Wanted to chime in here after reading most of this thread. I agree that it is probably best to strive for different rhyme mates to set yourself apart from the pack.

In a recent writing experiment, I looked at the current top 10 Country lyrics and found that 52% of the rhyme mates were perfect rhymes. That actually surprised me, as I figured there would be much fewer in today's Country.

This percentage may differ with other genres.


“I usually start with a title or maybe a little rhyme or phrase.” - Harlan Howard

Co-writing = Compromise!