Essential acoustic music listening

The albums that define acoustic music.

Our picks for where to start with acoustic music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The acoustic music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Hits from Yesterday & the Day Before

Barenaked Ladies

Hits from Yesterday & the Day Before

A nostalgic collection of catchy melodies and witty lyrics reflecting on love, life, and the passing of time.

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Extended Versions

Barenaked Ladies

Extended Versions

Playful melodies and clever lyrics intertwine, showcasing Barenaked Ladies' unique blend of folk rock and pop sensibilities.

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The Village Sessions

John Mayer

The Village Sessions

Intimate acoustic arrangements blend with Mayer's soulful vocals, creating a reflective atmosphere that invites deep listening.

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The Complete 2012 Performances Collection

John Mayer

The Complete 2012 Performances Collection

Intimate acoustic renditions reveal Mayer's soulful melodies and reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of his live performances.

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Spark

Marit Larsen

Spark

Lush melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a serene yet poignant acoustic landscape.

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Joni was Right I / II

Marit Larsen

Joni was Right I / II

A shimmering blend of folk-pop melodies and introspective lyrics captures the essence of personal storytelling.

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Europiana

Jack Savoretti

Europiana

A heartfelt blend of folk rock and acoustic melodies, rich with emotional storytelling and lush instrumentation.

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Sleep No More

Jack Savoretti

Sleep No More

A heartfelt blend of folk rock and acoustic melodies infused with soulful storytelling.

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...Until We Felt Red

Kaki King

...Until We Felt Red

A vibrant tapestry of intricate guitar work and layered textures that evoke a sense of introspection.

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Modern Yesterdays

Kaki King

Modern Yesterdays

Intricate guitar melodies intertwine with atmospheric soundscapes, creating a reflective and immersive listening experience.

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Modern Heart

Milow

Modern Heart

A blend of acoustic warmth and introspective lyrics that invites listeners into Milow's reflective world.

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Everything Is Changing

Anneke van Giersbergen

Everything Is Changing

A heartfelt blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that radiate warmth and vulnerability.

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The Darkest Skies Are the Brightest

Anneke van Giersbergen

The Darkest Skies Are the Brightest

A tender blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in atmospheric soundscapes.

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Moving Walls

Matthew Good

Moving Walls

A reflective exploration of personal and societal themes wrapped in warm acoustic melodies and poignant lyrics.

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Something Like a Storm

Matthew Good

Something Like a Storm

A reflective blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that navigate personal and societal storms.

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Midnight Chorus

Kathryn Williams

Midnight Chorus

A tender blend of folk and acoustic melodies, weaving introspective lyrics with a warm, soothing atmosphere.

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Relations

Kathryn Williams

Relations

A delicate tapestry of folk and acoustic elements woven with introspective lyrics and haunting melodies.

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I Told You I Was Freaky

Flight of the Conchords

I Told You I Was Freaky

Whimsical comedic narratives blend with catchy melodies and quirky instrumentation, creating an offbeat musical experience.

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The Distant Future

Flight of the Conchords

The Distant Future

Witty, acoustic folk melodies intertwine with clever lyrics, creating a unique blend of comedy and musicality.

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Venetian Snares x Daniel Lanois

Daniel Lanois

Venetian Snares x Daniel Lanois

A surreal blend of ambient soundscapes and intricate electronic rhythms, evoking a dreamlike exploration of sonic textures.

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Belladonna

Daniel Lanois

Belladonna

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with organic textures, creating a hauntingly immersive auditory experience.

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A Pillar of Salt

Noah Gundersen

A Pillar of Salt

A haunting exploration of vulnerability wrapped in delicate melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Ledges

Noah Gundersen

Ledges

Intimate acoustic melodies weave through poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of personal loss and hope.

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Jamie Lawson

Jamie Lawson

Jamie Lawson

Intimate storytelling meets melodic acoustic arrangements, creating a warm yet reflective listening experience.

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