Is Sting the worst lyricist of all time?

According to 'Blender' music magazine, Sting is the worst lyricist of all time. In a survey that will appear in its November issue, he topped a list of well-known names. Rush drummer Neil Peart was ranked No. 2, followed by Creed's Scott Stapp at No. 3, Oasis's Noel Gallagher at No. 4, and Dan Fogelberg at No. 5.

Though a list like this is entertaining, it also comes across as a big cheap shot to me. However, it comes with the territory. When a person or group submits music to the public, they know they will face either applause or boos.

At least 'Blender' had the backbone to take on people who have some standing. Many times, lists like this just re-hash a lot of whipping boys that critics and the public love to ridicule. Though I haven't paid attention to Sting for almost 20 years, it surprised me that he topped the list. However, part of the reason I haven't paid attention to him is that I've always thought he was overrated.

Still, is he the worst of all time? Just about any song Journey ever produced was packed with enough sweet clichés to make a person swear off sugar forever. Plus, there were a whole slew of big-hair bands in the 80s that produced some of the most forgettable lyrics I've ever heard. Then again, maybe those are the whipping boys I mentioned in the previous paragraph that are too easy to make fun of.

As for Sting, I seriously doubt this will get him down. If it does, all he has to do is crawl on top of his big pile of money and blow kisses down to the editors of 'Blender.'

I'm sure the view is quite spectacular up there.