The Best Folk Music of 2018

It’s been a great year for folk music! Here are some of the best albums of 2018.

Introducing the Best Folk Music of 2018

When it comes to folk music, there are a lot of different directions that artists can take their sound. Some lean more into the traditional side of things, while others bring in elements of other genres to create something unique. No matter what style they’re going for, the best folk music always has a few things in common: great songwriting, memorable melodies, and a deep connection to the roots of the genre.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best folk albums of 2018. These are records that explore different sides of the folk spectrum, but all share those essential qualities that make folk music so special. So whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, our list has something for everyone.

The Best Folk Albums of 2018

Folk music is having a moment. In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the genre, with a new generation of listeners discovering the joys of acoustic guitars, mandolins, and fiddles.

And 2018 was an especially strong year for folk music, with a wealth of talented artists releasing stellar albums. From veteran performers like Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson to fresh voices like Hozier and First Aid Kit, there was something for everyone.

Here are our picks for the best folk albums of 2018.

‘All American Made’ by Margo Price
Margo Price’s second album is a rootsy masterpiece, full of twangy guitars and heartfelt lyrics. Price’s songwriting is sharp and honest, and her voice is warm and emotive. This is an album that feels like home.

‘By The Way, I Forgive You’ by Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile’s sixth album is a collection of intimate ballads that explore themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. Carlile’s voice is gorgeous throughout, and she delivers some of the most powerful vocal performances of her career on tracks like “The Mother” and “Most Of All.”

‘The Glow’ by Erin Rae
Erin Rae’s debut album is full of sweetly-sung songs about love and heartbreak. Rae’s voice is gentle and lilting, and her music has a warm, retro vibe. This is an album to curl up with on a rainy day.

‘Unity’ by The Wood Brothers
The Wood Brothers’ ninth album finds the band exploring their country roots with songs about family, friends, and community. The result is an album that feels both comfortable and vital, full of toe-tapping melodies and sneaky emotional punches.

The Best Folk Songs of 2018

The best folk songs of 2018 offer a snapshot of the state of the genre, from traditional ballads to contemporary anthems. These are the tunes that put a smile on our face, make us dance, and remind us of what we love about folk music.

Some of the best folk songs of 2018 are happy love songs, like “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Haley Heynderickx and “Love Is All” by The Younguns. Other standouts include protest songs like “The Ghost of Tom Joad” by Bruce Springsteen and “The Cutting Edge” by Ry Cooder, which addresses police brutality and the mass incarceration of black men in America.

There are also several heart-wrenching ballads on this list, including “Lullaby” by The Secret Sisters and “If I Had a Boat” by First Aid Kit. These tunes are sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever been in love (or had their heart broken).

No matter what your taste in music is, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best folk songs of 2018.

The Best Folk Artists of 2018

The folk music scene is as vibrant as ever, with a wide range of artists exploring the genre’s rich heritage while also pushing its boundaries. Here are 15 of the best folk artists making music today.

1. Anais Mitchell

Anais Mitchell is a Vermont-based singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from traditional folk music, contemporary pop, and everything in between. Her 2010 album Hadestown was a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and it garnered widespread critical acclaim. Her most recent release, 2018’s Anaïs Mitchell & Young Man in America, is a collaboration with jazz musician Josh Kaufman.

2. Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes are an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Their self-titled debut album was released to critical acclaim in 2008, and they’ve since released two more albums: Helplessness Blues (2011) and Crack-Up (2017). All three albums feature gorgeous harmonies and intricate arrangements, making Fleet Foxes one of the most exciting bands in the indie folk scene.

3. Mount Eerie

Mount Eerie is the musical project of Phil Elverum, a songwriter and musician from Anacortes, Washington. Elverum has been releasing albums under the Mount Eerie name since 2003, and he is widely considered to be one of the most innovative and intriguing songwriters working today. His music often deals with themes of death and loss, but it is also strikingly beautiful and often unexpectedly funny. Mount Eerie’s most recent album, A Crow Looked at Me (2017), was written in the wake of Elverum’s wife’s death from cancer, and it is one of the most intimate and emotionally shattering records you’re likely to ever hear.

4. Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens is a singer-songwriter from Detroit, Michigan who first gained attention with his 2005 album Illinois. Since then he has released several more albums, including The Age of Adz (2010) and Carrie & Lowell (2015). His music straddles the line between indie folk and experimental pop, often incorporating elements of electronic music, classical orchestration, and even rap into his unique sonic palette. Stevens is also an accomplished visual artist; his work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, and he often creates his own album artwork and music videos.

5. The Decemberists