Agree with you Rob the idea that in the commercial world things are dominated by self penned tunes with no room for 'the songwriter' or covers is just way wide of the mark.

Just had a look at the top 20 albums this week and I reckon 10 of them are almost completely written by other songwriters or are covers. That is One Direction, Boyzone, Elvis Presley, Susan Boyle, Andre Rieu, Little Mix, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, Alfie Boe and JLS.

Then there are three where the artist is named as writer but for the most part in collaboration with other songwriters. That is Katy Perry, Olly Murs and James Arthur. Plus Robbie Williams which is 50% covers of standards and the rest written in collaboration with songwriter Guy Chambers.

So out of the top 20 I reckon there are only six albums which are mostly written by the artist (though no doubt with help in some cases too) and that is Gary Barlow, Eminem, Bastille, Jake Bugg, James Blunt and Artic Monkeys.