The albums that define
folktronica.
Our picks for where to start with folktronica — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top folktronica artists
Start with one of these.
The folktronica essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Ellie Goulding
Run Into the Light
Ethereal production intertwines with soaring vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of early electropop.
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Ellie Goulding
Higher Than Heaven
Ethereal synth landscapes intertwine with Goulding's airy vocals, creating a captivating blend of dream pop and electropop.
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Momus
The Poison Boyfriend
A whimsical fusion of post-punk and cabaret that blends dark humor with sharp social critique.
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Momus
Bambi
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AURORA
A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)
Ethereal melodies blend with pulsating beats, creating a dreamlike soundscape that embodies both whimsy and introspection.
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AURORA
The Gods We Can Touch
AURORA blends ethereal vocals with lush synth textures and haunting melodies, creating a dreamlike soundscape that evokes both wonder and introspection.
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Beth Orton
Daybreaker
A blend of introspective folk melodies and electronic textures creates a serene yet resonant soundscape throughout the album.
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Beth Orton
Sugaring Season
A delicate blend of atmospheric folk and electronic textures, entwined with introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of longing.
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alt-J
Relaxer
A textured exploration of ethereal vocals and intricate instrumentation that dances between art rock and folktronica.
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alt-J
An Awesome Wave
An eclectic blend of intricate melodies and digital textures, layered with emotive vocals and unconventional song structures.
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Dan Snaith
Suddenly
An ethereal blend of shimmering synths and organic textures creates a dreamlike soundscape infused with introspection.
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Dan Snaith
The Milk of Human Kindness
A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and organic melodies that invites listeners into an otherworldly soundscape.
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Imogen Heap
Ellipse
A lush tapestry of electronic textures entwined with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that invites introspection.
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Imogen Heap
I Megaphone
A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and layered electronic textures creates an immersive dreamscape throughout the album.
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Boards of Canada
Tomorrow's Harvest
Ethereal soundscapes blend with nostalgic melodies, evoking a sense of both wonder and melancholy in a post-apocalyptic world.
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Boards of Canada
Trans Canada Highway
Ethereal soundscapes blend with nostalgic melodies, evoking expansive landscapes and dreamlike journeys through ambient textures.
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Milky Chance
Sadnecessary
A blend of folktronica and indie pop, infused with laid-back grooves and introspective lyrics that resonate deeply.
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Milky Chance
Blossom
A fusion of breezy melodies and introspective lyrics, blending folktronica with alternative rock elements to create a reflective soundscape.
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Gordi
Reservoir
Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that defines Gordi's folktronica aesthetic.
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Gordi
Our Two Skins
Intimate melodies weave through electronic textures, creating a reflective soundscape that captures personal and collective experiences.
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Crystal Fighters
Star of Love
An infectious blend of electronic beats and folk melodies that invites listeners to dance under the sun.
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Crystal Fighters
Everything Is My Family
An eclectic blend of vibrant rhythms and heartfelt melodies that fuse modern electronic with traditional folk elements.
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Wintergatan
Wintergatan
Intricate melodies intertwine with organic textures, creating a whimsical soundscape that feels both timeless and contemporary.
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Adem Ilhan
Homesongs
Delicate melodies intertwine with electronic textures, creating a warm and introspective soundscape that invites quiet reflection.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where folktronica landed in each era.