Music always comes first. Everyday, and twice on Sundays. If you just want to be moved by lyrics, go read poetry. That being said, if the music is already great and then the lyrics end up being great too, it just takes the song up another level. Lyrics are still important, but secondary to the melody, harmony, interesting riffs/licks, and rhythms.

Edit: Wanted to add that as long as the lyrics aren’t physically cringeworthy, then it doesn’t really matter to me what they’re saying.

Anything off Phoebe Bridgers’ first two albums is phenomenal. She’s definitely one of the best songwriters of this generation. Bit of an acquired taste.

Try Garden Song, Smoke Signals, or Killer.

Also I know everyone hates country…but just hear me out. A lot of today’s best songwriters are country artists, but I’m not talking about the Morgan Wallen/FGL type stuff. Just give some of these recommendations an honest listen and tell me what you think:

Tyler Childers: Universal Sound, Lady May, Gemini

Colter Wall: Caroline, Motorcycle, The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie

Billy Strings: Watch It Fall, Must Be Seven, Away From the Mire

Turnpike Troubadours: A Tornado Warning, Pay No Rent, Diamonds and Gasoline