2016’s Best Folk Music Albums

We’ve rounded up 2016’s best folk music albums, from up-and-coming artists to established acts. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk or looking for something a little more contemporary, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Introducing the Albums

2016 was an incredible year for folk music, with a wide variety of artists releasing fantastic albums that pushed the boundaries of the genre. From traditional ballads to modern anthems, there was something for everyone in 2016’s crop of folk music albums. Here are some of the best that the year had to offer.

The Head and the Heart – Signs of Light

The Head and the Heart’s Signs of Light is an album of gorgeous, pleading anthems that captures both the chaos and the stillness of life. The Seattle band’s third release is their most polished work to date, with a sound that’s lush and expansive but grounded in classic songwriting traditions. At its best, Signs of Light offers both comfort and catharsis, as on the standout track “All We Ever Knew.”

The Avett Brothers – True Sadness

True Sadness is the ninth studio album by American indie folk band The Avett Brothers, released on June 24, 2016 on American Recordings. Production for the album took place during 2015 at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California. True Sadness is a concept album about divorce. The album’s first single, “Ain’t No Man”, was released to radio and digital retailers on April 26, 2016.

Gregory Alan Isakov – Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony

Recorded live in front of a sold-out crowd at the boisterous Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver, Gregory Alan Isakov’s self-titled album with the Colorado Symphony finds the indie singer-songwriter expanding his sound in grand fashion. Conducted by Scott O’Neil and featuring a 50-piece orchestra, Isakov delivers gorgeous renditions of 13 tracks culled from throughout his decade-plus career.

Highlights include the sweeping opener “Big Black Car,” which gradually builds from a lone piano to a rousing crescendo, and “Amsterdam,” a reflective ballad that blossoms with the addition of strings. Elsewhere, Isakov reimagines “Saint Sophia” as a waltz and tackles the mournful “Berth” with newfound poignancy. Throughout, his gossamer voice hangs beautifully in the air, buoyed by the rich orchestration.

At turns intimate and epic, Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony is a revelation, elevating Isakov’s already impressive body of work to new heights.

The Lumineers – Cleopatra

The Lumineers’ second album is an expansive work that captures the energy, imagination, and raw emotion of a band at the top of its game. From the driving opener “Sleep On The Floor” to the haunting ballad “Angela,” Cleopatra is a gripping listen from start to finish. The album also features the band’s signature brand of Americana-infused folk-rock, with tracks like “Cleopatra,” “Ophelia,” and “In The Light” showcasing their musical versatility. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started with The Lumineers, Cleopatra is an essential addition to your collection.

The Oh Hellos – Dear World

The Oh Hellos are a indie-folk band from Texas, consisting of siblings Tyler Heath and Maggie Heath. Their debut album, Through the Deep, Dark Valley, was released in 2013.

Their follow-up album, Dear World, was released on September 30, 2016. The album is a concept album about “the world at large and our place within it.”

Dear World was met with positive reviews from critics. AllMusic’s Timothy Monger gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing that “for all its near-constant proclamations of love and hope in the face of adversity, there’s an optimistic playfulness to The Oh Hellos’ second full-length that wonderfully offsets some of its more earnest lyrical moments.”

Paste’s Julia LeConte also gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing that “there’s something both pure and chaotic about The Oh Hellos that makes them one of the most exciting bands making music today.”

Elephant Revival – These Changing Skies

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll love These Changing Skies by Elephant Revival. The album was released in 2016 and immediately shot to the top of the folk music charts. These Changing Skies is a perfect example of what folk music should be: beautiful, melodic, and soulful. Elephant Revival is a master at their craft, and This Changing Skies is proof positive of that.

Sarah Jarosz – Undercurrent

Sarah Jarosz’s latest album, Undercurrent, is one of the best folk music albums of 2016. This gorgeous and introspective album is full of beautiful melodies and propelling rhythms, and is sure to captivate any listener. Sarah’s songwriting shines on this album, as she tackles themes of love, loss, and hope with grace and wisdom beyond her years. If you’re a fan of folk music, or simply looking for a beautiful and moving album to add to your collection, look no further than Sarah Jarosz’s Undercurrent.

Lake Street Dive – Side Pony

Formed in 2004, Lake Street Dive is a band that is equally comfortable playing jazz, rock, pop, and folk music. Their 2016 album Side Pony is a collection of original songs that draw from all of these genres, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and familiar.

Highlights from the album include the title track, a catchy pop song with a touch of country twang, and “Godawful Things,” a dark and haunting folk ballad. Other standouts include the jazzy “I Can Change,” the rockin’ “Just Ask,” and the soulful ballad “I Want You Back.” Whether you’re a fan of folk music, jazz, or rock, there’s something on Side Pony for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2016 was a great year for folk music. There were many excellent albums released, and it was hard to narrow it down to just ten. However, the albums on this list represent the best of the best, and they are sure to please any fan of folk music. Whether you’re looking for something new and exciting, or something classic and timeless, these are the albums you need to check out.