Does anyone remember The Great Singer-Songwriters? Not me. I wasn't alive for any of them.
The term "singer-songwriter" doesn't have a strict definition. I suppose if you look at the album covers on this blog, you could say a "singer-songwriter" is a person who gets pictures of themselves with their name next to it. I suppose there are a lot of artists like that these days. The difference now is the personality behind that picture. Or more importantly, the personality behind the microphone.
All (or most) of the artists portrayed here actually have unique voices and full sounds to back up their names. Some are born entertainers (Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen). Some never even toured (Harry Nilsson, Nick Drake). Some were just flat-out depressing (Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake again). I believe there are still great singer-songwriters out there, but the title doesn't mean the same thing as it did in the early-mid-70s. I'd say there's a difference between being a "singer-songwriter" and a "solo artist." There are plenty of great solo artists out there talented in lyricism and songsmith. There are even great artists who are frontmen for great bands, but their solo work doesn't add up. I think that singer-songwriters have a different edge though. What artists these days live up to the title next to folks in these pictures? That new Fiona Apple album definitely does. Joanna Newsom. Sufjan Stevens. Nick Cave. What else do all these artists have in common? They're not popular.
Looking back on the 70s, I could've added plenty of other artists to this blog post- Elton John, John Denver, Carole King, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce- and you would all totally know who I'm talking about. But today? The billboard chart is full of solo artists, and for that matter, CRAPPY ONES. Not like there wasn't any crappy music back then, but you gotta admit, it was a better place. The singer songwriter died. I couldn't tell you when, but looking at these album covers tell me when they were alive and kicking. So here's to one man or woman who uses all their energy, heart, wit and honesty behind the microphone.
Now go make a serious face and put your name next to it!
All (or most) of the artists portrayed here actually have unique voices and full sounds to back up their names. Some are born entertainers (Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen). Some never even toured (Harry Nilsson, Nick Drake). Some were just flat-out depressing (Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake again). I believe there are still great singer-songwriters out there, but the title doesn't mean the same thing as it did in the early-mid-70s. I'd say there's a difference between being a "singer-songwriter" and a "solo artist." There are plenty of great solo artists out there talented in lyricism and songsmith. There are even great artists who are frontmen for great bands, but their solo work doesn't add up. I think that singer-songwriters have a different edge though. What artists these days live up to the title next to folks in these pictures? That new Fiona Apple album definitely does. Joanna Newsom. Sufjan Stevens. Nick Cave. What else do all these artists have in common? They're not popular.
Looking back on the 70s, I could've added plenty of other artists to this blog post- Elton John, John Denver, Carole King, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce- and you would all totally know who I'm talking about. But today? The billboard chart is full of solo artists, and for that matter, CRAPPY ONES. Not like there wasn't any crappy music back then, but you gotta admit, it was a better place. The singer songwriter died. I couldn't tell you when, but looking at these album covers tell me when they were alive and kicking. So here's to one man or woman who uses all their energy, heart, wit and honesty behind the microphone.
Now go make a serious face and put your name next to it!
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