I love this thread
Speaking critically, this thread is fascinating to me.
First it travels back a little ways (2005). It captures something that is meaningful to me. For most of my adult life (b. 1968) I've pined on about the "captive audience" scenario that existed in the 60's and 70's and perpetuated in historical lore through the 80's. I'll never doubt the courage and conviction of those that created the revolution that occurred through mass media during the 60's and 70's. The barriers that were shattered, for good and bad, were imposing to say the least. But let's put into perspective what happened. Mass media provided a venue for a fatherless generation to vent, for the very first time, to a young, immature yet passionate audience. This venting quickly became the mantra of the music industry and, along with the music itself, evolved into a entity of it's own. A sort of musical and lyrical chest thumping for the contemporary theme, that has continued on through the ages.
For years, the "baby boomers" have identified the legends of their own generation as uncontested giants of the world and virtually untouchable with respect to their legacy and sheer talent. The Beatles, Dylan, etc have been put up on a pedestal so high, to challenge their righteousness is blasphemy. Reading through this thread I chuckle at the indignation expressed by some.
This humble readers opinion: Dylan is opinionated, expressive and thoughtful. Controversial and poignant for his time. As a lyricist, very good. Somewhat heady and bloated, though, but that is purely a test-of-time observation. The music of his time was supposed to be wordy and thought provoking. I would say his music does not withstand the test of time, though. That's not a bad thing. If all lyricists and musicians restricted their outputs to confine to the standard of a timeless boundary the music would never speak to a generation.
So what is this thread really about. How well does a lyricist write? What does that mean? Convey their feelings? Compose deeper meaning into complex lyrics? I'd say to answer this question, we have to define lyricist clearly. To me . . and that is a huge concession . . I'd say a lyricist should blend the lyrics with his or her music to create a new plane. Dylan is a classic case of a heady author, not talented or original enough to be accomplished in print, but sufficient for penning lyrics to a generation that didn't require the
musical eloquence demanded by previous and subsequent generations. Lyrics that are 2nd or 3rd tier (meaning deeper thinking), unless they're spontaneously spewed, are just layered, allegorical references, carefully thought out and put to music. If the way the lyrics are put to music is not compelling, I'd argue the lyricist did not achieve the target goal. Dylan achieved the goal of a lyricist
for his generation . . . and therefore, one could argue . . . for all time. Not because his lyrics hold the test of time . . because they don't, but because his music reached his intended audience in a way that was poignant to his audience, lyrically and musically. Lucky for him his audience was a bit more liberal with respect to musical expectations.
I'm currently straddling several generations, so what I'm about to say should be taken with some measure of authority (so says me,
). If you have an element of critical thought in your possession, and you have not listened to Eminem, I highly recommend you take a listen. This young man has an innate ability to combine Bob Dylan and "The Boss'. Bob Dylan spoke to a generation about disgust in "the man", and inadequacies in a government and it's handling of a war, but he did so in a droning and dreary, painful tone . . . almost no music. Might as well have just read some poems or short stories . . honestly from this readers perspective it would have been far less painful. "The Boss" was an infinitely superior musician/ lyricist (emphasis on the combination). Although criticized by some on this thread, Mr. Springsteen had a talent for not only conveying the thoughts and vibe of a generation, but doing it with a driving passionate musical flare that could sustain itself on it's own, (and sadly, largely did).
Eminem, one could argue, has a myopic view of the world. Some say racist, some say homophobic, rebel, anti-establishment, anarchist. , etc. He's an artist. An artist is never to conform. Please . . please . . stop and listen to what I believe we will be trumpeted for generations to come as a tremendously talented
lyricist, in the truest sense of the word. If you're older and you can't keep up with the speed of the lyrics, print them out, go read them and learn them . . but then go listen to them to the rhythm of the music. Unlike Dylan, and superior to Bruce, the combination of the music and the lyrics of Eminem will move your soul. My plea to you though, is to be critical. Remove bias. Assertions that his lyrics are offensive and sexist and racist, etc, immediately disqualify them for reasons that are not legitimate. Art does not conform, it conveys. Pretend (if you have to) he is a genius raised in a retarded society, corrupting his every thought, and creating a valid, viable consciousness. Through his music and lyrics he is communicating his perspective.
Eminem better than Dylan? I don't think so. Equal, yes. Both spoke in prose and tempo that suited the intended audience.
I think if you take a different spin on the theme of this thread . . "The best trans-generation lyricist" you'd have to decide which is the most important criteria, influence to other artists, or talent, based on some standard a lyricist should be held accountable to. Dylan has of course earned a great deal of accolades as an influence, almost exclusively for his lyrics, meaning his words and associated interpretation. For now, hands down that spin would tilt towards Mr. Dylan, based purely on the volume of followers. But the calendar is in his favor and time will tell if that tilt remains.
If one were to lay claim to the title of "Best Trans-Generational Lyricist" based on the criteria of some standard, and I were to arbitrarily assign the criteria of Prose combined with Depth of meaning and Poignancy to the applicable audience, combined with Musical Arrangement, I would argue that Bob Dylan may belong in the argument, but he is not close to being a contestant in that arena. Lyrics . . yes, reach his audience . . yes. But isn't that just a poet? Or a short story author? And if you remove the ability to connect musically, and then you compare his message (his beaconing virtue) to his contemporary authors, is he really all that significant? I think not. I think he had the courage to take his message to a different media format, albeit with limited skill in the musical arena, and that made him significant and relevant. I would argue that Eminem ranks among the top of the list of artists to be considered for "Best Trans-Generational Lyricist", based on his ability to communicate to his generation through his lyrics, and then to do so in prose (worthy of detailed study) and then to put the lyrics and prose to music with such grace and expertise. I believe future generations will look back at the work of Eminem in awe. And there will be some disbelief that his contemporaries did not fully appreciate his gift.
Google the topic. You may laugh at the idea, based on your prejudices, but the results will likely surprise you. With all the lyricists that have come through the years, this young man has earned credit and recognition from everyone!! Listen for yourself, the truest test. Please remove yourself and any bias, a prerequisite for any art appreciation. You also need to submerge yourself into his contemporary world to understand what he is saying, just as you have to understand the buried political innuendo of Dylan in his lyrics. Who is Doc Dre, Haley, his Mom, his arch enemies, the Gore's, Meda members, Gov't, you need to understand these relationships to appreciate some of the flow of his lyrics. The vulgarity is way over the top and sadly, mostly, not necessary. It almost single handily undermines what would otherwise be an uncontested reign of superiority. If you find yourself able to appreciate the music, welcome to the world of the enlighted. The lyrics in and of themselves are not particularly deep, that's not the genius. It's the message
and music. The power of the message and delivery. "Sing for the Moment", "White America", "Square Dance", "Without Me", "Stan", I'm not even going to try to list all the songs. Go sample. If you are an aficionado of prose you will be delighted in his range and prowess.
In closing, the best lyricist? Subjective. In the eye of the beholder. Dylan hands down? Not even close in this readers view.
