Essential anti-folk listening

The albums that define anti-folk.

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

The anti-folk essentials

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

Home, Before and After

Regina Spektor

Home, Before and After

A tapestry of whimsical storytelling woven with delicate melodies and introspective piano arrangements.

Start here

The Reminder

Feist

The Reminder

A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and gentle melodies wrapped in a warm, acoustic soundscape.

Start here

Metals

Feist

Metals

A rich tapestry of introspective melodies woven with earthy instrumentation and Feist's haunting vocals.

Start here

Begin to Hope

Regina Spektor

Begin to Hope

Whimsical melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and storytelling.

Start here

Far

Regina Spektor

Far

Whimsical melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a kaleidoscopic journey through love and existential musings.

Start here

Soviet Kitsch

Regina Spektor

Soviet Kitsch

An eclectic blend of whimsical melodies and poignant storytelling, underscored by Regina Spektor's distinct vocal delivery.

Start here

Let It Die

Feist

Let It Die

A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and airy melodies, showcasing Feist's enchanting vocal delivery.

Start here

You Think It's Like This but Really It's Like This

Mirah

You Think It's Like This but Really It's Like This

A tender blend of lo-fi production and intricate melodies wrapped in intimate, confessional lyrics.

Start here

Beck

Beck

Beck

A kaleidoscopic blend of genres, weaving together funk, rock, and hip-hop into an eclectic sonic tapestry.

Start here

Guerolito

Beck

Guerolito

Eclectic remixes blend genre-defying sounds, showcasing Beck's innovative spirit and adventurous approach to music.

Start here

Odelay

Beck

Odelay

A kaleidoscopic blend of genres where hip-hop beats collide with eclectic instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Colors

Beck

Colors

A vibrant blend of pop, rock, and funk that showcases Beck's playful experimentation with sound.

Start here

Sea Change

Beck

Sea Change

A melancholic exploration of love and loss, blending acoustic instrumentation with introspective lyrics.

Start here

One Foot in the Grave

Beck

One Foot in the Grave

Lo-fi textures and eclectic instrumentation create a raw, experimental atmosphere that defies conventional genre boundaries.

Start here

The Information

Beck

The Information

A kaleidoscopic blend of genres featuring quirky beats, eclectic instrumentals, and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Mutations

Beck

Mutations

A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi textures and introspective lyricism wrapped in eclectic soundscapes.

Start here

Modern Guilt

Beck

Modern Guilt

Eclectic soundscapes blend lo-fi aesthetics with introspective lyrics over a backdrop of hazy, sun-soaked melodies.

Start here

Stray Blues

Beck

Stray Blues

A swirling mix of lo-fi indie rock and anti-folk, layered with Beck's signature eclecticism and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Hell Yes

Beck

Hell Yes

A playful mix of chiptune and Beck's eclectic style, merging retro gaming sounds with funky beats.

Start here

Morning Phase

Beck

Morning Phase

A serene blend of wistful melodies and lush arrangements that evoke a contemplative atmosphere.

Start here

Hyperspace

Beck

Hyperspace

A shimmering blend of electronic textures and introspective lyrics, exploring the interplay between reality and digital life.

Start here

A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight

Beck

A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight

A lo-fi collage of eclectic sounds and absurdist lyrics that blurs genre boundaries with playful irreverence.

Start here

Mellow Gold

Beck

Mellow Gold

A genre-blurring tapestry of lo-fi hip-hop, alternative rock, and sardonic wit that defined the '90s sound.

Start here

Golden Feelings

Beck

Golden Feelings

Lo-fi, eclectic soundscapes blend anti-folk wit with raw, unpolished emotion across Beck's early experimentation.

Start here