The albums that define
indie folk.
Our picks for where to start with indie folk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top indie folk artists
Start with one of these.
The indie folk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Bon Iver
SABLE, fABLE
A serene exploration of layered sounds that intertwine electronic textures with organic instrumentation.
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The Mountain Goats
The Life of the World to Come
Intimate storytelling unfolds through sparse instrumentation and poignant, scripture-inspired lyrics reflecting on faith and mortality.
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The Mountain Goats
Beat the Champ
A tapestry of poignant storytelling woven through catchy melodies and intricate acoustic arrangements.
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The Mountain Goats
Get Lonely
Sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics create a haunting atmosphere of isolation and longing.
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The Mountain Goats
Heretic Pride
A lyrical exploration where vivid storytelling meets lo-fi indie folk melodies and intricate, personal narratives.
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The Mountain Goats
Jenny from Thebes
Intimate storytelling unfolds over delicate melodies, blending whimsical narratives with raw emotional honesty.
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The Mountain Goats
All Eternals Deck
A contemplative blend of storytelling and introspection, wrapped in lo-fi indie folk melodies.
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The Mountain Goats
The Sunset Tree
Intimate storytelling unfolds over stripped-back arrangements, blending melancholy with moments of resilience and hope.
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The Mountain Goats
Transcendental Youth
Folk-infused melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling and intimate reflections on youth and disillusionment.
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Sufjan Stevens
The Ascension
A sprawling exploration of electronic soundscapes paired with introspective lyrics and orchestral flourishes.
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Sufjan Stevens
Javelin
A vibrant tapestry of folk and electronic sounds woven with introspective lyrics and lush arrangements.
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Feist
The Reminder
A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and gentle melodies wrapped in a warm, acoustic soundscape.
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Lucio Corsi
Cosa faremo da grandi?
A whimsical blend of indie pop and folk that captures youthful curiosity and existential questions with lush melodies.
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Tom Grennan
Evering Road
A heartfelt blend of indie pop and soul, capturing the essence of personal growth and emotional resilience.
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Of Monsters and Men
All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade
A vibrant tapestry of lush melodies and introspective lyrics, blending indie pop with folk sensibilities.
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Tom Grennan
What Ifs & Maybes
A warm blend of indie pop and rock, infused with heartfelt lyrics and Grennan's soulful voice.
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Tom Grennan
Lighting Matches
Bright melodies and soulful vocals intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an uplifting yet reflective listening experience.
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Of Monsters and Men
Fever Dream
Layered harmonies and vibrant instrumentation create a lush, introspective soundscape that invites listeners into a dreamlike journey.
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Lucio Corsi
Bestiario musicale
A whimsical blend of indie pop and folk, adorned with vivid storytelling and playful arrangements.
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Feist
Metals
A rich tapestry of introspective melodies woven with earthy instrumentation and Feist's haunting vocals.
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Jake Bugg
Saturday Night Sunday Morning
A vibrant blend of folk rock and blues infused with introspective lyrics and a youthful energy.
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Tom Grennan
Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn't Want to Be
A vibrant blend of pop rock and indie folk, infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.
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Birdy
Fire Within
Hauntingly emotive vocals intertwine with lush instrumentation to create an atmospheric indie pop landscape.
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Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and lush soundscapes that ebb and flow like tides of emotion.
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