What's your opinion...

well, they are too different talents, but in general any one can sing, it's more work to actually write a song. Of course, there are plenty of people who can write songs who can't sing.

If the songwriter doesn't write it, what is the singer going to sing?

But if a song is bad, a great singer can make it good

VinaBlue said:

Good point.

WildStyle said:

Not for me. If the music and lyrics suck the singer can't fix it. I would say "nice voice, but no creativity." Thumbs down.

This thread is funny because a friend and I was discussing this very topic....this is the comparison I gave.....

what is easier to do?? write a book or read a book thats already written?

THe best is the one who can do BOTH

jayaredee said:

Agreed!

I think singing is definately a talent but I respect a writer or musician more. I can't really think of anyone that just sings that I really love.

I think if you have a really good song with a great sound, you don't really need a singer that is really great. Vanity and Apollonia are perfect examples. These ladies' albums were great and funky as hell when they were with Prince. Of course, they had Prince, The Time, and the Revolution backing them up. Not only does the song itself have to be good but the band has to be good also for a singer to make it. When these two ladies went out on their own, without the help of Prince and associates, their singing alone couldn't keep them from drowning. I think if they had hooked up with someone else with a great sound, they could have made it, despite their weak singing.

I still can't think of anyone that is a really great singer that I love. I would say Teena Marie but she does more than just sing.

Song WRiter.

Mozart couldn't belch out any of his famous tunes for shit.

songwriter too. You can always take singing lessons.

You can always take creative Writing...

But Songwriters are a Dime a Dozen
I mean GOOD song writers
The Stings the Joni Mitchels
But in my opinion anybody can sing...
But how many people can say they Wrote a great song.
that's beautifully in writing and in ryhme?

VinaBlue said:

I resent and resemble that remark.


Sincerely,


Whitney Houston

They are BOTH equally important.

Case #1.
Great songwriter/awful singer: Bob Dylan
Great Singer/non writer: Celine Dion

Why is everyone expected to do both all the time? If you do both, and do them both WELL; then good for you. Some people enjoy just being a songwriter; i.e. Dianne Warren. I've never understood how a person is less than just because the didn't write the song they sang. If you listen to a song and give the singer all the credit not realising someone else wrote it or produced it; that's YOUR ignorance. If it takes two people to make a song or 3 or 4...what's the big fucking deal? Does it make it any less of a good song? Funny how people never expect the same from actors. "Well he's not a REAL artist! He didn't write the script, do the cinematography, produce, direct, etc....." That whole "real musician" shit is really tired! NOT everyone is Prince...nor should they be expected to be.


just my

Chico1 said:

And before you jump on that....I'm not implying that 'real' musicainship is tiring. It's the people who throw that out when they don't like an artist. (Mainly pop music.)

Which is better, the apple or the orange?

Specific examples could be made of more talented singers, as well as of more talented songwriters. Very much a chicken or the egg kind of discussion. No answer, but it can provoke a pretty interesting conversation. Good work.

Supernova said:

Those are the kinda people I'm talking about!

they both have their merits. often, one benefits from the other. it's when you have people who are good at one thing trying to do both that you can see the trainwreck unfold (ie, Mariah writing and Dylan singing).

Well it really depends on what you are looking for and what kinda music i am personally stuck between Michael Jackson and the one and only Prince mj has a voice only he can match with lyrics and he is pretty much a pop singer where as prince can sing from Rock to Classical no problem so i guess it all shakes down to how you want to even it out MJ deefinatally had undoubital talent but prince by far is the most amazing...

Chico1 said:[quote]They are BOTH equally important.

Case #1.
Great songwriter/awful singer: Bob Dylan
Great Singer/non writer: Celine Dion

Hey Chico1 I have to disagree with you when it comes to Bob. Most people feel the same as you do, but I am a big fan and I can tell you that Bob sings with more passion than anyone and I do mean anyone!! He may not have a good voice, but he penetrates my heart and soul everytime I hear him sing. His lyrics are so damn perfect and his delivery of a song is flawless. I would like to recommend that you go to your local used cd store and buy "blood on the tracks". Listen to it at least 3 times and then decide if Bob is an "awful" singer or not. Bob is our modern day Mozart!!

jacktheimprovident said:

And vice-versa. Terence Trent D'Arby is a terrible songwriter, but one of the greatest singers of our time, IMO.

TTD is not a terrible songwriter, this word is too strong. Holding onto you and let her down easy are very beautiful!

okaypimpn said:

Sure he is a brilliant singer, but he is a great songwriter as well , in fact he is a perfect example for a great singer and songwriter!

Serious said:

Serious said:

To each his own. That's why if you'll notice I said IMO meaning "In My Opinion." Dude is too spaced out for me lyrically, but if you like him, whoopie!!!!

okaypimpn said:

Yeah, sure you are entitled to your opinion, but IMO he is one of the best lyricists ever and a true poet

Serious said:

There you have it!

I've always liked someone who does both more.

You can write a song and hand it over to an artist for them to do on their own, but it's another thing to write and record your own work.