Paul Simon - There Goes Rhymin’ Simon

A master songwriter, but then all of these are. As with the other records here I could equally have selected several other of his albums. This one makes the cut because it has the incredible ‘American Tune’ with a lyric that has embedded itself into my mind: “And I dreamed I was dying / I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly / And looking back down at me / Smiled reassuringly.”

Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks

Raw lyrics, beautiful melodies, and sympathetic production giving the music and, even more than that, the emotion room to breathe. And ‘Tangled Up in Blue’.

Thea Gilmore - Ghosts and Graffiti

A beautiful voice, and Gilmore has been writing terrific songs full of social commentary for years now without getting the widespread recognition she deserves. Go for ‘This Girl is Taking Bets’ to find your way into her music,

Peter Gabriel - 1 (Car)

Is Gabriel really a singer/songwriter? Based on the criteria I’m using, yes. He often plays solo at a piano live, even if he’s better known as having a tight band and progressive music. This was his first post-Genesis album. On the tour he played ‘Here Comes the Flood’, just Gabriel, piano, and a small venue. Magical. At the other end of the scale, we hear him singing over a symphony orchestra here. It’s all about range.

Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane - Rough Mix

Two for the price of one. Some fine acoustic songs from Townshend, with the stand-out being the beautifully dramatic ‘Street in the City’. And some terrific songs by Lane too, bringing his mellow folk-rock approach. Together they made a special album.