The albums that define
contemporary folk music.
Our picks for where to start with contemporary folk music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top contemporary folk music artists
Start with one of these.
The contemporary folk music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Kris Kristofferson
Who's to Bless and Who's to Blame
A reflective blend of folk, country, and rock that captures the essence of American storytelling.
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Kris Kristofferson
Kristofferson
Intimate storytelling unfolds over a tapestry of folk melodies and country rhythms, echoing the struggles of everyday life.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Collaboration
A vibrant tapestry of acoustic brilliance weaving together folk, blues, and rock influences with masterful guitar work.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Center Stage
An exuberant showcase of fingerstyle guitar blending folk, blues, and rock influences with a vibrant live energy.
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Reinhard Mey
Keine ruhige Minute
A reflective blend of storytelling and melody, capturing the nuances of everyday life with warmth and wit.
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Reinhard Mey
Wie vor Jahr und Tag
A blend of poignant storytelling and melodic folk, reflecting on life’s absurdities and societal critiques.
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Värttinä
Värttinä
A vibrant tapestry of Finnish folk traditions interwoven with modern sensibilities and infectious rhythms.
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Värttinä
Aitara
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Finnish melodies interwoven with contemporary folk sensibilities and rich vocal harmonies.
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First Aid Kit
The Big Black & The Blue
Ethereal harmonies blend with rustic instrumentation, creating a hauntingly beautiful folk landscape.
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First Aid Kit
The Lion's Roar
Ethereal harmonies intertwine with rich storytelling, creating a lush landscape of contemporary folk melodies.
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Pentangle
Reflection
A tapestry of intricate folk melodies woven with jazz elements and haunting harmonies that linger in the air.
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Pentangle
The Pentangle
A rich tapestry of folk and jazz intertwines, showcasing intricate arrangements and haunting harmonies.
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Milladoiro
O Berro Seco
A vibrant tapestry of Galician folk melodies interwoven with Celtic rhythms and traditional instrumentation.
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Oregon
Ecotopia
A lush tapestry of avant-garde jazz and world music, blending intricate melodies with organic rhythms.
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Oregon
Out of the Woods
A seamless blend of jazz, world music, and avant-garde textures creates an ethereal sonic landscape.
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2nd South Carolina String Band
Southern Soldier
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