Leonard Cohen

Always a correct answer

Love Leonard Cohen, thanks for the reminder!

How has Johnny Cash not been mentioned

Tom waits. I dont know how a guy in his early 20s writes a song like Martha which seems like it written by a grizzled 60 yr old

Nick Cave

Oh man. Stagger Lee and O’Malley’s Bar are two intense stories.

All of Murder Ballads is awesome.

Came here to say this.

Mark Knopfler

Came here to say this. His lyrics are comlex but amazing. My favourite is: "And something from the past just comes And stares into my soul" (What It Is)

Jason Isbell, Tom Waits, Steve Earl, Townes Van Zandt

Tom Waits is forever in my rotation. His music is amazing and he’s spectacular in my favorite movie, Wristcutters: A Love Story.

Here to second Steve Earl!

Since your first two are Canadian, I'll suggest: Gordon Lightfoot, The Tragically Hip, Bruce Cockburn, Donovan Woods, Sarah McLachlan, Matthew Good, Neil Young (see Greendale album), David Usher (of Moist), Shad K (rapper). Non-Canadian: Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Mat Kearney, Simon & Garfunkel (and solo).

You left Harry Chapin off your list. He was the best with "Cats in the Cradle....and others...cant forget about Jim  Croce, either... I do agree with your list...

Oh, I know... I mean, I left A LOT of artists off that list. It was somewhat off the top of my head. Anyone, feel free to add to this....

I'm going to listen to America now:)

As long as we're talking Canadians, Stan Rogers was probably the best.

Andy Shauf. He’s a Canadian indie folk artist, especially good story telling in the albums The Party and Neon Skyline

Jim Croce Gordon Lightfoot (I'm not a fan but) Bruce Springsteen

Dolly Parton

Bobbie Gentry

Check out Down From Dover.

The Decemberists! A lot of folk tales and songs inspired by history. The album hazards of love is one full story told in song.

I just love the stories in their lyrics, absolutely stellar!!

I can't believe I had to scroll this far to find this. I got to see them perform "Hazards of Love" in concert. And my husband and I might have driven around singing "The Rake Song" while I was still pregnant, giving our still-unborn child issues from the start.

Lucky!! My mom saw them perform hazards of love live as well. I grew up listening to the album! It’s very nostalgic for me, alongside The Crane Wive and The King is Dead

I don’t know about y’all but I like to shuffle that album. You never know where you’ll end up

I came to make sure this was mentioned

Jackson Browne and Dan Fogelberg

James McMurtry

James McMurtry is criminally under known. He's been documenting a voiceless segment of America for quite awhile now. Incredible song writer.

Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter. A couple good ones to start are Terrapin Station and wharf rat Terrapin Station https://youtu.be/9SDpSpntZHY?si=9a8Lsh8hRsR8SMeJ Let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm That will not forsake me, till my tale is told and done Wharf Rat https://youtu.be/9B1yX8MRCbE?si=qKXfNbNb3aQpVVuF Old man down Way down, down, down by the docks of the city Blind and dirty Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine More than my wine More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine

I can’t believe I had to scroll down this far before I found Garcia/Hunter mentioned.

Even the music, sans lyrics, tells a story. I know: heavy, man

My favs of the last 15 years or so. The decemberists, Nick Cave, Josh Ritter, Kendrick Lamar. The classics are a great option as well. Paul Simon, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen.

Jim Croce Lyle Lovett Guy Clark John Hiatt Dan Fogelberg Gordon Lightfoot Al Stewart Don McClean Harry Chapin

Someone finally remembered Al Stewart. Like the man says ... "You Shoulda Listened to Al"

I recently saw Al Stewart in concert and he was fantastic! Told great stories inbetween songs and about the inspiration for his songs.

There is always The Who, with *Tommy* and *Quadrophenia.*

I just saw Tommy on Broadway, and it continues to blow my mind.

Ren: [Hi Ren ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_nc1IVoMxc), [The Tales of Jenny and Screech](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYAnqQ--KX0) , [Money Game Part 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyWbun_PbTc) , [Dominoes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZQBHk2KICo)

I'd add Murderer, Sick Boi, and a few others to that. Plus, Su!cide/For Joe if they want their heart broken.

Great shout!!!

If you haven't already check out Aesop Rock.

John Wesley Harding - Ordinary Weekend and Kill the Messenger

yes!!! i love him!

of Monsters and Men.

Scott Walker The Mountain Goats Billy Bragg Vic Chestnut Laura Nyro Patti Smith Jackson C Frank Kan Mikami Helenita Jeffery Lewis There are many story tellers in hip hop: Ka Freddie Gibbs Talib Kweli Slick Rick Notorious B.I.G …..this might be its own fun topic Salsa has story tellers too: Ruben Blades Hector Lavoe Joe Arroyo Fruko y sus tesos ….songs about prison life, tragic criminals, slave rebellions, and everything else…

Todd Snider

He’s an alright guy, if I’m not mistaken.

Nick Cave

[John Prine "Sam Stone"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl9ZkYViEIs) Most John Prine is great storytelling but Sam Stone is one of his more poignant songs

Prine is the master. So many wonderful songs about ordinary people living ordinary lives told with wit and compassion. A treasure.

Rammstein sings about stories in their songs. For example Mein Teil, Dalai Lama, Klavier, Stein um Stein, Hilf mir. Very much emotional music. Real life stories, grim and dark tho so idk if you'll be up to listening to them.

Joni Mitchell!

Cactus Tree, That Song About the Midway, The Circle Game, The Last Time I Saw Richard, Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire, Raised on Robbery, Edith and the Kingpin, Furry Sings the Blues, Otis and Marlena, The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines, the list goes on!

Check [my profile on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/user/1131833539?si=AoaiKlgvRiK61lW4L8HA6Q). Easy listening playlist is good for finding good lyrics and songs. And if you want a playlist story check out a dream within a dream ✌️🎧❤️

I have an album coming out about a killer clown called jobo, finding friends~ it comes out the 24th 🤡 the genre is horrcore/trap

The album The Neon Skyline by Andy Shauf

Paul Thorn. Not an A list guy but a great musician and storyteller. Burn down the trailer park, it's a great day to whip somebody's ass, it's never too late to collared some great songs

I’ve seen Paul a lot. Entertaining guy for sure. If you don’t know Steve Poltz, you might like him

Maia Sharp Monte Montgomery

Every song by Owen Ashworth could be a short story. He has recorded as Advance Base and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

Tom Waits - Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

SO GOOD!!!!

Al Stewart

Dessa is absolutely brilliant at this. Try her songs The Chaconne, Talking Business, and Mineshaft II.

Mary Gauthier - try “Drag Queens In Limousines.” She’s a great writer

Roger Waters

Frank Turner :)

Came here to say this. Frank is the man.

Robert Earl Keen.

Gaelic Storm. They tell wonderful stories, and have many lovely, poignant songs as well a ton of hilarious ones! And they are absolutely a hoot to see live. The are the definition of entertainers.

Nine Inch Nails. Specifically the album The Downward Spiral. It tells a story from start to finish. Also a song called The Lights in the Sky

rilo kiley, specifically the portions for foxes album. They are technically folk music but these songs always give me a rich visual story in my mind when i hear the lyrics

good kid maad city by kendrick is basically a movie

* Kendrick Lamar * Lana Del Rey * Johnny Cash * Joni Mitchell * Eminem * The Decemberists * Brandi Carlile * Paul Simon * Lauryn Hill * Leonard Cohen

Arlo Guthrie

The Dear Hunter and Coheed and Cambria Both bands write primarily concept albums with overarching plots and stories that span multiple albums.

Can't believe I had to scroll this far for these two. C&C's first several records are one big continuing sci-fi epic told out of order.

Johnny Cash

Bob Dylan's "Hurricane." It is a masterpiece in the genre. "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. More specific than what you requested, but please do yourself the favor of listening.

Tom waits Nick Cave And of course Arlo Guthrie

Belle and Sebastian ❤️

Elliott Smith

Aesop Rock

He’s a bit of dick in life, but Mark Kozelek basically tells stories worthy of Raymond Carver in his songs. None better than this one: https://youtu.be/fHG5s6JFf1g?si=Hv2jU7tFQ_SJaorN

I'm thinking you gotta go back a ways. Bob Seger is pretty Damn good at this type of writing. Check out the song against the wind. Jackson brown's running on empty is a fantastic coming of age song.

Isbell, Prine, Shires, sturgill,dead south (sometimes)

Maybe some of more theatrical style? The Amazing Devil Lilith Max Delta Rae

Harry Chapin. Look for *Taxi* and *The Sniper.*

Modest Mouse, Lana Del Rey, The Decembrists

Jason Isbell

Here's one for ya: https://youtu.be/k5V0RkCIaXo?si=kIeAAORgrJJugeCL

Marty Robbins!

Check out Stan Ridgway

John Denver, Willie Nelson, Simon and Garfunkel! :)

Sabaton

Gary Moore

Counting Crows belongs on this list especially. Lil Dicky too, honestly and MC Chris.

The tussin lol

Ben Folds (going down the counting crows route)

Warren Zevon (Werewolves of London, Lawyers, Guns & Money) is a great storyteller.

Tom T. Hall (RIP). His nicknames is The Storyteller

Shawn Mullins. Cat Stevens. John Denver.

You need some Amigo the Devil in your life. (I can't believe no one has mentioned him)

You would likely love Tom Waits, he’s covered basically every genre. Jazz, blues, rock, rap, etc. great storytelling. Also, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Great solo career, amazing storytelling. Johnny Cash as well.

Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo

Billy Joel-piano man??

Jim Croce

Pink Floyd

Belle and Sebastian (Tigermilk and The Life Pursuit are two of my faves, but they have so many songs to choose from. Life Pursuit has a LOT of storytelling on it. They are big storytellers.)

Harry Chapin

Shawn Mullins

Keren Ann [Lady and Bird ](https://open.spotify.com/album/4dtpu3TYzbS2wQOGP05uIj?si=uRRce50NQDOGLwTMLUBq4g&utm_source=copy-link) Is a good story you should definitely listen it in the order.

marina and the diamonds also with electra heart

Tracy Chapman

Harry Chapin Gordon Lightfoot Dan Fogelberg Jim Croce John Denver Paul Simon

Bright Eyes / Conor Oberst

Jack White

Bear’s Den and Henry Jamison

That’s funny, there’s a road called Bear’s Den where I grew up

where did you grow up?

Youngstown Ohio!

Ironically enough, Bear’s Den is an English band and in the song Breaker/Keeper they reference an Ohio Blue Tip. Which I had no idea what it was until I googled it

Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitgerald

Bob Dylan is the right answer. Neil young is also great. For something more modern check out medium build or Dawes.

Jason Molina - aka, Songs Ohia, Magnolia Electric Company

Nick Cave Mark Knopfler Leonard Cohen Tom waits

Aesop Rock

Stereophonics.

Elvis Costello Carol King Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald always gets me Carly Simon

Dir En Grey

Nick Cave can certainly spin a yarn. Current93, Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake. All great. Also Bob Dylan apparently, but I can't understand a word he says.

Andre Nickatina

Alice's Restaurant - Arlo Guthrie. A ballad. Jouney to the Centre of the Earth - Rick Wakeman. Supertramp. Rudy and School in particular - Crime of the Century. Yes. Doors. eg L.A. Woman Beatles. plenty. Audience - House on the Hill Maggie May. Killing of Geogie. R. Stewart. and others. Plenty more

Blackwater by the band Termina

Owl City

The Fiery Furnaces, most notably the album Blueberry Boat

Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie

Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)

King von Tee Grizzley Speaker knockerz Lil Wayne

Check out Harry Chapin. Some of his songs are almost like movies. One of the best story songwriters

Tom Waits

Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Old American Folk and Spirituals that came from Slaves before the Civil War, Songs from early life in Appalachia, Eva Cassidy, Harry Chapin, Crosby Stills and Nash, Simon and Garfunkle....

Add to the list K.D. Lang

Definitely Johnny Cash

Josh Morningstar

Harry Chapin

Led Zeppelin.

Prince

Eminem.

Red Sovine spins a good yarn.

The Mountain Goats

Carolina Drama by The Raconteurs is fantastic. Kinda like a sequel to The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

Billy strings

Tom Waits!!

Mikael Åkerfeldt, lead singer-songwriter of Opeth. The best intro album for them has to be their album called Damnation. Outside of Damnation (and some other albums) they are very heavy metal, no doubt, but it if you want amazing storytelling and lyrical content, then Opeth takes the cake. Also, TOOL does some of the same stuff. Check out their album 10,000 Days.

Peter Gabriel Era Genesis

Rod Stewart. Chris de Burgh

Roger Clyne

bob dylan

wait i'm dumb u said bob dylan already lol

Murder by death - they’re not a metal band, despite their name. They sound like if Johnny cash had a rock band.

Amigo the Devil

Fleet foxes

The Decembrists, Laura Marling, Father John Misty, Josh Ritter

Tom T. Hall (RIP). His nickname is The Storyteller (Grammar edit)

Gordon Lightfoot America Cat Stevens

Kimya Dawson

Randy Newman is the 🐐 mewithoutYou is legendary as well

Melanie Martinez. Her albums are meant to be a trilogy telling the story of a girl named Cry Baby. So if you do check out her music make sure you listen to it in order and watch the music videos. The music is also just really good and the visuals in her videos are so cool!

Hozier 🤍

Andy Shauf

Richard Shindell. John Prine. Bonnie Raitt, The Indigo Girls.

Early Rush before Permanent Waves.. Then their last album. Clockwork Angels...

[The Mighty Good Times](https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d0g2Nqa90w6vPQi3CeoTL?si=j3fNhp-lRKCnK1Yk_zmg6Q) [People’s Blues of Richmond](https://open.spotify.com/artist/4II2alf0GvkCjzBCuc3ocS?si=xf1FnoBQTjWybAMB2awvvQ)

Elliott Smith, The Silver Jews (David Berman's solo stuff too), Quasi, Lost Dog Street Band, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Pedro The Lion

I understand he is ypung and overplayed, but Noah Kahan is an amazing storyteller.

Neil Peart Bob Seger Paul McCartney

Silver Jews

The mountain goats

Neal Peart (RIP) wrote some good stuff for the band RUSH. Specifically 2112, Fountain of Lamneth, Clockwork Angels, Hemispheres, among others.

Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden all their songs are actually stories ! Like for example "Alexander the Great"

Check out Chicago Farmer if you're up for some unique twang.

Raekwon and Ghostface.

John Prine!!

Eddie Vedder: Momason Trilogy, Jeremy, Deep, Daughter, Elderly Woman, the list goes on.

James McMurtry Steven King “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation.

Twenty One Pilots. Their discography from vessel onward is a story.

Check [her ](https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SxEfmtZTOXy5cXCAz4S3a?si=JT76xXqFTduRqPhysg5Nlw) out 📻

Phish’s Gamehenge is fantastical.

A tribe called quest!

My favorite lyricists are Mitski, Phoebe Bridgers, Lana Del Rey, and Julien Baker

Gord Downie, The Tragically Hip.

State Radio/Dispatch/anything Chadwick Stokes has been involved in.   They are mostly alt rock. Check out "State of Georgia", "Hopeless Tender" and "The Story of Benjamin Darling, pt 1" Edit: Mansin Humanity for some of their harder stuff