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: Classic and recommended popular folk tracks (11–20)
Burn One DownBen Harper
Ben Harper is an American folk singer who began his career in 1992 and has been at the forefront of American folk rock ever since.
He is especially known as a master of the slide guitar.
He showcases his skill in numerous songs, and it’s enjoyable to listen to his music with that in mind.
Above all, his cheerful and unpretentious songs—so characteristic of American folk rock—are incredibly appealing.
They’re perfect for listening to outdoors, catching the breeze on a drive or a picnic.
White Winter HymnalFleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes are a folk rock band from Seattle, USA, formed in 2006.
Their four-piece ensemble, centered on acoustic instruments, delivers truly exquisite folk rock.
They seem to embody folk as a living culture in the modern day—perfectly suited to words like “organic” and “natural.” While evoking a sense of old-fashioned nostalgia, their music also feels fresh and invigorating.
They are a band that reminds you of the power and vitality of live, acoustic instruments.
Sunshine SupermanDonovan
When it comes to 1960s folk songs, they’re famously known as part of American culture led by Bob Dylan, but folk singers also emerged in the UK.
One of them is Donovan, a singer from Scotland.
His hallmark is music that truly exemplifies British folk songs.
Donovan was close with The Beatles and had a significant influence on them.
If you listen to his song “Sunshine Superman,” you can hear a rootsy folk-rock ensemble reminiscent of early Beatles.
Not A Pretty GirlAni DiFranco
Female folk singer Ani DiFranco.
While she’s often categorized under folk rock or alternative rock, the folk she sings carries a punk spirit at its core.
Her song Not A Pretty Girl features powerful, emotionally charged guitar and vocals.
Even if you don’t understand the words, you can feel what she’s conveying—but her lyricism, in both word choice and meaning, is a major part of the appeal.
If you really listen and take in the song’s message, you’ll find yourself drawn in even deeper.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie DownJoan Baez
Joan Baez is a folk singer who began her career in 1958 and has been active since the dawn of the folk boom.
A leading figure who has walked alongside the history of folk, she performed with a young Bob Dylan, appeared at the Woodstock Festival, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She’s like a living legend alongside Bob Dylan and others, but if you like female folk singers, why not delve into her—her fashion and history included? This song, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” is a cover of the rock band The Band.
Down The RoadSteve Earle
A soulful track that sings about how hard it is to heal a broken heart and find love.
It was released in 1986 by Steve Earle, an American rock, country, and folk music singer-songwriter.
Foreign folk songs. Classic and recommended popular folk tracks (21–30)
Morning Has BrokenCat Stevens
Cat Stevens is a British folk singer who was active in the 60s and 70s.
His career is known for its ups and downs, from the height of his popularity as a folk singer to stepping away from music for religious pursuits.
Even so, his songs are quintessentially folk, delivering a traditional sound that stands shoulder to shoulder with American artists.
His style—plucking the guitar while singing with rich emotion—embodied the kind of overseas folk music that many Japanese people of the time admired.