Which current musician/band that IS popular deserves their popularity because of their talent and songwriting?

Tool.

Every member is at the top of their game, and it all comes together so exceptionally well.

I think Kendrick Lamar's popularity is totally well deserved.

Aside from that:

• Aurora
• Bonobo
• Billie Eilish
• Lorde

And more...

Sleep Token

Absolutely incredible band

Depends on what you mean by songwriting, but Fred Again is a really talented producer.

Kendrick is current.

Shout out to Ren whom I genuinely believe to be a generational talent - someone who has the potential to alter the course and content of popular music going forward.

Vulfpeck is a musician’s delight. Their MSG concert was one of the best I’ve ever seen. Technically great as well - single camera, one shot.

Just a random list of bands I like that are popular, talented, recent and/or currently active:

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Dungen

Bombino, Tinariwen and Imarhan

Altın Gün

Home

Future Islands

Glass Beams

I mostly listen to older music, 60s-90s, not for any reason other than that's the time frame where I find more music that I like. Still lots of good stuff today too though! And that's by far not a comprehensive list, just the ones I thought of right now.

Gojira have become fairly popular (I think). They're incredible!

Hozier

Father John Misty

SZA

Tyler Childers

And oh my God, the juggernaut that is Fontaines DC

ETA I agree with Future Islands.

I'm about to see Dead & Company in August, though I highly doubt that's what you meant by current.

I have no clue what the kids are listening to these days. Now get off my lawn.

That said, Goose is excellent if jam bands are your jam.

Deftones

If we're talking top 10 charts music (Taylor Swift, Rihanna etc.) I'd say Billie Eilish cause she's probably the only one who writes and records songs on her own as far as I know.

Bob Dylan is still around and got a Nobel Prize for his songwriting, but I can't tell if he meets your critereia.