Foreign folk music. Classic folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the term “folk song”? Some of you might think of singer-songwriters performing solo with an acoustic guitar, or perhaps consider it somewhat old-fashioned music.
Originally derived from traditional styles like folk and ethnic music, folk songs have evolved across eras and continue to be loved to this day.
This time, we’ve researched and selected a wide range of folk songs, from classic masterpieces to recent hits! We hope you’ll find a new favorite.
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Western folk songs. Folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs (61–70)
StayAlison Krauss
A track by Alison Krauss, who is said to be one of the most popular country and bluegrass singers today.
From the album “Forget About It,” it was released as a single in 1999 and reached No.
28 on the U.S.
charts.
WoodstockCrosby, Stills, Nash & Young
This is a masterpiece that can be called a pinnacle of folk rock, themed around the legendary Woodstock Music Festival.
Released by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in March 1970, the song celebrates the power of peace and music.
The beautiful harmonies crafted by the American group and Neil Young’s distinctive lead guitar are captivating.
Included on the album “Déjà Vu,” it reached No.
11 on the Billboard charts.
In the turbulent late 1960s, it became an anthem that united young people.
As a symbol of the peace movement, it continues to resonate with many to this day.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who hopes for world peace through music.
You Want It DarkerLeonard Cohen
The song released in October 2016 by Leonard Cohen, the Canadian poet and novelist, became the title track of his final studio album.
Filled with deep religious symbolism and philosophical inquiry, the lyrics vividly reflect Cohen’s approach to faith and mortality.
His gravelly, conversational delivery carries a powerful, penetrating intimacy.
The album “You Want It Darker” received high acclaim on charts worldwide immediately after its release, reaching number one in many countries, including Canada and Australia.
It’s a highly recommended track for those seeking profound insights into the end of life.
Turn! Turn! Turn!The Byrds
A track inspired by the Bible.
It was written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s.
This version by the American folk-rock group The Byrds was released in 1965 and became an international hit.
It was sampled in B.
Reith’s 2012 track “Lonely Hearts Interlude.”
Diamonds and RustJoan Baez
A track released in 1975 by Joan Baez.
It was inspired by her relationship with her former lover, Bob Dylan.
It has been covered by artists such as Judas Priest and was sampled in Bushido’s 2005 track “Outro (Staatsfeind Nr.
1).”
In conclusion
From works that feature a basic style using gentle acoustic guitar tones and traditional music to songs interpreted from a contemporary perspective, we have introduced many masterpieces under the name of folk songs.
Their influence is immense, giving rise to new genres such as folktronica and alternative folk.
This time we’ve gathered famous Western tracks, but please be sure to explore Japanese folk songs as well.