The Best Folk & Singer-Songwriter Albums of the 2000s
Our pick of the essential folk & singer-songwriter records released in the 2000s, ranked.
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1For Emma, Forever AgoBon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
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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2Fleet FoxesFleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
A lush, harmony-drenched debut of pastoral baroque folk. Timeless and beautiful. A defining record of its indie moment.
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3IllinoisSufjan Stevens
Illinois
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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4American IV: The Man Comes AroundJohnny Cash
American IV: The Man Comes Around
A devastating late peak, home to a definitive cover of 'Hurt'. Raw and beloved. A profound farewell.
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5Time (The Revelator)Gillian Welch
Time (The Revelator)
A spare, haunting Americana landmark of voice and guitar. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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6Our Endless Numbered DaysIron & Wine
Our Endless Numbered Days
A warm, fuller-band step from the lo-fi debut. Gentle and beloved. A standout.
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7The Crane WifeThe Decemberists
The Crane Wife
An ambitious, literate indie-folk peak of storytelling. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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8ODamien Rice
O
A raw, intimate folk debut of heartbreak, home to 'The Blower's Daughter'. Tender and beloved. A breakthrough.
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9The Shepherd's DogIron & Wine
The Shepherd's Dog
A richer, more rhythmic folk peak of layered arrangement. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.
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10Seven SwansSufjan Stevens
Seven Swans
A hushed, banjo-led record of faith and intimacy. Gentle and beloved. A quiet favourite.
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11PicaresqueThe Decemberists
Picaresque
A witty, literate indie-folk peak of narrative songcraft. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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12YsJoanna Newsom
Ys
An ambitious, orchestral harp-and-voice song-cycle of literary depth. Singular and acclaimed. A bold masterpiece.
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13AliceTom Waits
Alice
A haunting, theatrical song-cycle of broken beauty. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult favourite.
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14The Milk-Eyed MenderJoanna Newsom
The Milk-Eyed Mender
A startling harp-and-voice debut of idiosyncratic folk. Singular and acclaimed. A cult landmark.
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15Sigh No MoreMumford & Sons
Sigh No More
A rousing, banjo-driven folk-rock debut that sparked a revival. Anthemic and huge. A breakthrough.
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16VeneerJose Gonzalez
Veneer
A hushed, fingerpicked folk debut of gentle beauty. Intimate and beloved. A breakthrough.
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17The Magnolia Electric Co.Songs: Ohia
The Magnolia Electric Co.
A raw, country-rock peak of Jason Molina's haunted songwriting. Powerful and beloved. A cult masterpiece.