Wordpress because of the plugins that get made specifically for SEO optimization. You are best to go with that, host your own and read up on how to rank. All in One SEO plugin will take care of your meta's
wordpress works best for me.. lots of features, yes..... additionally, it's user friendly.. if you need help with your contents, please feel free to pm me or visit my site (see in my profile).. just my two cents.. ^^
I would suggest you to use Wordpress. They have more wordpress plugins that can make your site SEO friendly.
Echoing everyone else... But I'd also recommend Wordpress. I'd never used it until recently and within the space of a few weeks with a bit of trial and error I was able to create some really nice looking sites. In fact I probably over-use it now; I tend to use it to create sites for myself and my clients whether they're blogging sites or not. The sheer quantity of plugins that are on offer that can help your site to look incredible, function well and even to increase the SEO of your site really help to sell it.
I use a self hosted word press blog and point links to it from free blogs such as wordpress free and blogger. Also consider hubpages and squidoo.
Wordpress is best for blogging. if you have self hosted blog then it will be rock. you can track your blog through google analytics. you can add plugins as you want.
Blogspot is also good, because it's free, and you don't have to spend too much time building the blog. Just write posts, upload photos, and you're done.