The Best Folk and Singer-Songwriter Albums of the 1990s

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1. 1
   GraceJeff Buckley

   Grace

   Jeff Buckley · 1994 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A soaring, romantic debut of extraordinary vocal range, home to the definitive 'Hallelujah'. His only studio album, and a treasure. Singular and beautiful.

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2. 2
   Either/OrElliott Smith

   Either/Or

   Elliott Smith · 1997 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Hushed, intricate songwriting of real darkness and melody, the album that brought him wider notice. Intimate and devastating. A cult masterpiece.

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3. 3
   Mule VariationsTom Waits

   Mule Variations

   Tom Waits · 1999 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A grizzled, junkyard-blues comeback of beauty and grime. Warm and acclaimed. A late peak.

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4. 4
   Bone MachineTom Waits

   Bone Machine

   Tom Waits · 1992 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A clattering, percussive peak of apocalyptic art-song. Bold and Grammy-winning. A creative high.

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5. 5
   RevivalGillian Welch

   Revival

   Gillian Welch · 1996 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A spare, traditional Americana debut of timeless craft. Beautiful and acclaimed. A genre cornerstone.

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6. 6
   Harvest MoonNeil Young

   Harvest Moon

   Neil Young · 1992 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A warm, autumnal sequel to Harvest of gentle reflection. Beloved and acclaimed. A late favourite.

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7. 7
   Wrecking BallEmmylou Harris

   Wrecking Ball

   Emmylou Harris · 1995 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A lush, Daniel Lanois-produced reinvention of atmospheric Americana. Bold and acclaimed. A creative peak.

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8. 8
   American RecordingsJohnny Cash

   American Recordings

   Johnny Cash · 1994 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A stark, voice-and-guitar comeback produced by Rick Rubin. Raw and beloved. A late-career landmark.

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