25 musicians who are the best storytellers of our generation

Sleep Token’s entire identity allegedly revolves around vocalist Vessel's relationship with an ancient deity called "Sleep.” Fans believe the dynamic between the singer and the ancient entity is toxic and codependent, hence the songs’ dark themes of addiction, abuse, and deep desire. The band brings a highly spiritual narrative to the metal scene, pushing boundaries and blending genres.

Listening to Joji feels like floating alone in a large body of water at night, reflecting on some of your most painful memories. The artist paints a clear picture through his lyrics, telling stories of heartbreak and loss. His atmospheric production adds to the overall vibe.

Many believe Taylor Swift is one of the best storytellers of our generation—and for good reason. Not only is she incredibly detailed and specific in her lyricism, but she’s also included fictional narratives in several songs, with some characters overlapping. In fact, she revealed that one of her most popular albums, Folklore, was largely a work of fiction. 

Sufjan Stevens is a profound lyricist, using progressive storytelling to explore grief, spirituality, and even mythology. His honest, vulnerable lyrics are sometimes uncomfortable to hear, which is the entire point of art.

Kendrick Lamar is an incredible storyteller. In fact, some fans even refer to him as a poet, with his ability to rhyme without compromising substance. His attention to detail intensifies the listening experience, and his introspective lines and questions trigger deep reflection.

In many instances, listening to Lana Del Rey’s music feels more like listening to a story with a melody. The singer-songwriter isn’t afraid to get personal, which makes for some of the most relatable and engaging songs. Her distinct, femme fatale voice as a songwriter sets her apart from others in the genre.

Matt Berninger of The National is one of the best storytellers of our time. Each song he writes feels like a peek into his inner monologue or nostalgic memories. From poignant metaphors to vivid descriptions, it’s hard not to become engrossed in each track.

Rex Orange County is one of the most impressive storytellers of our generation, tackling difficult yet relatable topics like mental health and growth. The song “Alexander” takes you on an intimate journey, both a simple doctor’s visit and a complex self-discovery, with some parts even delivered as spoken word. Many of his tracks are just as personal and reflective.

Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes is yet another talented self-examining lyricist. Bright Eyes has a way of comforting listeners by painting the human experience through personal anecdotes with openness, honesty, and grace. For example, the song “At the Bottom of Everything” tells a heartbreaking yet hopeful story through spoken word. 

I first discovered the sheer brilliance of Eliza McLamb through her hit “Salt Circle,” perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The singer-songwriter’s lyricism is both achingly vulnerable and familiar, including sensual imagery and spiritual symbolism. She even writes personal essays and cultural critiques over on her Substack.

Searows, the stage name of indie-folk artist Alec Duckart, has a gentle yet profound way with words. His songs tell stories of deep trauma and self-discovery through a rather melancholic yet captivating delivery. 

Grayscale is one of the greatest pop-punk bands of this generation, and their lyricism plays a major role in that. Each song unfolds like an intimate first-person narrative. The band explores dark yet important themes like mental health, addiction, suicide, and grief.

Alice Phoebe Lou is a self-funded South African musician and singer with a knack for storytelling. Her lyrics, which oftentimes feel more like personal mantras and spiritual journeys, tell a story of one woman’s self-growth and discovery. Her deeply personal and raw tracks have attracted global recognition and millions of fans worldwide—for good reason.

Movements is well-known for its emotional and reflective storytelling. The alternative rock band often incorporates raw, unfiltered spoken word into its tracks. In fact, during a Reddit AMA, frontman Pat Miranda revealed that he writes lyrics to vent his emotions and experiences. He notes that he leans on symbolism and metaphor when crafting creative content. 

Raveena is an incredibly talented singer and songwriter, covering topics such as spirituality, femininity, and love. In a Reddit AMA, Raveena expressed her desire to experiment with different landscapes within the pop genre, incorporating influences like “R&B, soul, pop, jazz, avant-garde, Bollywood, indie, psych-rock, funk, and hip-hop.” Her storytelling creates an ambient, immersive listening experience for fans.

Another spiritual storyteller/musician is the infamous Erykah Badu. Though she began releasing music in the late ‘90s, I’d still consider her a poetic voice of this generation. Known as the "Queen of Neo-Soul,” Badu creates narrative-driven music filled with spiritual lessons, self-discovery, and social commentary. 

Bon Iver is an absolute icon in the indie-folk music scene. His storytelling gives voice to those isolated, grieving souls out there. Not to mention, his emotional, narrative lyrics and soft falsetto voice set him apart from others in the genre. 

The indie supergroup boygenius, consisting of singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, offers some of the most poignant lyricism of this generation. Each artist brings her own unique voice (both vocally and lyrically) to the table, cultivating a collective narrative unlike any other. 

Singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon is a legend in the music industry, known as a talented vocalist, pianist, and lyricist. Some of his projects have included Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin, and his moniker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The pop-punk/alternative rock musician’s storytelling sets him and his groups apart from others in the scene, as it involves detailed, vulnerable accounts and admirable self-expression. 

If you’ve ever listened to Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met,” you likely know just how deep it hits. The indie rock band is known for its narrative tracks and spiritual storytelling, which captivate fans.

Faye Webster is a genius in the indie music scene. Her storytelling ability allows her to capture both the beauty and the pain in the mundane. The singer-songwriter’s personal narratives are as vulnerable as they get, like snapshots into someone’s healing journey.

Japanese Breakfast is yet another indie pop giant with incredible lyricism. Frontman Michelle Zauner is both a singer-songwriter and the author of the bestselling memoir Crying in H Mart, which explores the artist’s Korean-American experience. Her captivating storytelling bleeds into her music.

Earl Sweatshirt is a wildly creative and lyrically skilled rapper. His writing is often compared to poetry and short fiction, including abstract imagery and symbolism to recall personal narratives. He also tackles important topics, like grief, depression, fatherhood, and culture. 

Singer-songwriter Indigo De Souza is a true storyteller, drawing on their personal experiences and mental health struggles for inspiration. Their writing is vulnerable and diaristic, recounting traumatic events and self-discovery through an honest yet artistic lens. 

Many music lovers agree that indie folk band Big Thief is one of the best storytellers of our generation. Lead singer Adrianne Lenker writes raw, poetic lyrics filled with evocative language, drawing inspiration from her own life.