Folk Music CD Reviews: The Best of the Genre

Looking for the best folk music CDs? Check out our reviews of the top albums in the genre, from traditional ballads to modern folk-rock.

Introduction to Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is often based on traditional tunes and lyrics, and can be about anything from love and loss, to the modernization of society. Folk music has been around for centuries, and has been adapted and reinvented over time.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and tends to be very repetitive. It is often based on the music of a particular culture or nation, and can be passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music often has a strong connection to the people and land where it originated, and can be used as a way to express national pride.

While folk music is sometimes associated with poor and rural people, it has also been popularized by wealthy urbanites who seek to romanticize the lifestyle of their ancestors. In the United States, for example, folk music was popularized in the early 20th century by people such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Folk music has also been used as a political tool, with groups such as The Weavers using their songs to express their social and political beliefs.

Today, folk music continues to be popular in many cultures around the world. It has also been successfully blended with other genres of music, such as rock and roll, to create new and unique sounds.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition of cultures around the world. For centuries, people have sung folk songs as a way to tell stories, express emotions, and share important cultural traditions.

Folk music often reflects the life experiences of the people who sing it. In many cases, folk songs are passed down from generation to generation, and each new singer puts their own spin on the music. This makes folk music an ever-evolving genre, with new songs being created all the time.

Folk music can be divided into two broad categories: traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. Traditional folk music is typically older music that has been passed down through generations, while contemporary folk music is newer music that is influenced by traditional folk styles.

There are many different subgenres of folk music, including maritime Folk Music, blues-based Folk Music, old-timey Folk Music, and more. No matter what type of Folk Music you enjoy, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you on a personal level.

The Best Folk Music CDs

In a time when the top 40 is filled with meaningless pop songs, it’s nice to know that there are still musicians out there who are creating music with substance. Folk music is a genre that is often overlooked, but it has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for something different, check out these five folk music CDs. You won’t be disappointed.

The Best of Folk Music: CD1

This CD1 of The Best of Folk Music features some of the most popular and acclaimed folk songs of recent years. The CD starts with the beautiful “The Parting Glass” by Irish singer Aoife O’Donovan, followed by the heartwarming “Loch Lomond” by Scottish group Runrig. Canadian singer Stan Rogers’ “Northwest Passage” is a stirring look at Canada’s history, while American singer John Prine’s “Paradise” is a wistful ballad about his home state of Kentucky. The CD ends with the rollicking “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys, which was featured in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

The Best of Folk Music: CD2

For our second CD in our series on the best of folk music, we turn our attention to more recent releases. This time, we’ve chosen ten albums that were released between 2005 and 2015. These are all albums that we think are essential listening for anyone interested in folk music.

We start with “The More Things Change” by The Duhks. This album, released in 2005, was the Duhks’ debut and it announced them as a major new force in folk music. With their mix of traditional and contemporary influences, The Duhks created a sound that was unique and fresh, yet still deeply rooted in the genre. This was an album that Folk Radio UK called “one of the most important debuts of the last decade.”

Next up is “Oh My Stars” by Anais Mitchell. Released in 2007, this was Anais Mitchell’s third album but it was the first to really garner widespread attention. Featuring a mix of traditional folk songs and original compositions, “Oh My Stars” displayed Mitchell’s gift for writing beautiful and moving songs. It’s an album that NPR described as “utterly gorgeous.”

If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, you’ll want to check out “Shout Sister Shout” by Brother Doc & Sister Roz. This 2009 release is an exhilarating ride through the worlds of gospel, soul, and R&B. It’s an album that The Washington Post called “infectiously joyous.”

We next have “The Heart of a River” by Sara Jarosz. Released in 2011, this was Jarosz’s second album and it cemented her reputation as one of the most promising young talents in folk music. With her clear voice and virtuosic instrumental playing, Jarosz created an album that is both deeply moving and stunningly beautiful.

For something a little different, you might want to try “Float Downstream” by Elephant Revival. This band from Colorado mixes elements of folk, bluegrass, rock, and world music to create a sound that is truly unique. Their 2012 album “These Changing Skies” is filled with beautiful melodies and top-notch musicianship. It’s an album that Paste Magazine praised for its “exuberant energy.”

If you’re looking for an immersive experience, you’ll want to check out Ola Belle Reed’s self-titled album from 1972. Reed was a true original who blended elements of country, blues, gospel, andfolk into her own distinctive style. This reissued album captures her at the peak of her powers and it’s sure to entrance anyone who hears it. Rolling Stone called it “a lost classic.”

We also highly recommend Joanna Newsom’s triple-album opus “Have One on Me” from 2010. This three-hour tour de force showcases Newsom’s incredible range as both a songwriter and musician. It’s an album that Pitchfork described as “a breathtaking achievement.”

Finally, we come to our last two picks: Mary Gauthier’s “Mercy Now” from 2005 and Laura Marling’s “Once I Was an Eagle” from 2013. These are both darkly beautiful albums that deal with difficult subjects matter like addiction and heartbreak. But despite their weighty themes, they’re both ultimately affirmative works filled with hope and compassion

The Best of Folk Music: CD3

The third CD in our series of the best of folk music features some of the greatest hits from the genre. This CD includes classics such as “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, “The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, and “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul, and Mary. If you’re a fan of folk music, this is a must-have CD for your collection!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best folk music CDs are those that offer a balance of traditional and modern songs, as well as a variety of instrumentation. The top three CD picks in this genre are The Best of British Folk, The Essential Collection, and The Very Best of Folk Music. All three of these CDs offer a great mix of music that will please any fan of the genre.

Why Folk Music is Important

Folk music is one of the oldest genres of music still enjoyed by modern audiences. The genre has its roots in the oral traditions of medieval Europe, and was later shaped by the arrival of various immigrant groups in North America. Folk music is important because it provides a window into the culture and history of a people. The genre is also celebrated for its beautiful melodies and strange, otherworldly lyrics.

There are many different subgenres of folk music, each with its own distinct flavor. Some of the most popular subgenres include Celtic, Appalachian, and British Isles folk music. No matter what your taste, there is sure to be a type of folk music that you will enjoy. So take a listen and see for yourself why this genre has captivated listeners for centuries.

The Future of Folk Music

It’s hard to say what the future of folk music will be. With the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, it’s difficult to predict which genres will thrive and which will fade away. That being said, there is always a need for music that tells a story and connects people to their heritage. Folk music has been around for centuries, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.