Top 10 Current Pop Singers Who Write ALL Their Own Songs

#10: Olivia Rodrigo

When it comes to modern music, Olivia Rodrigo is often considered a gold standard when it comes to transitioning from acting to music. As a Disney Channel star in her teens, Rodrigo found new momentum as a singer/songwriter - first with her debut single “drivers license”. Things only got better for her with her debut album “Sour”, which was a critical and commercial success. But unlike so many other popstars who transitioned over from teenage fame, Rodrigo singled herself out for her heavy involvement in her songwriting. Her talent for composition is found all over “Sour” and its follow-up “Guts”, making her a rarity in a field that can often be filled with industry plants.

#9: Kesha

In the 2010s, Kesha lit the world of pop music alight with singles like “TiK ToK” and “Right Round”. She carved a very lucrative path for herself as a solo-star to earn herself millions. But what some of you may not know, is that she is a prolific songwriter for other musicians too. Not only did she have a direct hand in her own success, but she also provided songs for artists such as Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, and even Alice Cooper. From her biggest hits to the album-tracks that made up each LP release, Kesha oversaw and had a direct hand in everything!

#8: Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys came into the world of R&B and pop with a background in classical piano. So, her talent for songwriting and general melodic ideas should come as no surprise. But it’s the heart and soulfulness of her lyrics that tend to inspire her fans more than anything else. Keys brought something truly fresh to the genre when she burst onto the scene with her first album “Songs in A Minor”. And no, despite the title, only two of the songs are actually in the key of A Minor. But she had songwriting credits on every full track on the album - including many sole credits. She also helped to produce the record - a trend she followed for the entirety of her career.

#7: Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is without a doubt one of the most prolific pop superstars in the game. No matter the genre, Mars just doesn’t miss. Hit singles like “Right Round” by Flo Rida and “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green all had some level of songwriting input from Mars. While he was best known for lovelorn ballads like “Grenade” and “Just The Way You Are”, Bruno took hold of his own creative direction and pivoted to funk. During this period, hits like “24K Magic” and his work with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic showcased his dynamism. Whether he’s writing songs for those in the midst of a break-up, or filling a dancefloor with a new funk classic, Bruno Mars does it better than anyone.

#6: Sia

Sia was already an experienced musician and recording artist by the time her career took off in the late 2000s. But her discomfort with her level of fame led her to take a break from her solo work - and instead, write for artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Flo Rida. But when she felt comfortable returning, she did so with a number-one charting album “1000 Forms of Fear”. Like any veteran songwriter, she took a central role in every aspect of the album’s creation. Sia is a songwriter first and foremost, but she also brings a very unique sound and direction to the table, an unmistakable quality that makes her so sought after.

#5: Lady Gaga

The second Lady Gaga exploded onto the scene back in 2008, it was pretty clear that she was a force to be reckoned with. Everything from her look to her music videos was like a breath of fresh air. And, of course, it came as no surprise to learn how directly involved she was with the composition of her songs. Gaga is the type of artist who simply wouldn’t have it any other way - and her enduring success is a testament to the strength of her creative vision. Pop music as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without albums like “The Fame” and “Born This Way”.

#4: Adele

Adele is an artist with a capital ‘A’. Responsible for crafting some of the most important musical standards of the century, it’s impossible to listen to her albums and not realise that it’s all coming directly from the source. Her album “19” showcased real potential, but it was her follow-up “21” and singles like “Someone Like You” and “Rolling In The Deep” that truly set her off. To this day, the album remains the best-selling album of the 21st century in the UK - and it makes total sense. Adele has a gift for writing songs that immediately sound essential; instant classics that burrow their way into musical culture as soon as they reach our ears.

#3: Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s humble roots as a street musician gave him the tools he needed to carve out one of the most remarkable commercial runs of his era. Sheeran didn’t just write himself a string of huge hit singles, but he also delivered career-high releases for other artists, too. Can you imagine a world where Justin Bieber didn’t put out “Love Yourself”? Well, you can thank Ed Sheeran for that. Sheeran works as hard as anyone - even though he’s one of the most financially secure musicians on the planet. If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about his love for his craft, nothing will.

#2: Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is one half of one of the most prolific songwriting duos of this era. Alongside her brother Finneas, Eilish has ripped up the playbook when it comes to creating moody and visceral pop music. She first gained attention as a teenager with her song “Ocean Eyes”, and while that song was penned entirely by Finneas, her debut album saw Billie step up to the plate in every way. Despite her age, Eilish has been a trend-setter and a trail-blazer with nearly every move she has made. And in a world filled with performers who don’t have anything to do with their musical direction, to say that Billie is involved would be an understatement.

#1: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has a level of renown as a songwriter that most prospective musicians would kill for. In many ways, she is the pop songwriter of her generation, the one with the most hits, the most acclaim, and probably, the most devoted fans to back her up. From her roots as a country artist to her emergence as a legitimate stadium-pop star, Swift has been a dominant force in the world of music since the 2000s. Her attention to detail with her songwriting and her flair for lyricism have inspired millions. But for as many artists who try to emulate her style, there is only one Taylor Swift!

But what modern pop superstars do you think deserve a mention for their songwriting? Let us know in the comments below.