The albums that define
folk music.
Our picks for where to start with folk music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top folk music artists
Start with one of these.
The folk music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Don McLean
Christmas
A nostalgic collection of Christmas classics, infused with McLean's signature storytelling and warm acoustic arrangements.
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Don McLean
Don McLean
A blend of introspective folk and rock, woven with vivid storytelling and melodic sensibilities.
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Hugues Aufray
Dès que le printemps revient
A vibrant blend of folk melodies and poetic lyrics that encapsulate the spirit of 1960s French chanson.
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Ed Sheeran
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Acoustic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, blending folk and pop into an emotive tapestry that resonates deeply.
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Ed Sheeran
Songs I Wrote with Amy
A tender blend of folk-pop and acoustic melodies, reflecting the warmth of personal storytelling and emotional introspection.
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Shakira
Pies descalzos
A vibrant blend of Latin pop and rock infused with Shakira's charismatic vocals and introspective lyrics.
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Shakira
Peligro
A blend of heartfelt ballads and rhythmic pop, showcasing Shakira's early lyrical prowess and distinctive vocal flair.
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Taylor Swift
Fearless (Taylor's Version)
A reimagined journey through youthful love and heartbreak, blending nostalgia with refined production and mature vocal delivery.
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Taylor Swift
Evermore
A haunting blend of indie folk and pop, laced with introspective storytelling and lush instrumentation.
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Madonna
Ray of Light
A vibrant fusion of electronic beats and introspective lyrics, capturing Madonna's reinvention in the late '90s.
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Madonna
Music
A vibrant blend of dance-pop and electronic grooves layered with introspective lyrics and infectious hooks.
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Leonard Cohen
The Future
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and rich, melodic arrangements that explore themes of love, loss, and societal change.
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Leonard Cohen
Songs of Love and Hate
A haunting exploration of love and despair, woven through Cohen's baritone and stark instrumentation.
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Cher
Train of Thought
A fusion of disco beats and folk-infused melodies that captures the vibrant spirit of the early '70s.
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Cher
Dancing Queen
A vibrant homage to disco that showcases Cher's iconic voice against ABBA's timeless melodies.
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Nelly Furtado
The Spirit Indestructible
A vibrant fusion of pop and world influences, blending uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics across a danceable soundscape.
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Nelly Furtado
Mi plan
A vibrant blend of Latin rhythms and pop sensibilities infused with personal storytelling and cultural introspection.
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Bing Crosby
Some Fine Old Chestnuts
A nostalgic collection of jazz and pop standards, showcasing Crosby's warm vocals over lush orchestration.
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Bing Crosby
Bing 'n' Basie
A lush blend of jazz-infused folk melodies and traditional pop harmonies, showcasing Crosby's smooth vocals against Basie's swinging arrangements.
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Tanya Tucker
What's Your Mama's Name
A heartfelt blend of traditional country with poignant storytelling and Tucker's distinctive raspy vocals.
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Tanya Tucker
While I'm Livin'
A reflective blend of classic country storytelling and contemporary folk sensibilities, rich with emotion and personal history.
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Bobby Darin
Commitment
A blend of folk and jazz influences, weaving introspective narratives with a warm vocal delivery and rich instrumentation.
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Bobby Darin
From Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie
Bobby Darin's eclectic blend of jazz, pop, and Broadway creates a vibrant soundtrack that captures the essence of early 1960s romance.
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Neil Diamond
A Cherry Cherry Christmas
A festive blend of classic holiday tunes infused with Neil Diamond's warm and emotive vocal style.
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By decade
Where folk music landed in each era.