Modern Folk Music: 2016’s Best Releases
If you’re a fan of modern folk music, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve rounded up some of the best releases from 2016, so you can enjoy the very best this genre has to offer.
The Revival of Folk Music
2016 has been a great year for folk music. We’ve seen a resurgence in popularity for the genre, with some great new releases. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best new folk music of 2016.
The Resurgence of Folk Music in Popular Culture
Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artists like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers achieving mainstream success. This resurgence can be traced back to the early 2000s, when bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes reignited interest in guitar-driven rock music. This new wave of folk music was characterized by a raw, lo-fi aesthetic and a focus on simple, catchy melodies.
In the years since, folk music has continued to evolve and branches off into new subgenres. One of the most popular offshoots is “freak folk,” which takes the traditional sound of folk music and infuses it with elements of psychedelic rock. This subgenre was pioneered by artists like Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom, and continues to be explored by newer artists like Dirty Projectors and Feist.
Whether you’re a fan of the old-school sounds of Bob Dylan or the modern take on folk from bands like Fleet Foxes, there’s something for everyone in this growing genre. So turn down the lights, pour yourself a glass of whiskey, and settle in for a good ole sing-along.
The New Wave of Folk Music Artists
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of folk music. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the success of modern folk music artists like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Of Monsters and Men.
What sets these artists apart from their predecessors is their ability to appeal to a wider audience without sacrificing the integrity of the folk music genre. They accomplish this by infusing traditional folk elements with contemporary influences, resulting in a unique sound that is both familiar and fresh.
These artists have helped to broaden the appeal of folk music and bring it to a new generation of listeners. As a result, the genre is experiencing a revival that is sure to continue in the years to come.
The Best Folk Music Releases of 2016
It’s been a great year for folk music, with a number of excellent releases coming out in 2016. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best folk music releases of the year.
The Head and the Heart – Signs of Light
The Head and the Heart’s 2016 album Signs of Light is one of the year’s best folk music releases. The album perfectly captures the feeling of hope and optimism that comes with the start of a new relationship, and features some of the band’s best songwriting to date. With its blend of indie rock, folk, and pop, Signs of Light is sure to appeal to fans of all three genres.
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
Marling’s third album finds the songwriter in a dark place, tackling issues of feminism, sexuality, religion, and relationships with the maturity of someone who’s been through it all before. It’s a gorgeous album, full of stunning imagery and direct language, and it marks Marling as one of the best songwriters of her generation.
The Tallest Man on Earth – Dark Bird Is Home
The Tallest Man on Earth’s third album, Dark Bird Is Home, is a subtle but significant departure from his previous work. Kristian Matsson’s fingerpicked guitar playing and raspy croon are still very much in evidence, but on this album they’re augmented by electric guitars, drums, and occasional strings. The result is a more expansive sound that gives the songs room to breathe without sacrificing the intimacy of Matsson’s earlier work. While Dark Bird Is Home doesn’t quite reach the heights of The Tallest Man on Earth’s previous album, There’s No Leaving Now, it’s a solid effort that confirms Matsson as one of the most talented songwriters working in the folk idiom today.
Passenger – Whispers
British singer-songwriter Passenger kicked off 2016 with the release of his seventh studio album, Whispers. The record is a return to Passenger’s folk roots, and it’s full of beautiful, heart-wrenching songs. “Anything That’s Worth Holding Onto” is a personal favorite, but the entire album is worth a listen.
Mumford and Sons – Wilder Mind
Mumford and Sons’ third album is a venture into new territory, expanding beyond the banjo-laden folk-rock that made them famous. The result is a more mature sound that will pleasantly surprise fans of the band’s earlier work.
