The Best Folk and Acoustic Music of 2021

A list of the best folk and acoustic music albums of 2021 so far, including new music from H.C. McEntire, Anaïs Mitchell, and The Weather Station.

Best Folk Albums of 2021

It’s been a banner year for folk and acoustic music, with a wealth of great new releases. Here are our picks for the best folk albums of 2021.

Ólafur Arnalds – Some Kind of Peace
Some Kind of Peace is the latest release from Icelandic composer and producer Ólafur Arnalds, and it’s one of the most gorgeous and moving albums we’ve heard in recent years. Arnalds has a gift for creating intimate, atmospheric pieces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, and on this album he explores themes of hope, loss, and healing with his trademark elegance and grace. If you’re looking for an album to soothe your soul, look no further than Some Kind of Peace.

The Weather Station – Ignorance
Ignorance is the latest album from Canadian singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman, aka The Weather Station. It’s a powerful work that tackles big themes like climate change, racism, and inequality with Lindeman’s trademark combination of intelligence, empathy, and insight. These are songs that will make you think as much as they make you feel, and they’re some of the most essential listening of 2021.

Gillian Welch – Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs Vol. 1
Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs Vol. 1 is a collection of demos and outtakes from Gillian Welch’s classic 2001 album Time (The Revelator), which have been lovingly restored and remastered by Welch herself. It’s an essential release for fans of Welch’s work, offering a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of the greatest Americana albums of all time. But even if you’re not familiar with Welch’s music, this is still a must-listen – these are some of the most beautiful songs you’ll hear all year.

Sufjan Stevens – The Ascension
The Ascension is the latest album from indie folk wunderkind Sufjan Stevens, and it’s his most ambitious work to date. At over an hour in length, it’s a sprawling exploration of love, loss, faith, and hope that refuses to be pigeonholed or defined; it exists in its own unique realm somewhere between pop music and art gallery installation piece. If you’re looking for something truly different – an album that will challenge everything you thought you knew about music – then look no further than The Ascension

Best Acoustic Albums of 2021

After a year spent indoors, many of us are more than ready to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. And what better way to do that than by listening to some of the best acoustic music of 2021?

We’ve rounded up our favorite folk and acoustic albums of the year so far, from veteran performers like Billy Bragg and Joan Baez to newer artists like Sam Lee and Jessie Reyez. Whether you’re looking for folksy sing-alongs or introspective ballads, there’s something here for everyone.

So grab your favorite outdoor gear, fire up your portable speaker, and enjoy the best acoustic music of 2021.

Best Folk Songs of 2021

1. “the Weight” by the Band
2. “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys
3. “The House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals
4. “Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams
5. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
6. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
7. ” Mr. Tambourine Man” by the Byrds
8. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by the Byrds
9. “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul & Mary
10. “The Wanderer” by Dion

Best Acoustic Songs of 2021

There were so many great acoustic songs released in 2021! It was tough to narrow it down, but here are our picks for the best of the best.

“The Weight” by The Band

This classic song gets a fresh acoustic treatment in this 2021 rendition. The Band’s original version is already a folk-rock classic, but this new rendition adds a whole new dimension to the song. The beautiful harmonies and instrumentation make this one of the best folk songs of 2021.

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s classic hit gets a stripped-down treatment in this acoustic version. The focus on the simplicity of the lyrics and melody makes this an instant folk classic. This is one of those songs that sounds even better in its acoustic form.

“Wild World” by Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens’ classic song gets a new lease on life in this beautiful acoustic version. The addition of a few simple instruments gives the song a whole new feel, and makes it one of the best acoustic songs of 2021.