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
Jeff Buckley
alternative rock, blues
Fairport Convention
traditional folk music
Igor & The Red Elvises
disco, funk rock
Verka Serduchka
comedy music, disco
Kiyoshiro Imawano
Oysterband
Maren Morris
country music, country pop
Jake Bugg
Americana, British blues
Ofra Haza
Mizrahi music, folk-pop
Mumford & Sons
country music, folk music
Blackmore's Night
medieval folk rock
Simon & Garfunkel
folk-pop, psychedelic folk
Jim Croce
blues, soft rock
Damien Rice
folk music
Two Gallants
indie rock, lo-fi music
Bülent Ortaçgil
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.