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.
Värttinä
Vihma
A vibrant tapestry of Finnish folk melodies enriched by dynamic rhythms and powerful vocal harmonies.
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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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Värttinä
Ilmatar
A vibrant fusion of traditional Finnish folk melodies and contemporary arrangements that captivates with its rhythmic energy.
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Värttinä
Oi Dai
A vibrant tapestry of Finnish folk traditions interwoven with contemporary rhythms and melodies.
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Värttinä
Iki
A vibrant tapestry of Finnish folk traditions interwoven with contemporary arrangements and rich vocal harmonies.
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Kris Kristofferson
Border Lord
A poignant blend of country storytelling and folk melodies that captures the essence of heartache and resilience.
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Kris Kristofferson
Surreal Thing
A blend of introspective storytelling and folk-infused melodies that captures the complexities of love and loss.
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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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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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Kris Kristofferson
The Silver Tongued Devil and I
A blend of poignant storytelling and reflective melodies that capture the struggles of love and identity.
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Tommy Emmanuel
The Very Best of Tommy Emmanuel cgp
An eclectic blend of virtuosic guitar melodies, showcasing a seamless fusion of genres from blues to classical.
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Pentangle
Solomon's Seal
A seamless blend of traditional folk melodies and jazz-influenced improvisation, rich with intricate harmonies.
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Värttinä
Miero
Värttinä's 'Miero' blends haunting harmonies with vibrant folk rhythms, creating an immersive exploration of Finnish cultural themes.
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Kris Kristofferson
Repossessed
A reflective blend of country and folk, underscored by poignant storytelling and Kristofferson's weathered vocals.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Endless Road
A vibrant tapestry of fingerstyle guitar that melds blues, folk, and country influences seamlessly.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Only
An intricate tapestry of fingerstyle guitar, melding folk, blues, and country in a heartfelt showcase of instrumental storytelling.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Determination
A vibrant blend of fingerstyle guitar mastery with influences from blues, folk, and country music.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Can’t Get Enough
A vibrant blend of acoustic guitar mastery infused with rich melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
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Kris Kristofferson
Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends: The Publishing Demos
Raw and heartfelt, these demos showcase Kristofferson's storytelling prowess through stripped-down arrangements.
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Kris Kristofferson
The Complete Monument & Columbia Album Collection
A sweeping journey through Americana, blending heartfelt storytelling with the rawness of country and folk traditions.
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Kris Kristofferson
Jesus Was a Capricorn
A blend of reflective storytelling and soulful melodies that captures the essence of early '70s Americana.
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Kris Kristofferson
Live at the Philharmonic
A heartfelt journey through Kristofferson's storytelling, blending folk and country with poignant live intimacy.
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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
Shake Hands with the Devil
A reflective blend of folk and country, steeped in introspective storytelling and emotional resonance.
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