Favourite Lyricists?

[hanabiwings]

It may not be a very easy topic to discuss, because when relying on translations and so on, it is tough to say accurately. But, this is something I was wondering about: Who is your favourite lyricist?

I am most impressed by people whose lyrics appear in earnest. Even if the lyrics can seem clumsy in places, I am most attracted to this type of song. To me, lyrics are the foundation of a good song, so I hold them in high regards.

My favourite lyricist, is probably Ms. Onitsuka Chihiro. Every word she writes on the page appears more thoughtful than the last. Sometimes she says such strange things in her songs, but it is quite obvious that even these places are sincere representations of what she thinks. A lot of her early songs were spackled with English, sometimes in quite high doses. But, even these words seemed well thought out. I admire her.

Another favourite of mine has long been Ms. Hamasaki Ayumi. I'm certain to have some critics for my long history as a (sometimes vocal) supporter of the singer-songwriter/idol, but the truth is, she delivers. Her lyrics are so natural and sincere that I was attracted to them at once. From her rough beginnings during the first five singles she released to her more polished later works, I have always found something to marvel at. In every song, I find some common thread. There is always something that draws me to her. I feel like I have a comrade in her, somehow. It's long been my conviction that artists of any kind are trying to convey parts of themselves and their lives to other people. But with Ayu, I often thought, "I have felt the same way" or "That's exactly what I've been thinking!" More and more I realize that she has the same kinds of insecurities, irrationalities, and idiosyncrasies as anyone. I think that her humanity is something that I was attracted to first. She isn't necessarily a musician first: she is an artist trying to convey her message. Certainly, she is other things, but I like to believe that she is first an artist.

Gackt, too, has lately intrigued me. His lyrics aren't always pretty, but they're the type of lyrics that threaten to enthrall a person, in my eyes. It seems that he is seeking to overwhelm a person in the story he is telling. He mentioned this briefly in his autobiographical work. Others I really have respect for are Sakai Izumi (ZARD) and Yoshida Miwa (DCT). I think that the two of them are great to be able to write such a variety of high quality works on such a wide variety of topics. No matter how varied the lyrics and no matter what the inspiration, be it imagined or based upon experience, I think that they can pick something that will blend with the composition to which they are laying the words.

Any of you have someone who you really admire?

Ooo, and I forgot Nana from GARNET CROW. I really like her a lot a lot a lot: more than I can probably write.