The albums that define
traditional folk music.
Our picks for where to start with traditional folk music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top traditional folk music artists
Start with one of these.
The traditional folk music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Joan Baez
One Day at a Time
A rich tapestry of folk storytelling woven through heartfelt melodies and social consciousness.
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Cat Stevens
Buddha and the Chocolate Box
A contemplative blend of folk melodies and spiritual reflections, exploring themes of life, faith, and nature.
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Soledad Pastorutti
Vivir es hoy
A vibrant blend of Argentine folk and pop, celebrating life with heartfelt melodies and rich instrumentation.
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Allison Crowe
This Little Bird
A soulful blend of folk and pop that weaves storytelling with haunting melodies and emotional depth.
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Allison Crowe
Secrets
Intimate folk melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Crowe's emotive vocal delivery and piano-driven arrangements.
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Sean Hayes
Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star
A whimsical blend of folk and soul, weaving playful narratives with heartfelt melodies.
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Anjani
Blue Alert
Ethereal jazz melodies intertwine with folk influences, creating an intimate and haunting listening experience.
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Chet Atkins
The Guitar Genius
A masterclass in fingerstyle guitar, blending country, jazz, and folk into intricate melodies.
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Chet Atkins
Street Dreams
A vibrant blend of country, jazz, and classical influences woven into intricate guitar melodies.
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Nelly Furtado
Whoa, Nelly!
A vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and folk influences, showcasing Nelly Furtado's unique vocal style and eclectic songwriting.
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Nelly Furtado
7
A vibrant fusion of contemporary R&B and Latin rhythms, celebrating self-empowerment and emotional honesty.
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Fabrizio De André
Nuvole barocche
A poetic tapestry woven with intimate storytelling and traditional folk melodies that capture the heart of Italian culture.
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Fabrizio De André
La buona novella
A contemplative blend of traditional folk melodies and poetic storytelling, evoking deep emotional resonance.
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Mike Oldfield
The Killing Fields
A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and ambient textures, reflecting the tragic narrative of war.
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Mike Oldfield
Amarok
A sprawling odyssey of sound, blending ethereal melodies with intricate rhythms and a myriad of global influences.
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Johnny Cash
Hymns by Johnny Cash
A solemn collection of gospel-infused tracks that blend heartfelt devotion with Cash's signature deep, resonant voice.
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Johnny Cash
At San Quentin
Raw, powerful live performances blend Cash's signature storytelling with the electrifying energy of a prison audience.
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