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)
License To KillRichie Havens
This song features soulful, powerful vocals and rhythmic guitar playing.
Originally a work by Bob Dylan, it was covered by American artist Richie Havens on his 1987 album “Richie Havens Sings Beatles and Dylan.” The profound lyrics, which sound a warning about humanity’s self-destruction, are beautifully matched by Havens’s uniquely emotive singing.
Carrying a universal message that transcends the boundaries of folk music, it’s a track that prompts reflection on environmental issues and the future of humanity.
Havens is also known for opening the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where he captivated the audience with an intense performance of about 50 minutes.
Green FieldsThe Brothers Four
This work by the American folk group The Brothers Four gently sings of a yearning for green fields and blue skies.
Released in April 1960, it became a hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
Billboard chart.
As a representative song of the folk revival era, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitars and the four members’ well-balanced harmonies are striking, distilling the charm of folk music.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to reflect on the beauty of nature and cherished memories.
It’s a perfect song for days when you want to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
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).”
Streets of LondonRalph McTell
A track released in 1969 by British singer-songwriter Ralph McTell.
It was inspired by his experiences hitchhiking across Europe.
The track won an Ivor Novello Award in 1974.
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.