Best Folk Music of 2018

The best folk music of 2018 includes a wide range of artists, from established stars to newcomers. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk or looking for something more modern, there’s something for everyone on this list.

The Revivalists- All My Friends

The Revivalists’ album, Take Good Care, is one of the highest rated folk albums of 2018. All My Friends is the perfect example of why. The soulful ballad features a beautiful saxophone solo and lyrics that will resonate with anyone who’s struggling with letting go of their youth.

The Head and the Heart- Missed Connection

The Head and the Heart’s “Missed Connection” is a wistful, longing look at a past relationship that didn’t quite work out. The song reflects on what could have been, and how things might be different if the connection had been made. The lyrics are filled with regret and nostalgia, but there is also a sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, things will work out in the end.

Sonically, “Missed Connection” is a stripped-down folk song with a simple acoustic guitar arrangement. The focus is on the emotive power of the lyrics and the beautiful harmonization between lead singer Josiah Johnson and keyboardist Charity Rose Thielen. The result is a song that is both shattering and hopeful, a perfect reflection of the complex emotions that come with wanting something you can’t have.

Mumford and Sons- The Wild

Mumford and Sons second album, Babel, was released in 2012 to much acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. The Wild is the first album Mumford and Sons have released in 4 years, and it was worth the wait. The Wild is a return to their roots, with banjo, fiddle, and acoustic guitar driving the sound. Marcus Mumford’s voice is as strong as ever, and he is joined by Winston Marshall on banjo, Ted Dwane on bass, Ben Lovett on keyboard, andCountry Music Association award-winner Chris Thile on mandolin. The result is a fantastic album of catchy folk songs that will get your toes tapping.

The Paper Kites- Bloom

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band that formed in 2010 and are currently composed of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam Rasmussen and Malcolm Clark. The Paper Kites have released five studio albums, twelve EP’s and a live album. The band’s sound has been likened to that of Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine.

Bloom is the Paper Kite’s second studio album, released in 2013. It peaked at #2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold by the ARIA. The album’s title track peaked at #28 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

“Bloom” is a quiet and delicate song with intricate instrumentation and lovely harmonies. It’s a perfect example of the Paper Kite’s signature sound. This is one of my favorite tracks from Bloom and it’s certainly one of the best folk songs of 2018.

Of Monsters and Men- Alligator

Of Monsters and Men’s Alligator is a perfect example of how to take a classic formula and make it feel new again. The Icelandic band’s third album updates the sound of their previous work while still staying true to their roots, resulting in some of the best folk music of 2018.

Alligator is an instant classic, with catchy tunes and poetic lyrics that will stay with you long after the album is over. The band’s harmonies are as strong as ever, and the production value is top-notch, making this one of the most polished folk albums in recent memory. If you’re a fan of Of Monsters and Men, or if you’re just looking for some great new music to add to your collection, be sure to check out Alligator.

Fleet Foxes- Fool’s Errand

Fleet Foxes’ long-awaited return is an instant classic, a record full of gorgeous harmonies and vivid songwriting that confirms the band’s standing as one of our very best.

Robin Pecknold’s lyrics have always been filled with images of nature and love, and on *Fool’s Errand*, they find new urgency and weight, grappling with fatherhood, mortality, and what it means to be part of a community. The result is one of the most beautiful and moving records of the year.

The Lumineers- Sleep on the Floor

The Lumineers are an American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado. The band’s members are Wesley Schultz on guitar and vocals, Neyla Pekarek on cello and vocals, and Jeremiah Fraites on drums and percussion. The Lumineers formed in 2002 in Denver, Colorado. Their first album, The Lumineers, was released on April 3, 2012 and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2016. Their second album, Cleopatra, was released on April 8, 2016 and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200.

The album’s lead single, “Sleep on the Floor”, was released on September 26, 2016. The song peaked at number 2 on the Alternative Songs chart.

The Head and the Heart- All We Ever Knew

The Head and the Heart’s 2016 album, Signs of Light, was a commercial success, but stylistically it was a pivot away from the band’s debut self-titled LP and its folky precursor to something closer to adult contemporary rock. On All We Ever Knew, the band has fully embraced that sound while also incorporating some of the elements that made their first record so special. The result is a collection of catchy, radio-friendly tunes that should please both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Lead singer Josiah Johnson’s lyrics are as introspective as ever on tracks like “All We Ever Knew” and “City of Angels,” but there’s also a sense of hope and optimism woven into the fabric of the album. Musically, the record is tight and polished, with production values that befit a band of The Head and the Heart’s stature. In short, All We Ever Knew is a winning effort from a group that knows how to craft catchy, accessible folk-pop tunes.

The Revivalists- Wish I Knew You

The Revivalists are an American rock band formed in 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band consists of eight members: Ed Williams (guitar), Zack Feinberg (guitar), George Gekas (bass guitar), Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Michael Girardot (trumpet), Andrew Campanelli (drums), David Shaw (lead vocals) and PJ Morton (keyboard).[1] They have released three studio albums: Take Good Care (2018), Men Amongst Mountains (2015) and City of Sound (2013).

“Wish I Knew You” is a song by American rock band The Revivalists. It was released as a single on January 13, 2017.[2] The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart and number 16 on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Of Monsters and Men- Little Talks

“Little Talks” is a song by Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters and Men, taken as the lead single from their debut studio album My Head Is an Animal (2011).[1] It was released in Iceland on 10 October 2011, in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2012,[2] and in the United States on 10 April 2012. It was co-written by band members Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson. The song became an international success, charting in multiple countries. In Iceland, it peaked at number one for 15 non-consecutive weeks.[3] In the United States, “Little Talks” reached number 3 on Billboard Adult Alternative Songs[4] and number 6 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart,[5] becoming their first top ten single in both charts.

The song’s lyrics deal with two people coming to terms with the death of a friend or relative. The track received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its instrumentation and melodies. An accompanying music video for “Little Talks” was also released, which features marionettes portraying alternative versions of Of Monsters and Men engaged in various adventures. The song has been used in multiple commercials and televisions series. It was nominated for multiple awards, including for Record of the Year at the 2013 Grammy Awards.