Essential folk-pop listening

The albums that define folk-pop.

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

The folk-pop essentials

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

Bookends

Simon & Garfunkel

Bookends

A reflective tapestry of folk melodies intertwined with poignant commentary on the passage of time and lost innocence.

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What Happened to the Heart?

AURORA

What Happened to the Heart?

Ethereal synths intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that explores the depths of emotion and identity.

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All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend

AURORA

All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend

Ethereal vocals weave through haunting melodies, blending pop sensibilities with Nordic folk influences.

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The Ascension

Sufjan Stevens

The Ascension

A sprawling exploration of electronic soundscapes paired with introspective lyrics and orchestral flourishes.

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Maskarada

Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović

Maskarada

A vibrant blend of folk-pop and turbo-folk, echoing with the spirit of Balkan rhythms and emotive storytelling.

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Javelin

Sufjan Stevens

Javelin

A vibrant tapestry of folk and electronic sounds woven with introspective lyrics and lush arrangements.

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Autogram

Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović

Autogram

Energetic turbo-folk rhythms intertwine with emotive melodies, reflecting a vibrant Serbian pop landscape.

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Wonder

Shawn Mendes

Wonder

A heartfelt exploration of vulnerability wrapped in polished pop melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Orange Garden Pop

Yui

Orange Garden Pop

Bright melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine in a vibrant tapestry of J-pop and folk-infused pop rock.

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Sexy

Verka Serduchka

Sexy

A vibrant blend of disco beats and comedic flair that celebrates joy and exuberance.

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Yemenite Songs

Ofra Haza

Yemenite Songs

A vibrant fusion of traditional Yemeni melodies and modern pop sensibilities, showcasing Haza's powerful voice.

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Kha-ra-sho!

Verka Serduchka

Kha-ra-sho!

A vibrant blend of folk-pop and disco, bursting with playful humor and infectious melodies.

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Mar de colores

Alvaro Soler

Mar de colores

A vibrant mix of catchy melodies and rhythmic beats that embody a sun-soaked summer vibe.

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Gili

Jelena Karleuša

Gili

An exuberant blend of electropop and traditional folk elements, pulsating with infectious melodies and club-ready beats.

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Jubilee Road

Tom Odell

Jubilee Road

A heartfelt blend of piano-driven melodies and introspective lyrics that explore love and longing.

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Amigo

Kendji Girac

Amigo

A vibrant blend of Latin pop and flamenco, infused with heartfelt storytelling and rhythmic energy.

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L'École de la vie

Kendji Girac

L'École de la vie

A vibrant fusion of flamenco rhythms and contemporary pop melodies that celebrates life's lessons and youthful exuberance.

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The Next Level

Diljit Dosanjh

The Next Level

A vibrant mix of bhangra and pop, pulsating with infectious rhythms and celebratory melodies.

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Halo

Severina

Halo

A vibrant blend of contemporary pop and traditional folk, infused with emotional depth and cultural resonance.

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G.O.A.T.

Diljit Dosanjh

G.O.A.T.

A vibrant fusion of traditional bhangra rhythms and contemporary pop sensibilities creates an infectious danceable experience.

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Back 2 Basics

Diljit Dosanjh

Back 2 Basics

A vibrant fusion of traditional bhangra rhythms and contemporary pop hooks creates an infectious dance atmosphere.

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This Is How Tomorrow Moves

Beabadoobee

This Is How Tomorrow Moves

Melodic and introspective, Beabadoobee's album weaves together dreamy guitar riffs with poignant lyrics reflecting on youth and identity.

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Lorenzo 1994

Jovanotti

Lorenzo 1994

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, folk-pop, and world influences that captures the essence of 90s Italian music.

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Safari

Jovanotti

Safari

A vibrant blend of world music rhythms and hip-hop grooves that celebrates life and love.

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