folk rock
fusion genre of folk and rock music
Folk rock embodies a warm, organic sound that merges the storytelling essence of folk music with the rhythmic energy of rock. Imagine gentle acoustic guitars weaving melodies alongside electric riffs, where heartfelt lyrics resonate with both intimacy and defiance. The genre captures an emotional spectrum that ranges from jubilant anthems to poignant ballads, often accompanied by rich harmonies that evoke a sense of community and shared experience.
Emerging in the mid-1960s, folk rock found its identity as a reaction against the polished pop sounds dominating the airwaves. Artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds took traditional folk elements and infused them with a rock sensibility, creating unforgettable tracks like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” This period was marked by a quest for authenticity, as artists sought to convey sociopolitical messages through catchy melodies, paving the way for others like Simon & Garfunkel and their timeless classic “The Sound of Silence.”
For those looking to dive into folk rock, start with Bob Dylan's “Highway 61 Revisited” for its lyrical depth and musical exploration. Next, listen to The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!”—a song that beautifully captures the essence of change. Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” offers soaring harmonies that are simply unforgettable. Don’t miss out on Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut; it breathes new life into the genre while echoing its roots. And if you find yourself enjoying these sounds, venture into indie folk for a contemporary twist on this beloved style.
1217 artists in the catalog.
Guides for folk rock artists
Top folk rock albums
See essentials
All folk rock artists
The Guess Who
blues rock, classic rock
Joni Mitchell
art rock, folk jazz
John Mayer
acoustic music, alternative rock
PJ Harvey
alternative rock, rock music
Don McLean
folk music, rock music
Leonard Cohen
blues, folk music
James Taylor
country music, jazz-funk
The Cranberries
Celtic rock, alternative rock
La Oreja de Van Gogh
pop music, pop rock
The Tragically Hip
Canadian rock, alternative rock
Ani DiFranco
The Byrds
country rock, psychedelic rock
Melissa Etheridge
rock music
Tri Yann
Breton song, Celtic folk music
John Cale
alternative rock, art rock
Bright Eyes
indie folk, indie rock
About folk rock
What is folk rock?
fusion genre of folk and rock music
Where should I start with folk rock?
Start with "Hawks & Doves" by Neil Young. It captures what makes folk rock worth exploring.
What are the best folk rock albums?
The folk rock albums worth hearing first: "Hawks & Doves" by Neil Young, "Graceland" by Paul Simon, "Dark Horse" by George Harrison, "Coda" by Led Zeppelin and "Led Zeppelin" by Led Zeppelin.
How many folk rock artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 1217 folk rock artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.