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 masterpieces and recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Four Strong WindsIan & Sylvia
A track written in the early 1960s by Canadian singer Ian Tyson and released by the folk duo Ian and Sylvia.
It has been covered by many artists, including Neil Young, Bob Dylan, John Denver, The Kingston Trio, and Johnny Cash.
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.
Talking To StrangersJP Cooper
This song by London-born singer-songwriter JP Cooper centers on themes of inner conflict and loneliness.
Released in January 2025, it features a light yet emotive melody that blends folk and pop, creating a gentle, enveloping atmosphere.
The lyrics explore feelings of distance and alienation, prompting reflection on relationships and communication in modern society.
It’s a work that symbolizes deep sensitivity and musical maturity, marked by a moving vocal performance and resonant guitar tones.
A perfect track for those feeling lonely or struggling with relationships.
United HealthJesse Welles
Released in December 2024 by American singer-songwriter Jessie Wells, this track is a protest song packed with sharp criticism of the health insurance industry, with UnitedHealthcare at its center.
Set to a folk melody reminiscent of John Prine, it incisively calls out the problems of insurance companies.
Spreading rapidly on social media and racking up millions of views, the piece has even drawn praise as a “modern Bob Dylan.” Wells’s music tackles social issues with precision, carrying on the folk tradition while offering insights into contemporary society, resonating with those who question the U.S.
healthcare system.
Freight TrainElizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth Cotten is an American blues and folk music singer-songwriter.
This track is included on the 1989 album “Freight Train And Other North Carolina Folk Songs And Tunes.” It is a track that has also been recorded by artists such as Pete Seeger.
It Doesn’t Matter To Him Ft. Sinead O’ConnorJohn Grant
A heartfelt song where the gentle tones of acoustic guitar blend with deep emotion.
It’s included on John Grant’s March 2013 album “Pale Green Ghosts”; Grant holds dual U.S.–Icelandic citizenship, and the track features a collaboration with Sinéad O’Connor.
The lyrics delicately portray the pain of lost love, self-reflection, and loneliness, using everyday language that carries profound meaning and resonates powerfully with listeners.
Its innovative sound, which incorporates electronic elements, hints at new possibilities for folk music.
Highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or carrying emotional scars.