I dont believe a song is just words or just music or just the singer or how good the backing is! it's got to be all of them and sometimes just one or two in the mix, hope that makes sense to you. With that in mind my list would have to include;
Jon Anderson...[Yes]
Ian Anderson...[Jethro Tull]
George Harrison
John Lennon
Paul McCartney
Peter Gabriel
Phil Collins
the list would go on for ever,
I'm also very partial to Brian Wilson, that guy from Nickelback, anything by the Eagles etc.
I was listening to Whitesnake Greatest Hits on my way home from my gig last night [I love metal] and even though the music and singing were XLNT, the words left a whole lot to be desired! but it's done them no harm, has it?
phill