Alex Hopper

4 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

Many artists have to choose between critical acclaim and commercial success. The biggest hits aren’t often the most revered in songwriting circles, and songs that are revered don’t often top the charts. However, there is a small crop of legendary artists that have managed to do both, to a certain extent. Bob Dylan leads that pack. David Bowie once considered his place on the spectrum between free artistry and hitmaker status, aligning himself with Dylan.

4 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

Lady Gaga is one of the most versatile artists in recent memory. Few of her peers could hold a candle to her unabashed artistry. Charting a course through Gaga’s career trajectory is a fickle task. There are many off-shoots that come as off-the-wall, but welcomed treats. Below, find our three favorite of Lady Gaga’s unexpected career moves.

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

Cultural tides shift. It’s inevitable that something that was acceptable in one era may not be so later. It’s a risk one has to take if they create on the world’s stage. Find four classic (but offensive) songs that you could never make today, below. The Rolling Stones released a deeply questionable love song on Beggars Banquet, “Stray Cat Blues”. In the second verse, Mick Jagger sings about a 15-year-old girl.

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

A majority of the time, Lady Gaga‘s music is shrouded in a layer of persona. She is the definition of an “artist” with her otherworldly approach to music. She has operated in this way for most of her career. However, in 2016, Gaga stripped away any and all persona and opted for something more down-to-earth: Joanne. This country-tinged album gave fans a rare peek into Gaga’s personal life. Never had she been so candid and raw before. A powerful example of that candidness is the title track.

5 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Alex Hopper

Many artists have covered a Bob Dylan song over the years. Given his throne in the world of modern songwriting, it only stands to reason his fellow musicians would want to honor him with a cover or two. However, not many have been lauded by the artist himself. In fact, there is only one that Dylan credits as being performed better than the original: Bruce Springsteen’s rendition of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”. Learn more about why Dylan adored The Boss’ cover, below.