Folk Music Album Reviews You Need to Read

Here are the top folk music album reviews you need to read before making your next purchase.

Album Review: The Tallest Man on Earth – When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground

Swedish songwriter Kristian Matsson, better known as The Tallest Man on Earth, has been turning heads since his 2008 debut album, “Shallow Grave”. His sophomore album, “The Wild Hunt”, was met with even more acclaim, and his latest release, “When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground” is no different.

Matsson’s music is firmly rooted in the folk tradition, and his songs are marked by their simple acoustic arrangements and Matsson’s own distinctive and emotive vocal style. On “When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground”, Matsson expands his sound somewhat, adding some electric guitar and subtle percussion to tracks like “1904” and “Revelation Blues”. However, even with these slight sonic changes, the album still feels very much like a Tallest Man on Earth record.

Matsson is a master of the folk music tradition, and “When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground” is yet another example of his mastery. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking for a great album to listen to, this is one you need to check out.

Album Review: Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, was released in 2007 to critical acclaim. The album, which was recorded in a remote cabin in Wisconsin, is a collection of intimate and personal songs that explore themes of love and loss.

Critics praised the album for its haunting beauty and lyrical depth, with manycalling it a modern classic. Bon Iver’s distinctive sound—a delicate blend of folk, pop, and indie rock—has won them a devoted following, and For Emma, Forever Ago is widely considered to be one of the best albums of the past decade.

Album Review: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut is one of those albums that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s got gorgeous harmonies, beautifully crafted melodies, and instrumentation that feels both earthy and ethereal. In other words, it’s the perfect summer album.

There’s a warmth to Fleet Foxes that makes it feel like a sunny day, even when the lyrics are dealing with heartbreak or loss. And while the album is undoubtedly impressive from a technical standpoint, it never feels like the band is showing off. Instead, they focus on creating a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

If you’re looking for an album to get lost in, look no further than Fleet Foxes. It’s the perfect blend of classic folk influences and modern indie sensibilities, and it’s sure to please even the most cynical of listeners.

Album Review: The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

This is the Decemberists’ fourth album, and it is their best one yet. Inspired by a Japanese folktale, The Crane Wife is a concept album about a man who falls in love with a crane that has taken the form of a woman. The story is told through the music, which is gorgeous and melancholy. The Decemberists have created a folk-rock masterpiece with this album.

Album Review: Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

Album Review: Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

If you’re a fan of Iron & Wine, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Shepherd’s Dog, the band’s latest album. Sam Beam once again teamed up with producer Brian Deck to create a record that is both atmospheric and intimate, withbeam’s warm vocals and beautifully crafted songs shining through.

The Shepherd’s Dog is a bit of a change of pace for Iron & Wine, as Beam has incorporated more electronic elements into the band’s sound. This gives the album a bit of a dreamy quality, as Beam’s lyrics float over the gentle backdrops. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of acoustic guitars and warm melodies to be found here.

beam has always been a master of creating moods and images with his words, and on The Shepherd’s Dog he once again delivers some of the most evocative lyrics around. From the opener “Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car” to the closing “Your Fake Name Is Good Enough for Me”, he takes us on a journey through love, loss, hope, and despair. And in between, we’re treated to some gorgeous instrumental moments courtesy of guitarist Creepy Keane.

The Shepherd’s Dog is an essential purchase for any fan of Iron & Wine, or anyone who appreciates great songwriting and beautiful music. It’s one of the best albums of 2007, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.