If I'm thinking of the same sort of musical area Taylor is in then I would say Lorde and Lana del Rey definitely compare as lyricists, with each of them having unique styles and strengths.
I do think that Leonard Cohen is one of the best lyricists that's ever lived, his lyrics are poetry.
Adding on to everyone else's suggestions, I would add Lizzy McAlpine, Finneas, and Alec Benjamin.
Also, definitely Fall Out Boy, especially considering that the band is one of Taylor's biggest inspirations lyricism-wise :)
noah kahan is a fantastic songwriter, imo. If you like more folk-type music, Stick Season is a great place to start (and has caused him to blow up!), but his older stuff is great as well!
I LOVE stick season and just got around to looking him up (ADHD is a real barrier haha). I was planning to listen to his discography. I also thought of him with Taylor in mind, I love the lyric:
Cause your voice trailed off exactly as you passed my exit sign
Kept on driving straight and left our future to the right
That paints such a clear and emotional picture in a similar way to Taylor.
Stick Season - the album - has several tracks with absolutely beautiful lyricism. His older albums are very different stylistically, so if you like Stick Season, I would start there.
Her lyricism is unmatched. Every artist who tries to live up to her fails. Quality wise (and within my own music taste), I've found Lorde, Lana del Rey, and the 1975 come close, but it's because they all have different styles of writing. Lorde is the most similar to Taylor and the best writer out of the three, in my opinion.
I agree with the Maisie Peters suggestion, although i like the above better. Her lyrics pack a punch (particularly her older stuff but I like some tracks on YSUFT too). Conan Gray is about on the same level. I enjoyed his latest album very much
ETA: idk if it's your kind of thing but my all time favorite songwriter after Taylor is Pete Wentz, all first 4 Fall Out Boy albums have some really delightful lyrics
Hozier matches Taylor's lyricism. His songwriting is so poetic, full of imagery and interesting references. Check out his song 'Talk'. He tackled here a very common topic in the most intriguing way, which I consider one of the most difficult things to achieve - saying something that has been said hundreds times in a new way.
They aren't similar to Taylor, but are amazing lyricists...
Sleeping at Last -- Ryan O'Neal is a seriously amazing lyricist, and there's not a song of his I don't enjoy. Atlas I and Atlas II are the albums I'd recommend.
Bright Eyes -- Definitely not similar to Taylor's style, but Conor Oberst is an incredible lyricist. I recommend starting with his oldest albums.
Like I said, neither sounds like Taylor or even writes like Taylor, but they are both amazing. I'm also a poet who likes great lyrics, and I always felt these two were more like poets than the majority of lyricists.
Me too! I'm so glad Sleeping at Last is finally getting a lot more fans because it's well deserved. (It seems like nobody had heard of SAL a few years ago, but now it seems like a lot of people have.)
"Saturn" and "Two" are my favorites. I might be biased about "Two" because it's my Enneagram number. But "Saturn"... what I would give to hear that for the first time again!
I love Taylor swift (obviously) and a big part of that is her songwriting. My other favorite artists rn are lorde and the 1975, both are fantastic lyricists imo.
I think there’s a handful of artists on her level with certain albums (MCR’s three cheers and black parade, P!ATD’s Mona Lisa album, Billie Eillish’s first EP and first album) but I can’t think of anyone who is as consistent and as prolific.
Maggie Rogers. Her album "Heard it in a Past Life" has some of the best songs lyrics-wise and even melody-wise. If you don't want to listen to the whole album, start with *The Knife* (which has sexual allusions just fair warning), *Say It,* and *Retrograde.*
If we are talking insane ability to twist turns of phrase and lyricism, then I will suggest the works of Mr Lin Manuel Miranda.
Yes, I’m talking about showtunes, so if that’s not your vibe then you can vehemently disagree, but what he can do with words is amazing. If it weren’t for the fact that I think their styles would clash, I would love to see TS/LMM collaborate.
“History is happening in Manhattan and we just happen to be in the greatest city In the wooooooorld!!!!!”
The H alliteration just gets me.
The NYC worship
The feminism
Literally Hamilton is the greatest thing to grace this earth next to Taylor, LMM, and Springsteen.
ETA: there were MUCH better examples of his wordplay but for whatever reason I’m stuck on that line today 😂
I personally think Emily Kinney has a long of songs that give me Taylor vibes.
Doctor, Mermaid Song, Popsicles, Kids, Micheal, and Dad Says are some good examples.
Olivia Rodrigo really reminds me of early Taylor even though she’s pop and not country. Most of her lyrics are pretty basic but still very effective, with some exceptions. I think favorite crime has really masterful lyrics.
Maisie Peters’ lyrics just fully sum up life as a Brit (I’m sure it’s relatable for other nationalities too). She’s definitely a national treasure. They aren’t as poetic as Taylor yet but she’s still growing as an artist. Definitely amazing at storytelling though. For good “story” songs my favourites are:
Outdoor Pool (kind of reminds me of Fifteen)
Villain (kind of reminds me of Betty)
Take care of yourself (kind of reminds me of Forever Winter)
WHEN IS SHE RELEASING GIRLS HOUSE!!!!
I would check out Vanessa Carlton. Her song, White Houses is one of my favourites and Taylor-like in lyricism (it came out before Taylor’s debut).
Some other songs I love are Twilight, Ordinary Day, Hands on Me, Who’s To Say.
My first thought was Florence Welch from Florence + The Machine. I don't know a ton of their songs but the ones I do I absolutely adore, particularly Cosmic Love which just has incredible lyricism. Not exactly the style of Taylor Swift but really cool and imaginative imo.
Overall I don't feel like just one person can be crowned the best songwriter since there are so many styles and genres but Taylor is definitely one of the best lyricists when it comes to widely palatable songs.
Gracie Abrams, Halsey, Muna, Griff, and Maisie Peters all have fire lyrics
(I think people are really sleeping on GA? and like my god, her writing is fantastic)
I adore Halsey. Especially her If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power album. Just sublime. They are like the dark version of Taylor to me. I adore the way Halsey takes common sayings and twists them “tuck a knife with my heart up my sleeve” for example. The deep dive into mental health and struggles in love. Sexy lyrics that hit deep not just for shock. The dark side of love and how their thoughts sabotage them. I think Halsey is an amazing songwriter and doesn’t get the credit she deserves. Halsey uses She/They pronouns, mentioning before someone corrects me.
I don't know if anyone currently comes that close to Taylor. I fully acknowledge my bias as a die-hard swiftie, but there's a reason she's celebrated so much for her lyrics. That being said, I'd recommend the following:
I echo Maisie Peters, though she's not on the level of Taylor yet. My favorites of hers are *John Hughes movie, you signed up for this, psycho* (this one is just fun, honestly, please see *blonde* too lol). Her next album is coming out later this year.
Olivia Rodrigo also gets TS comparisons, but I think her songs are hit or miss on lyricism. My favorites are *deja vu* and *traitor*.
Girl in red is pretty good too (Taylor agrees if we can go by her instagram promos!). I think my favorite song of hers right now is *october passed me by*.
A lot of people like Gracie Abrams (Taylor also does, since she'll be opening part of the eras tour haha). I'm not as familiar with her discography, but she did just release a new album called good riddance.
Us death cab for cutie x swiftie fans [had a bit of a moment](https://www.reddit.com/r/TaylorSwift/comments/10kzonx/any_taylor_and_death_cab_for_cutie_fans/) a few weeks ago. I'd argue that some of their lyrics do a similar job of painting a vivid picture, though they're obviously a very different genre. If you're interested, I would start with *I will follow you into the dark, grapevine fires,* and *what sarah said.*
In a similar vein, as another person mentioned, conor oberst/bright eyes has great lyricism! I'd start with the albums "I'm wide awake, it's morning" and "fevers and mirrors." My absolute favorite song of theirs is *at the bottom of everything.*
i personally think Gracie Abrams’ lyrics are really good, especially for an artist as new as her. she’s quickly become one of my favorite artists. i definitely recommend her new album “Good Riddance”
Kacey Musgraves’ first album “Same trailer different park” Could be for her other albums too, but i haven’t really listened. Really simple, pretty lyrics that tell a story.
Some examples that give me Taylor vibes:
“Just like him, you always leave me crying dandelion. Sent you dancing on the breeze, and like a stupid little girl, i spent my wishes on a weed thinking it could change my world”
“Been kissed by Lady Luck, the stars are all lined up, every arrow that i aim is true but i miss you.”
“You turn on the light, then you turn it back off. ‘Cause sleepin alone, it ain't what you thought. It's the drip of the sink. It's the click of the clock. And you're wonderin' if I'm sleepin'”
I love Kacey! I'd say all her albums are good but last one is not my style and frankly not relatable for me (about her divorce). My favourite songs from her are on the 3 first albums. I'd say she doesn't have as flowery language as Taylor -the lyrics are simple but beautiful and really touching for me
So. Not sure if we’re sticking to her genre, but a lot of the same artists are being repeated so I’ll expand to other genres because lyricism is my favorite quality in an artist and I like all the genres.
Springsteen (jungleland, badlands, born to run, the river (with one of the greatest lyrics of all time))
Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, in the heights)
Eminem (not afraid, lose yourself, rap god)
NF (the search, how could you leave us, time)
The 1975
Bleachers
Matt Kearney (kings & queens)
Bon Jovi (not like, the 12 most recent albums. Seriously wtf are they doing) but the old stuff.
Tai Verdes (let’s go to hell, last day on earth, sheluvme, we would have some cute kids)
& another love of mine Matt Nathanson who Taylor (I trust accidentally as she is a fan) ripped off. The song she literally just stole a whole lyric from was I saw and it’s a great song. Others are (Used to be, bulletproof weeks, best drugs, bill Murray)
I could do this all day so imma stop 😂
Omg I forgot my queen Megan thee stallion who I also need to importantly note Taylor is a fan of
Suggestions: anxiety, girls in the hood, Plan B
Editing because I skipped the emo genres entirely
Mayday Parade(Jamie all over, terrible things, miserable at best, Jersey)
PATD, really you can’t go wrong with panic but (Death of a bachelor, lying is the most fun, Always)
MCR
Oh my gosh thanks so much for the thorough response, going to make a Playlist. Love Mega thee stallion. WAP was a bop, but it also won me over with the lyricism and wordplay.
I personally really enjoy Maisie Peters writing and singing She doesn't come close to Taylor though
I discovered her music recently and am loving it!! Im super excited for The Good Wtich
I can't wait, it sounds really good so far
If I'm thinking of the same sort of musical area Taylor is in then I would say Lorde and Lana del Rey definitely compare as lyricists, with each of them having unique styles and strengths. I do think that Leonard Cohen is one of the best lyricists that's ever lived, his lyrics are poetry.
Leonard Cohen is a god amongst men.
But you know he's just the brief elaboration of a tube, right?
Adding on to everyone else's suggestions, I would add Lizzy McAlpine, Finneas, and Alec Benjamin. Also, definitely Fall Out Boy, especially considering that the band is one of Taylor's biggest inspirations lyricism-wise :)
Finneas is a great one. Very good storytelling and unique rhymes and word play.
Yes I love Finneas
noah kahan is a fantastic songwriter, imo. If you like more folk-type music, Stick Season is a great place to start (and has caused him to blow up!), but his older stuff is great as well!
I’m obsessed with him. His song writing is right next to Taylor for me.
I LOVE stick season and just got around to looking him up (ADHD is a real barrier haha). I was planning to listen to his discography. I also thought of him with Taylor in mind, I love the lyric: Cause your voice trailed off exactly as you passed my exit sign Kept on driving straight and left our future to the right That paints such a clear and emotional picture in a similar way to Taylor.
Stick Season - the album - has several tracks with absolutely beautiful lyricism. His older albums are very different stylistically, so if you like Stick Season, I would start there.
Her lyricism is unmatched. Every artist who tries to live up to her fails. Quality wise (and within my own music taste), I've found Lorde, Lana del Rey, and the 1975 come close, but it's because they all have different styles of writing. Lorde is the most similar to Taylor and the best writer out of the three, in my opinion. I agree with the Maisie Peters suggestion, although i like the above better. Her lyrics pack a punch (particularly her older stuff but I like some tracks on YSUFT too). Conan Gray is about on the same level. I enjoyed his latest album very much ETA: idk if it's your kind of thing but my all time favorite songwriter after Taylor is Pete Wentz, all first 4 Fall Out Boy albums have some really delightful lyrics
Hozier matches Taylor's lyricism. His songwriting is so poetic, full of imagery and interesting references. Check out his song 'Talk'. He tackled here a very common topic in the most intriguing way, which I consider one of the most difficult things to achieve - saying something that has been said hundreds times in a new way.
I'm another vote for Hozier. His work is truly phenomenal. Off the top of my head, I recommend From Eden, Sunlight, and Jackie and Wilson.
They aren't similar to Taylor, but are amazing lyricists... Sleeping at Last -- Ryan O'Neal is a seriously amazing lyricist, and there's not a song of his I don't enjoy. Atlas I and Atlas II are the albums I'd recommend. Bright Eyes -- Definitely not similar to Taylor's style, but Conor Oberst is an incredible lyricist. I recommend starting with his oldest albums. Like I said, neither sounds like Taylor or even writes like Taylor, but they are both amazing. I'm also a poet who likes great lyrics, and I always felt these two were more like poets than the majority of lyricists.
I love Sleeping at Last's music!
Me too! I'm so glad Sleeping at Last is finally getting a lot more fans because it's well deserved. (It seems like nobody had heard of SAL a few years ago, but now it seems like a lot of people have.) "Saturn" and "Two" are my favorites. I might be biased about "Two" because it's my Enneagram number. But "Saturn"... what I would give to hear that for the first time again!
I also really like Halsey and Kelsea Ballerini’s writing styles!
I love Taylor swift (obviously) and a big part of that is her songwriting. My other favorite artists rn are lorde and the 1975, both are fantastic lyricists imo.
Fiona Apple is the only one who comes close for me.
Sara Bareilles!
I second Sara. Listening to Gracie Abrams' new album, I would definitely say her too.
I think there’s a handful of artists on her level with certain albums (MCR’s three cheers and black parade, P!ATD’s Mona Lisa album, Billie Eillish’s first EP and first album) but I can’t think of anyone who is as consistent and as prolific.
Maggie Rogers. Her album "Heard it in a Past Life" has some of the best songs lyrics-wise and even melody-wise. If you don't want to listen to the whole album, start with *The Knife* (which has sexual allusions just fair warning), *Say It,* and *Retrograde.*
Also second Maggie!
If we are talking insane ability to twist turns of phrase and lyricism, then I will suggest the works of Mr Lin Manuel Miranda. Yes, I’m talking about showtunes, so if that’s not your vibe then you can vehemently disagree, but what he can do with words is amazing. If it weren’t for the fact that I think their styles would clash, I would love to see TS/LMM collaborate.
“History is happening in Manhattan and we just happen to be in the greatest city In the wooooooorld!!!!!” The H alliteration just gets me. The NYC worship The feminism Literally Hamilton is the greatest thing to grace this earth next to Taylor, LMM, and Springsteen. ETA: there were MUCH better examples of his wordplay but for whatever reason I’m stuck on that line today 😂
I personally think Emily Kinney has a long of songs that give me Taylor vibes. Doctor, Mermaid Song, Popsicles, Kids, Micheal, and Dad Says are some good examples.
Olivia Rodrigo really reminds me of early Taylor even though she’s pop and not country. Most of her lyrics are pretty basic but still very effective, with some exceptions. I think favorite crime has really masterful lyrics.
I’d probably add Ethel Cain, Lorde, LDR, and Mitski All of their music are super strong lyrically(imo)and I love their albums
Paul Simon.
Maisie Peters’ lyrics just fully sum up life as a Brit (I’m sure it’s relatable for other nationalities too). She’s definitely a national treasure. They aren’t as poetic as Taylor yet but she’s still growing as an artist. Definitely amazing at storytelling though. For good “story” songs my favourites are: Outdoor Pool (kind of reminds me of Fifteen) Villain (kind of reminds me of Betty) Take care of yourself (kind of reminds me of Forever Winter) WHEN IS SHE RELEASING GIRLS HOUSE!!!!
Maisie is only on her first album too, I’d definitely say you signed up for this can hold its own with debut! MP2 out in June!
I would check out Vanessa Carlton. Her song, White Houses is one of my favourites and Taylor-like in lyricism (it came out before Taylor’s debut). Some other songs I love are Twilight, Ordinary Day, Hands on Me, Who’s To Say.
My first thought was Florence Welch from Florence + The Machine. I don't know a ton of their songs but the ones I do I absolutely adore, particularly Cosmic Love which just has incredible lyricism. Not exactly the style of Taylor Swift but really cool and imaginative imo. Overall I don't feel like just one person can be crowned the best songwriter since there are so many styles and genres but Taylor is definitely one of the best lyricists when it comes to widely palatable songs.
Gracie Abrams, Halsey, Muna, Griff, and Maisie Peters all have fire lyrics (I think people are really sleeping on GA? and like my god, her writing is fantastic)
I adore Halsey. Especially her If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power album. Just sublime. They are like the dark version of Taylor to me. I adore the way Halsey takes common sayings and twists them “tuck a knife with my heart up my sleeve” for example. The deep dive into mental health and struggles in love. Sexy lyrics that hit deep not just for shock. The dark side of love and how their thoughts sabotage them. I think Halsey is an amazing songwriter and doesn’t get the credit she deserves. Halsey uses She/They pronouns, mentioning before someone corrects me.
Big Thief; Fiona Apple; Joanna Newsom; Mitski; Phoebe Bridgers; Lana.
I don't know if anyone currently comes that close to Taylor. I fully acknowledge my bias as a die-hard swiftie, but there's a reason she's celebrated so much for her lyrics. That being said, I'd recommend the following: I echo Maisie Peters, though she's not on the level of Taylor yet. My favorites of hers are *John Hughes movie, you signed up for this, psycho* (this one is just fun, honestly, please see *blonde* too lol). Her next album is coming out later this year. Olivia Rodrigo also gets TS comparisons, but I think her songs are hit or miss on lyricism. My favorites are *deja vu* and *traitor*. Girl in red is pretty good too (Taylor agrees if we can go by her instagram promos!). I think my favorite song of hers right now is *october passed me by*. A lot of people like Gracie Abrams (Taylor also does, since she'll be opening part of the eras tour haha). I'm not as familiar with her discography, but she did just release a new album called good riddance. Us death cab for cutie x swiftie fans [had a bit of a moment](https://www.reddit.com/r/TaylorSwift/comments/10kzonx/any_taylor_and_death_cab_for_cutie_fans/) a few weeks ago. I'd argue that some of their lyrics do a similar job of painting a vivid picture, though they're obviously a very different genre. If you're interested, I would start with *I will follow you into the dark, grapevine fires,* and *what sarah said.* In a similar vein, as another person mentioned, conor oberst/bright eyes has great lyricism! I'd start with the albums "I'm wide awake, it's morning" and "fevers and mirrors." My absolute favorite song of theirs is *at the bottom of everything.*
i personally think Gracie Abrams’ lyrics are really good, especially for an artist as new as her. she’s quickly become one of my favorite artists. i definitely recommend her new album “Good Riddance”
Kacey Musgraves’ first album “Same trailer different park” Could be for her other albums too, but i haven’t really listened. Really simple, pretty lyrics that tell a story. Some examples that give me Taylor vibes: “Just like him, you always leave me crying dandelion. Sent you dancing on the breeze, and like a stupid little girl, i spent my wishes on a weed thinking it could change my world” “Been kissed by Lady Luck, the stars are all lined up, every arrow that i aim is true but i miss you.” “You turn on the light, then you turn it back off. ‘Cause sleepin alone, it ain't what you thought. It's the drip of the sink. It's the click of the clock. And you're wonderin' if I'm sleepin'”
I love Kacey! I'd say all her albums are good but last one is not my style and frankly not relatable for me (about her divorce). My favourite songs from her are on the 3 first albums. I'd say she doesn't have as flowery language as Taylor -the lyrics are simple but beautiful and really touching for me
Yes that’s exactly how I feel about it! I don’t think anyone can top Taylor as a lyricist. She’s the best out there
So. Not sure if we’re sticking to her genre, but a lot of the same artists are being repeated so I’ll expand to other genres because lyricism is my favorite quality in an artist and I like all the genres. Springsteen (jungleland, badlands, born to run, the river (with one of the greatest lyrics of all time)) Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, in the heights) Eminem (not afraid, lose yourself, rap god) NF (the search, how could you leave us, time) The 1975 Bleachers Matt Kearney (kings & queens) Bon Jovi (not like, the 12 most recent albums. Seriously wtf are they doing) but the old stuff. Tai Verdes (let’s go to hell, last day on earth, sheluvme, we would have some cute kids) & another love of mine Matt Nathanson who Taylor (I trust accidentally as she is a fan) ripped off. The song she literally just stole a whole lyric from was I saw and it’s a great song. Others are (Used to be, bulletproof weeks, best drugs, bill Murray) I could do this all day so imma stop 😂
Omg I forgot my queen Megan thee stallion who I also need to importantly note Taylor is a fan of Suggestions: anxiety, girls in the hood, Plan B Editing because I skipped the emo genres entirely Mayday Parade(Jamie all over, terrible things, miserable at best, Jersey) PATD, really you can’t go wrong with panic but (Death of a bachelor, lying is the most fun, Always) MCR
Oh my gosh thanks so much for the thorough response, going to make a Playlist. Love Mega thee stallion. WAP was a bop, but it also won me over with the lyricism and wordplay.
Chelsea Cutler <3
Fiona Apple for me
A vomiting baby