recent example is Heidi Berry. Her first two 4AD releases from the early 90s ( "Love" and "Heidi Berry") are really nice. And the last but not least, a rather controversial choice: Alice Cooper "On the inside". Written with Elton John's right-hand man - Bernie Taupin, is an amazing gallery of songs depicting some lunatics, met while Alice was in rehab, plus some autobiographical songs show Alice himself at his most vulnerable.
Good call on Stormcock. Brilliant album.
Nice, Mazzy! As always very entertaining & full of good, interesting music and infos. Surprised though, that neither Townes Van Zandt made it in your list, nor Ryan Adams (and Mark Knopfler). But still: Great list. Greetings from Germany. Check out Fink, by the way.
This is just the best music channel on RUclips
Thank you. Just showing the music I love. ✌🏼
A very cool list! I like that you mixed the singer-songwriter era with some contemporary names! It breaks my heart though that Neil Diamond didn't make your list. You're right about the Vegas era, but the run from Velvet, Gloves and Spit (1968) to Moods (1972) had some real magic in it!
The Bang years of Neil are fantastic
So so many. You took most of my picks for greatest singer songwriters out there. But I'd also add the other two Beatles singer-songwriters, Georgie and Paulie 😄 both remarkable wordsmiths and melody makers in their solo work.
More soul, funk and RnB representation: Bill Withers, Prince, Labi Siffre (he always gets missed out these lists).
It was under the umbrella of the Family Stone, but everything from There's a Riot Going on onwards was Sly Stone's own work, with a couple of contributions here and there from the band.
Nice collection. One I would add is Richard and Linda Thompson's ''I want to see the Bright Lights Tonight''. It is a perfect record with songs that stand comparison with the best of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
I see others have mentioned Richard Thompson too and that you've already addressed that. I'll leave the comment there though because that album is one of the all-time greats, and unique.
Nick Cave one of my all time favorite songwriters. Just awesome
Bob... EVERYTHING..
Fell in love to Blood on the Tracks, 'More Blood' includes 'Up to Me', an absolute beauty that he left out of the original🤷
If I had to pick one Dylan album, I'd be in big trouble! There are songs on every one of the classics, from Freewheelin' to Nashville Skyline, plus Blood on the Tracks, but every one of them is powerful, titanic and indelible. I tend to gravitate to John Wesley Harding and Bringing It All Back Home, with a healthy dose of Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde.
Great catches with Gene Clark, Guy Clark, John Hiatt, Randy Newman, Phil Ochs, Gram Parsons, John Prine, Leon Russell, Paul Simon, Lucinda Williams and Warren Zevon, but what about Gordon Lightfoot, Al Stewart, John Fogerty, Garland Jeffreys, Neil Diamond, Marc Cohn, Bill Withers, Janis Ian, Otis Redding, John Mellancamp, and Bob Welch, who wrote hits for Fleetwood Mac (Bermuda Triangle, anyone?), then as a solo act, and in Paris, with Tony and Hunt Sales
Also, Dave Edmunds, Karla Bonoff, Tom Cochrane, John Hartford, Gerry Rafferty, Emmitt Rhodes, Bruce Cockburn, Dan Fogelberg, Mark Knopfler, Boz Scaggs, Harry Chapin, Dan Hicks, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Buffett, David Bromberg, singers and songwriters, all, Then There's Pete Townshend, Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and Peter Frampton. Not to mention the amazing, and hard to find, Willis Alan Ramsey.
Jackson Browne's very best is Saturate before Using. I like Late for the Sky, but Saturate is filled with timeless songs, an intimacy lacking in later albums, and heart. Donovan deserves kudos for Sunshine Superman, still on my Hot 100 after 57 years. The songs are his strongest non-single efforts, the flow between songs sublime. I put it with Dark Side of the Moon as one of the most important albums of the era.
I prefer For the Roses, or Court and Spark, to Blue, the common pull for many critics, Mona Bone Jakon to Tea for the Tillerman, and Saint Dominic's Preview, to Astral Weeks. I never thought of Bert Jansch as a singer, much less a songwriter, but a great guitarist. My loss, I suppose, but one of those I mentioned deserved a spot, in his place.
Another great video,I have 24 of your choices , so of course you have given me more to think about .
There’s quests more out there to discover. Cheers ✌🏽
I have Harry’s lp on Newman , and of course found Harry through the Beatles
The Warren Zevon album is one of my all-time favorite albums. It's soft rock meets country with a LA flavor.
Great video, I love the selections and the commentary! Your list is so comprehensive, it would hurt my head to try to think of any major singer-songwriters left out. Of course, being the Beatles fanatic that I am, I would include Paul and George. I'm a huge fan of Stevie Winwood, but I know he co-wrote many classic songs with Jim Capaldi. Going way back, I would give a sentimental nod to Buddy Holly. Chuck Berry seemed to be effortlessly capable of writing great tunes and lyrics. Randomly, David Bowie is a personal fave, also Cat Stevens. Dolly Parton. Hank Williams. Nick Lowe. Jim Croce. Honorable mentions: Emmit Rhodes, Joe Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Suzanne Vega, Imogen Heap, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins, Yukimi Nagano, Peter Gabriel, Loreena McKennitt, O.K. I'd better stop, my head hurts.
Hi Norman! Beautiful show. I’m pretty amazed that i have and love most of the albums you talk about here. What do you think about James McMurtry?
I'd include Al Kooper, Laura Nyro and Todd Rundgren in my 50 Great Singer Songwriter Albums.
Hi mazzy you don’t need notes it’s all from the heart ..I knew billy would get a mention . Neil Young is a big favourite of mine .. I keep seeing that rickie lee jones album I should grab it .. great personal choices 👍
Oh my favourite is Paul weller of course but these days I think I prefer Neil Young ..
grab that rickie lee...it's brilliant...
In November 1969, three Laura Nyro songs were in the USA Billboard top ten: No.1 Wedding Bell Blues, No.2 And When I Die, No.10 Eli's Comin'. I believe that she's the only solo songwriter to have achieved this.
Great list Maz. Can't really argue with any of them. Did I miss Townes Van Zandt, or was he not included? Glad to see the inclusion of a few 90s and 2000s artists like Elliott Smith, Gillian Welch, Smog, Bon Iver, etc. When considering artists of that era, and even including today, so many more could be listed in my list. Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Will Oldham (Palace Bros, Bonnie Prince Billy), Jason Molina (Songs Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.), and John Darnielle (Mountain Goats) come to mind. Again, great list.
I think, if you include Mark Kozelek, you could also consider Mark Oliver Everett , aka E of Eels fame. Albeit I grant you that Kozelek has recorded much more solo material.
You always seem to leave out Richard Thompson from these lists. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to mention him in the comments. Same goes for Sandy Denny. Ralph McTell springs to mind as another great British singer/songwriter who isn't that well known outside the UK & even here, most people only know him for one song.
I know at least one VCer, Shannon D., who will be somewhat perturbed that you failed to mention Tori Amos. She seems to have gone quiet of late. I hope she's OK.
I don't think it would be all that hard to come up with a list of 100 great singer/songwriter albums, without repeating any artist.
Dave Brzeski yes great suggestion. Love richard and Linda Thompson and just got their new cd box set but aside from Shoot out the Lights I have none on vinyl. I have many of Ricardo’s albums and Tori Amos on CD. I suppose I could make a CD version that would add many of the artists you suggest including Mark Oliver Everett. Of course 100 would be more inclusive. I think others would have a different list. Thanks for comments. Your suggestions are all great.
Strong list. Obligatory listing of omissions (some more glaring than others):
George Harrison
Paul McCartney
Hank Williams
Bob Marley
Lou Reed
Syd Barrett
Townes van Zandt (acknowledged)
Merle Haggard
Willie Nelson
Robert Johnson
David Bowie
Tom Petty
Gordon Lightfoot
Woody Guthrie
Kate Bush
John Denver
C/S/N
Bill Withers
Chuck Berry
Good list
Have always been enthralled by Nick Cave’s The Boatman’s Call. Yes, perfect and a bit heart-breaking.
Hi Mazzy- enjoyed this and some great choices. While E Street Shuffle is not my favorite Bruce album, it is certainly representative. And was glad to see Late for the Sky, although I love the first two JB albums as well .Three other artists that I'd consider solo work from Chris Hillman, Rick Roberts, and Bill Wilson- although the latter may be more of an Indiana phenomenon...Maybe one of the first two Karla Bonoff albums, with all of those classic songs Linda Ronstadt covered...
Mazzy, Richard Thompson is an very underrated singer-songwriter(guitarist) with many very good albums. I would have to go with Rumor & Sigh (1991) for 1952 Vincent Black Lightning alone but there are 14 excellent songs on this disc. Two other very talented British singer-songwriter-guitarist sometimes overlooked are Mark Knopfler and Chris Rea.
Keep Your Distance is an amazing song.
Great stuff. John martyn born in England but is classed as Scottish. Rock on.
Hey Mazzy the song on North is " I'm in the Mood Again".
Michael Martin Murphey is one of my favorites. Can't go wrong with any of his 70's releases. Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir is fantastic.
Marvin Gaye definitely up there🙌🏾🎶 although I slightly love What’s Going On a bit better. Great list nonetheless😁
Thanks Mazzy. I started a list, but only made it to five entries, with at least one that I have to check if he fits, but it included John Stewart. Sun Kil Moon I will need to check. - Chris
Great show. Kate Bush would been in mine. I know you like her too. Maybe she isint a singer songwriter at second thought. Tori amos first few albums are great also.
Arthur Bordine yes I love Kate Bush. Just didn’t to seem to fit into this one. 🧚🏼♀️
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Marley, Brian Wilson, Kate Bush, Curtis Mayfield, Taj Mahal, Dr. John
Really enjoyed this one! ✌🏻😎 The Black Swan is a great album. Did you see that Earth Recordings is issuing Crimson Moon on vinyl? Comes out in a couple weeks. I’m so excited - it’s such a wonderful later album for Jansch. From the early 2000s I think.
I'd really like to see the rest of the top 100, because some big names are left out, like others have pointed out. One I was hoping to see, though not expecting, was Stan Rogers. Fantastic Canadian singer-songwriter.
Hi there. Would add Eric Andersen to the list. His first (& second albums), along with Cohen's first album were responsible for my initiation into poetry. I think your listed albums here are bang on. Enjoy your channel.
Beck says: yes I can. Great choice.
You are much better than me and this is pissing me off ! :) You even have Jansch and Martyn. I bet not that many heard about Martyn in States. Great watching this !!! :) Have about 70% of what you are presenting here...Best Wishes from UK. PS You forgotten about Crosby 'If I could only remember my name' :)
hmmm, interesting : that must be a anglo-saxon paradigm, as the songwriter/singer mostly started in the 40ies in France (bands, outside of jazz, probably came a little later to us, though), and probably other countries. But do you separate blues from what you're talking about?
My fave of all those is the Harry Nilsson one. But you're not that much into Robert Wyatt, or Kevin Ayers? Didn't know about Laura Nyro, and will check, so thanks ^^
For me John Prine and Joni Mitchell are magical singer-songwriters. Didn't see if you included anything of hers. 🙂 Cheers!
Was finally gonna see John Prine live a few years ago, it got cancelled due to illness, shortly after he passed away. :( RIP.
Yes both great ✌🏼
Mary Chapin Carpenter is hugely overlooked.
Great video, Mazzy...thank you! I don’t see the VC discussing Gino Vannelli...great songs/production/players...thoughts?
Like all your choices and agre with them. Would have been nice to somehow Carly Simon.
I'm getting behind again but here I am. For all us European people you should make a video all about Fiona Apple we don't know who she is.
Carole King for me as a songwriter was hit and miss until Tapestry where she just poured her life into her songs. She was getting divorced or had just gotten divorced and was starting a new life with her daughter and the album really reflects that. The Tapestry album was very important at the time for so many woman. It became their voice if they where in an unhappy marriage. A Natural Woman was not covered by Aretha. Carole was asked to write a song for Aretha and she wrote that song. Carole's demo is on the end of the album. I love Steve Wonder like many people do. Inner Visions is a beautiful album it has a longer version of Living for the City on it. Wonderful music.
There other people you should get into are...
*Suzanne Vega* she is a great singer / songwriter. Longs of her songs really reflect New York City where she is from. The first song of hers I really liked was The Queen and the soldier. Her big album was Solitude Standing with songs like Tom's Dinner on it.
*Nerina Pallot* She is a British singer, songwriter piano player who has released six albums and over a dozen Eps. She is from Jersey one of the Channel Islands off the French coast of Normandy that are owned by Great Britain. Her first three albums are hit and miss. There are some good songs on them Her forth album Year of the Wolf named after her son Wolfie is an album where every track is amazing. Her music is very Carole King like. The song I Do Not Want What I Do Not Have is named after a Sinéad O'Connor album. The Sound and the Fury album is songs from Eps and new songs. Her last album Stay Lucky is the kind of album that Angels would make if they could. Beautiful music.
Lets not forget *Michale Kiwanuka* he is Britain's Bill Withers and he says that himself. He won the Mercury Music Prize this year awarded for the best album released in the United Kingdom, for his Third album “ Kiwanuka”.
Thank You for reading my long comment. I Wish Donald and Melania Trump well because they have children. Its Donalds trumps own fault he has Covid for not wearing a mask that often. Many world leaders have had Covid. It was only a matter of time before the Trumps got ill.
A most enjoyable video. If there is a perfect album from Townes VanZandt it is, without question, Live at the Old Quarter. Interesting to see your selections from those artists in particular we both admire: Beck, Nilsson, Neil Young, Dylan, Randy Newman, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, John Martyn (btw I saw 'Church with One Bell' in a record store the other day on reissue - let me know if you are still looking, I will buy and forward it to you if you send mailing address). I actually prefer Teaser and the Firecat (if ever so slightly) to Tea for the Tillerman, Jackson Browne's debut to Late for the Sky, White Light to No Other, and Shelter People to Leon's first. Richard Thompson's Hand of Kindness is a perfect album. Jackson C Frank's one album is perfect. Ditto Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind (Sit Down Young Stranger), Phoebe Snow's debut, Blaze Foley's Live at the Austin Outhouse, and Willis Alan Ramsey's one album.
Great list! Love all those albums.
Roddy Frame is, I think, one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever and a hell of a guitarist. Check out the "Surf' album or any of his solo records. He's also great on RUclips on the songwriters circle with Neil Finn and Graham Gouldman.
No Gordon Lightfoot (Sunday Concert), Joni Mitchell (Song to a Seagull), Dan Fogelberg, Stan Rogers (Between the Breaks....Live) Harry Chapin? A newer singer / songwriter, I'd like to see on Vinyl, David Wilcox (Songs & Stories ).
(This interest in getting back into Vinyl is Dependent on whether or not I decide to put my VPI HW19 back into service when I'm able to move, it's currently boxed up sitting in a closet. If I do decide to keep it, I would do so to get back into Classical Vinyl. Digital doesn't seem to capture the same amount of Orchestral Instruments w/o using a $$$$ DAC)
Todd Rundgren would fit in here easily - the problem with him is picking an album. Something/Anything is the obvious choice, but Runt and Hermit of Mink Hollow are also great, and then there's the likes of Nearly Human and Second Wind.
More recently, Andrew Bird. His stuff is just delightfully weird (prog folk???). Noble Beast lived in my car from the time I got it until I had to get rid of the car, and everything I've heard off My Finest Work Yet is fantastic.
Hi Mazzy, thank you for all the music that you share with us, I would like to know why i never mention Crosby Still Nash, you don'nt like them? Kind Regards Alberto
I have showed them occasionally including the recent Deja VU 50th. Love their first three records 🥂
Great video . I would also include Sundown by Gordon Lightfoot , one of Nightvision , Salt Sun and Time , The Trouble with Normal , or Nothing but a Burning Light from Bruce Cockburn. , and something from Joe Jackson .
I'm pretty sure I am the only person that doesn't love Tracy Chapman. I do respect so many of the great song writers you named. Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Carole King. Elton John and so many more.
You most certainly are not the only person, one of millions.
Maybe your best video yet! Some of the background music was borderline unbearable though...lol. Keep up the great work and thank you.
Love Zevon...
Porcelain Monkey,
Keep me in your heart for a while...
Life'll Kill Ya 👌
Great list, although I think Steve Earle deserves a spot as well
I would like to have seen David Gates of 'Bread' listed here -talk about great songs!
Many to add, I'm sure but I think these three stand out as exceptional: "John Prine" of course, John Stewart's "California Bloodlines" and Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". I appreciate you including Phil Ochs and John Sebastian (his lyrics are so relatable and positive without being preachy or corny). Randy Newman is incredible.
One of the best ever story tellers Harry Chapin. Also, Neil Diamond, Jim Croce and the other 2 Beatle soloists George and Paul.
I have no argument for deleting any of your choices., Mazzy. I’m reveling in the abundance of singer-songwriting brilliance you gathered…but, I’m a huge Jesse Winchester fan and he wrote and sang some amazing songs over lots of years….would also give a shout-out to Jason Isbell.
Hiya Mazzy… what’s the track playing in background at the start of this piece? Thanks.
Well, that was fun. Isn't there so much wonderful music out there? There's very few of those I don't own albums by. Possibly only Elton John I don't.
Good to see Smog (Bill Callahan). Yes, his new album is amazing, as all of his are. He, along with other Americana tinged artists are firm favourites of mine. Vic Chesnutt's Is The Actor Happy, Songs: Ohia's (Jason Molina) Lioness, Howe Gelb's 'Sno Angel Like You, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's (Will Oldham) I See A Darkness and Neko Case's Furnace Room Lullaby would all make any list I would make.
Of course, I love Guy Clark and John Prine, but I'd have to include more country artists.
Kris Kristofferson's debut album, Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger, Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home and Billy Joe Shaver's Old Five and Dimers Like Me.
B. C. Camplight is an artist who just gets better and better. His album from earlier this year, Shortly After Takeoff, is almost without doubt going to be my favourite album if the year.
...Sorry, I've gone on a bit...Much like your video 🙂
Jim Croce, Don Mclean great list!