You’ll Want to Add These 3 Singer-Songwriters to Your Playlist
Their lyrics are poetry.
I don’t think enough people appreciate the talents of singer-songwriters.
Having the vocal agility to somersault through runs and riffs is one thing. But being able to compose rhythmic, clever lyrics and melodies is on another level.
I’m someone who listens to music for its lyrics, and as a writer I love when a song is well-written or has an emotional impact.
Here are three singer-songwriters I love that have mad vocal chops and write lyrical poetry.
- Muni Long
If you haven’t heard of Muni Long (whose real name is Priscilla Renea Hamilton), you’ve probably heard her songs on the radio. She’s written and co-written smash pop hits like Rihanna’s “California King Bed” and Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It”.
But being a songwriter limited her growth as an artist.
“Being a pop writer in L.A., they don’t want to hear [vocal] runs,” Long explained in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, “You sing straight, dry, bland, hit the note, give me a little character, and get out.”
She reinvented herself as an artist and released music under her new name. Her single, “Hrs and Hrs”, a sexy R&B ballad about a relationship’s passionate moments, went viral on TikTok over the holidays.
What makes her great:
Long’s latest EP, Public Displays of Affection, is worth a listen in itself, filled with catchy earworms that showcase her vocal gymnastics and range. But she proves herself as a lyricist when you listen to “Hrs and Hrs”. Long captures the essence of a relationship where both partners can’t get enough of each other through the use of repetition and rhyme. Here’s a snippet:
Yours, mine, ours I could do this for hours Sit and talk to you for hours I wanna give you your flowers And some champagne chalice Order shrimp and lobster towers But it’s me that gets devoured Ooh, when you do what you do, I’m empowered
2. Faouzia
At only 21 years old, singer-songwriter Faouzia is taking the music industry by storm. The Moroccan-Canadian singer continues to churn out powerful singles backed by her incredible voice.
One of her most successful releases was the song, “Minefields” in collaboration with John Legend. She also showcases her insane vocal ability on TikTok.
What makes her great:
My personal favourite from her is the metaphor-ridden song, “Tears of Gold”. She says that the song is about,“friendships where I just kept giving and nothing was ever reciprocated”, and you can feel the electricity of the emotionally-charged words in her lyrics.
Here’s a preview of the chorus:
Don’t you know that I cried tears of gold for you? I sit here poor for you Collect my pennies and my dimes That’s why you love it when I cry Platinum love for you I’d give no less for you Generosity is my enemy So I’m broke and your heart’s rich Because of me
Faouzia has quickly become one of my favourite artists, and I immediately listen to any new music she puts out. The future is bright for this young star.
3. Joy Oladokun
I first discovered Joy Oladokun on Spotify when her song, “Blink Twice” was recommended to me on a “Discover Weekly” playlist, and I’ve been in love with her ever since.
What makes her great:
Her brilliant lyricism and soft-spoken voice tug on your heartstrings, and all of a sudden you recall every moment of heartbreak and pain you’ve ever suffered.
“Words are such a powerful tool,” she states on her website, “I remember all of the best and worst things anyone has ever said to me. I love and respect the ability of words to touch on the physical realm.”
“Blink Twice”, a devastating ballad about a relationship that’s on its last legs, is mournful and packs a punch. Oladokun skillfully captures the slow death of a relationship that is running its course with these lyrics:
There’s more to be said in the silence Fill in the blanks you left There’s way more quiet in a siren I feel whats in your head We’ve been coming undone Holding onto any thread Learning to pick my battles Or I’ll be the only one left
Her latest single, “Keeping The Light On” is more upbeat, but is also rife with the honesty and vulnerability you can expect from her. Listening to her music truly gives me joy.
There you have it — these three women have captivated my heart and my ears with their talent.
Who are the singer-songwriters that have caught your eye? Leave a comment below.
Speaking of musical influences that inspire us, check out Joe Sharratt’s article about one of his childhood musical idols, Meat Loaf. It’s a great read that’ll take you down memory lane.