The Best Folk and Singer-Songwriter Albums of the 2000s

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1. 1
   For Emma, Forever AgoBon Iver

   For Emma, Forever Ago

   Bon Iver · 2007 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Recorded alone in a remote winter cabin, its falsetto and layered harmonies feel both raw and otherworldly. The origin myth fits the music. A quietly influential debut.

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2. 2
   Fleet FoxesFleet Foxes

   Fleet Foxes

   Fleet Foxes · 2008 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A lush, harmony-drenched debut of pastoral baroque folk. Timeless and beautiful. A defining record of its indie moment.

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3. 3
   IllinoisSufjan Stevens

   Illinois

   Sufjan Stevens · 2005 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A maximal, orchestral song-cycle about a US state, brimming with marching-band flourishes and tender storytelling. Ambitious and joyful. His most acclaimed record.

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4. 4
   American IV: The Man Comes AroundJohnny Cash

   American IV: The Man Comes Around

   Johnny Cash · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A devastating late peak, home to a definitive cover of 'Hurt'. Raw and beloved. A profound farewell.

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5. 5
   Time (The Revelator)Gillian Welch

   Time (The Revelator)

   Gillian Welch · 2001 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A spare, haunting Americana landmark of voice and guitar. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.

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6. 6
   Our Endless Numbered DaysIron & Wine

   Our Endless Numbered Days

   Iron & Wine · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A warm, fuller-band step from the lo-fi debut. Gentle and beloved. A standout.

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7. 7
   The Crane WifeThe Decemberists

   The Crane Wife

   The Decemberists · 2006 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   An ambitious, literate indie-folk peak of storytelling. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

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8. 8
   ODamien Rice

   O

   Damien Rice · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A raw, intimate folk debut of heartbreak, home to 'The Blower's Daughter'. Tender and beloved. A breakthrough.

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9. 9
   The Shepherd's DogIron & Wine

   The Shepherd's Dog

   Iron & Wine · 2007 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A richer, more rhythmic folk peak of layered arrangement. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.

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10. 10
    Seven SwansSufjan Stevens

    Seven Swans

    Sufjan Stevens · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A hushed, banjo-led record of faith and intimacy. Gentle and beloved. A quiet favourite.

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11. 11
    PicaresqueThe Decemberists

    Picaresque

    The Decemberists · 2005 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A witty, literate indie-folk peak of narrative songcraft. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.

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12. 12
    YsJoanna Newsom

    Ys

    Joanna Newsom · 2006 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    An ambitious, orchestral harp-and-voice song-cycle of literary depth. Singular and acclaimed. A bold masterpiece.

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13. 13
    AliceTom Waits

    Alice

    Tom Waits · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A haunting, theatrical song-cycle of broken beauty. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult favourite.

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14. 14
    The Milk-Eyed MenderJoanna Newsom

    The Milk-Eyed Mender

    Joanna Newsom · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A startling harp-and-voice debut of idiosyncratic folk. Singular and acclaimed. A cult landmark.

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15. 15
    Sigh No MoreMumford & Sons

    Sigh No More

    Mumford & Sons · 2009 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A rousing, banjo-driven folk-rock debut that sparked a revival. Anthemic and huge. A breakthrough.

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16. 16
    VeneerJose Gonzalez

    Veneer

    Jose Gonzalez · 2003 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A hushed, fingerpicked folk debut of gentle beauty. Intimate and beloved. A breakthrough.

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17. 17
    The Magnolia Electric Co.Songs: Ohia

    The Magnolia Electric Co.

    Songs: Ohia · 2003 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A raw, country-rock peak of Jason Molina's haunted songwriting. Powerful and beloved. A cult masterpiece.

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