Favorite Albums Lyrically

[Kid B]

What albums have the best lyrics in your opinion?

Iron And Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
Radiohead - Kid A
Bob Dylan - Blonde On Blonde
Desaparecidos - Read Music/Speak Spanish
Iron And Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Modest Mouse - The Moon & Antarctica
Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Thrice - The Alchemy Index

[kwsqd]

Domestica.

/thread

[theguy77]

theres so many albums i appreciate for different reasons.

iron & wine - our endless numbered days
bright eyes - im wide awake, it's morning
kevin devine - put your ghost to rest
the early november - the path (because of the story)
brand new - TDAG (emotionally charged, and they may be only two dimensional but they're among the elite of that writing style)

[funkel]

Iron & Wine - The Creek Drank The Cradle
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Jack's Mannequin - Everything In Transit (not the best, but I really dig 'em)

[Troggy]

iron & wine - our endless numbered days


was gonna post but figured everyone agreed on how good that one is. passing afternoon is just incredible.

[Ouch]

Any Anal Cunt album

[spaced invader]

Alkaline Trio - Maybe I'll Catch Fire & Selft-Titled
Smoking Popes - Destination Failure
Lawrence Arms - Apathy And Exhaustion
Weakerthans - Reunion Tour

[SanePsychotic]

I'm a pretty big fan of Blake Swartzenbach's lyrical work, but I can't really pick an album.

[murrich]

Not the best but A→B Life by mewithoutYou is good.

[thespearkid]

American Art - Weatherbox
Between the Heart and the Synapse - TREOS
About half of ...Is a Real Boy - Say Anything

[Chromefox]

brand new - TDAG (emotionally charged, and they may be only two dimensional but they're among the elite of that writing style) I'm assuming that a one-dimensional lyric would be something like Welcome to My Life, so out of curiosity, what would you say was a three+ dimensional song? I'm not so much looking for an example (though one would be fine if you chose to give it as well), but would like to hear the aspects you'd be looking for described.

Is it subject matter, language, creative word use, poetic license, or is the requirement for it to be awesome simply that you cannot understand a word of it, but it just sounds all depthy?

I pose this question to anyone who wants to answer it. It's not aimed at anyone in particular, just broke off of your post.

[Cuddleworthy]

Between the Heart and the Synapse - At the Drive-In

lol wut?

[xerovision1]

2112, appetite for destruction

[thespearkid]

lol wut?
Damn. I don't even know how that happened.

[Cuddleworthy]

hahaha, funny stuff

[Thriftstoresuit]

Lifted...-bright eyes
&
Bringing it all back home-bob dylan

[liar23]

iron & wine - our endless numbered days
neutral milk hotel - in the aeroplane over the sea
bright eyes - im wide awake, it's morning
brand new - the devil and god...
ISHC - takin' it ova! ( the lyrics make me laugh)

[wewascontenders]

Alot of the previously mentioned albums.

Trainwreck, the story is so great.
To Your Health
I Haven't Had a Date in Four Years, only three songs but so nice.

[theguy77]

I'm assuming that a one-dimensional lyric would be something like Welcome to My Life, so out of curiosity, what would you say was a three+ dimensional song? I'm not so much looking for an example (though one would be fine if you chose to give it as well), but would like to hear the aspects you'd be looking for described.

Is it subject matter, language, creative word use, poetic license, or is the requirement for it to be awesome simply that you cannot understand a word of it, but it just sounds all depthy?

I pose this question to anyone who wants to answer it. It's not aimed at anyone in particular, just broke off of your post.

ive been wanting to explain my concept of "lyrical dimensions" for awhile.

1-dimensional -- the most direct way to say the messages. no outside themes, very little eloquence. common in the most pop-sensible music. cliche aphorisms and occasional bluntness are the only "artistic" possibilities exhibited.

2-dimensional -- exploring more indirect and artistic approaches to conveying messages, by using comparisons, allusions, and/or metaphors, performing a tongue-in-cheek play on the language you write in, referencing other works, etc. a certain wit and eloquence is clearly possessed, and the person is typically well-read. however, the lyrics are still flat and without actual depth because the messages are direct and applied to one general theme. a small amount of derivative thinking is required to understand the message, but anyone who's been correctly educated should be capable of comprehension. common in pop-punk groups.

3-dimensional -- while 3 dimensional writing usually effortlessly incorporates several of the tactics in 2-dimensional writing, it's quite difficult ot explain just what techniques are used that make this writing deep, mainly because there is no specific formulated template. what makes writing three dimensional is when multiple perspectives are explored, multiple messages are conveyed simultaneously, and/or the message can apply to several different themes and contexts. three dimensional writing usually requires the introspect to view the message from several different angles and in different contexts before the full meaning is grasped. this is a trademark of the most intellectually respected acts of folk and indie, but usually only the elite writers attain this level of writing capability, such as but not limited to sam beam, jeff mangum, and bob dylan. kevin devine and conor oberst sometimes exhibit 3-dimensional writing as well, but without as much consistency as the former three.

[theguy77]

oh one thing i did forget to mention. lyrics can be 3-dimensional without being as stylistically and technically sound as the best 2-dimensional acts. style and technique are things only on the surface but usually you have to integrate both 2 and 3 dimensional writing to really be considered a solid writer.

[IWasaCamera]

Pink Moon.

[theguy77]

how do you like my "lyrical dimensions" spiel, vinh

[Chromefox]

oh one thing i did forget to mention. lyrics can be 3-dimensional without being as stylistically and technically sound as the best 2-dimensional acts. style and technique are things only on the surface but usually you have to integrate both 2 and 3 dimensional writing to really be considered a solid writer. Interesting. I'm not going to say a lot more in hopes that more people share their views on the subject, but thank you for your thought process.

[EchoPark]

theguy77,that was a very well written opinion,well done bro.\

My favorite lyricist of all time is Chris Hannah of Propagandhi.

[IWasaCamera]

It was an interesting read.

Where three-dimensional lyrics are concerned, there aren't any specific techniques, only recurring tendencies. What it really all boils down to is how effective the imagery put forth is. Word choice is paramount. Regardless of how flowery or eloquent one's style is, what truly matters is how the story is told. If the visuals conjured seem commonplace or rehashed, the writing isn't strong.

[Getup and Dance]

Every Time I Die - Hot Damn
The Bled - Pass The Flask

[Jumpoff]

The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
Beulah - Yoko
Propaghandi - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes

are all great lyrically in my opinion. I tried not to give any of the very obvious answers (NMH, I&W, mwY)

[Paulb-182]

Nirvana - In Utero
Glassjaw - Everything You Ever Wanted To KnowAbout Silence
Brand New - The Devil And God..
Blink 182 - Dude Ranch

[Regards]

As Cities Burn - Come Now, Sleep
mewithoutYou- Brother, Sister


Not necessarily better than anyone else's, but based on personal preference those are my two favorite.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Blood on the Tracks
Hail to the Thief.
Nebraska

these work.

[SLoT]

anything from The Promise Ring
anything from Thin Lizzy

[FeynmanWannabe]

A couple that haven't been mentioned yet:

Okkervil River - Down the River of Golden Dreams/Black Sheep Boy/Black Sheep Boy Appendix but really all of them
The Mountain goats - All Hail West Texas

[Judge'sDaughter]

Neutral Milk Hotel- The Aeroplane Over The Sea

/thread

[AlternateToLife]

Bright Eyes- Noise Floor

I guess it's not technically an album, but I'm counting it.

[Judge'sDaughter]

Bright Eyes- Noise Floor

I guess it's not technically an album, but I'm counting it.

Ah, man, with so much Bright Eyes to choose from, why that? Is your favourite song on there?

[AlternateToLife]

Ah, man, with so much Bright Eyes to choose from, why that? Is your favourite song on there?

It's the only album I own. And it's got great lyrics on it.

[MADSTA]

Either/Or

[narcoleptic953]

butch walker - letters

[AlternateToLife]

Either/Or

Oh it makes me sad to see Nick's face jokerized lol.

[handlikesecret]

ive been wanting to explain my concept of "lyrical dimensions" for awhile.

1-dimensional -- the most direct way to say the messages. no outside themes, very little eloquence. common in the most pop-sensible music. cliche aphorisms and occasional bluntness are the only "artistic" possibilities exhibited.

2-dimensional -- exploring more indirect and artistic approaches to conveying messages, by using comparisons, allusions, and/or metaphors, performing a tongue-in-cheek play on the language you write in, referencing other works, etc. a certain wit and eloquence is clearly possessed, and the person is typically well-read. however, the lyrics are still flat and without actual depth because the messages are direct and applied to one general theme. a small amount of derivative thinking is required to understand the message, but anyone who's been correctly educated should be capable of comprehension. common in pop-punk groups.

3-dimensional -- while 3 dimensional writing usually effortlessly incorporates several of the tactics in 2-dimensional writing, it's quite difficult ot explain just what techniques are used that make this writing deep, mainly because there is no specific formulated template. what makes writing three dimensional is when multiple perspectives are explored, multiple messages are conveyed simultaneously, and/or the message can apply to several different themes and contexts. three dimensional writing usually requires the introspect to view the message from several different angles and in different contexts before the full meaning is grasped. this is a trademark of the most intellectually respected acts of folk and indie, but usually only the elite writers attain this level of writing capability, such as but not limited to sam beam, jeff mangum, and bob dylan. kevin devine and conor oberst sometimes exhibit 3-dimensional writing as well, but without as much consistency as the former three.
very interesting! well done, Ryan.

Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
Brand New - TDAG
mewithoutYou - any album would do, but if i had to pick one, AB.
Jack's Mannequin - Everything In Transit
Anberlin - Cities
Underoath - Define the Great Line
Say Anything - ...Is a Real Boy (i'm not saying it's the best album lyrically, it just appeals to me.)
Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism

[MADSTA]

Oh it makes me sad to see Nick's face jokerized lol.
I couldn't resist. The face he's making is too perfect.

[AlternateToLife]

I couldn't resist. The face he's making is too perfect.

Haha it really is. It makes me smile.

[bhs1158]

Every Weakerthans album. I think every time I listen to one all the way through I discover some clever metaphor that I didn't pick up on before. John K. Samson is the man.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

how has DCFC not been mentioned on here?

plans and transatlanticism are two of the best lyrical albums i've ever heard. listen to what sarah said, or lightness, or title and registration. or any other songs on those cd's

[Neo Cassady]

Every Weakerthans album. I think every time I listen to one all the way through I discover some clever metaphor that I didn't pick up on before. John K. Samson is the man.

came in here to say this

[grabyourguns]

mewithoutYOU-brother,sister

[kwsqd]

Pearl Jam - Vitalogy.. although you could really pick any album from their catalogue

[hf57]

william fitzsimmons - goodnight
bon iver - for emma, forever ago
mayday parade - tales told by dead friends/a lesson in romantics

and yes, i did just list a pop punk band in this thread.

[Jumpoff]

william fitzsimmons - goodnight
bon iver - for emma, forever ago
mayday parade - tales told by dead friends/a lesson in romantics

and yes, i did just list a pop punk band in this thread.

The black cats with backpacks get me everytime too.

[Carlo Marx]

Elvis Costello - Blood & Chocolate
Jawbreaker - Etc.
Weakerthans - Left & Leaving

[bobby runs]

hmm

Fall Out Boy- Take This to your grave
the starting line- the make yourself at home ep

[sugarcoatedlies]

Robbers and Cowards- Cold War Kids

[AntsInMyPants92]

Neutral Milk Hotel-The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Death Cab For Cutie-Transatlaticism
Brand New-The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
Northstar-Pollyanna

[chipdip18]

Neutral Milk Hotel-The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Death Cab For Cutie-Transatlaticism
Brand New-The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
Northstar-Pollyanna


Yeah!

[hf57]

The black cats with backpacks get me everytime too.

lol i'll let you get away with that one. to be honest i certaintly hate that song and will never understand why it was their single. but, alot of their songs lyrics connect me in such a personal way i couldn't not say them.

[Jumpoff]

lol i'll let you get away with that one. to be honest i certaintly hate that song and will never understand why it was their single. but, alot of their songs lyrics connect me in such a personal way i couldn't not say them.

Lyrically, they are terrible in my opinion.. doesn't stop them from being catchy as shit, however.

[bribot]

band of horses and anything by the lawrence arms.

[IWasaCamera]

how has DCFC not been mentioned on here?

plans and transatlanticism are two of the best lyrical albums i've ever heard. listen to what sarah said, or lightness, or title and registration. or any other songs on those cd's
It's probably due to Gibbard only being a decent writer.

[Kid B]

Death Cab bores me to death.

[Brokenhill]

2112, appetite for destruction


There we go...

[Brokenhill]

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd - The Wall

Thursday - Full Collapse

The Receiving End of Sirens - Between the Heart and the Synapse

Brand New - Deja Entendu

[Genuma]

butch walker - letters
Fuck yea?

[Kid B]

I forgot Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

[xerovision1]

There we go...

any rush lyrics really, but i really like axl rose's lyrics also...

[kitti_katt420]

"The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me"-Brand New
"From a Basement on a Hill"--Elliot Smith
"Horses"--Patti Smith
"Relationship of Command"--At the drive In
"Goddamnit"-Alkaline Trio
"Beneath the Shadows"-T.S.O.L
"London Calling"-the Clash
"Fire Songs"-Watson Twins
"Twin Cinema"-New Pornographers
"Funeral"-Arcade Fire
"IV"-Nerf Herder.........just to name a few