Best Folk Singers of the 70s — Artists Worth Knowing

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1. 1
   BlueJoni Mitchell

   Blue

   Joni Mitchell · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   An intimate, confessional landmark of singer-songwriter craft, spare in arrangement and emotionally fearless. Mitchell's melodies and open tunings are extraordinary throughout. Routinely named one of the greatest albums ever made.

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2. 2
   HarvestNeil Young

   Harvest

   Neil Young · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Young's warmest, most accessible record, full of country-rock comfort and the tender 'Heart of Gold'. His best-selling album for good reason. An easy entry point.

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3. 3
   Bryter LayterNick Drake

   Bryter Layter

   Nick Drake · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A lusher, jazz-touched record of bittersweet beauty. Warm and understated. A quiet classic.

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4. 4
   TapestryCarole King

   Tapestry

   Carole King · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   The album that defined the confessional singer-songwriter era, warm and tuneful from 'It's Too Late' to 'You've Got a Friend'. A massive, enduring seller. Comfort itself.

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5. 5
   Sweet Baby JamesJames Taylor

   Sweet Baby James

   James Taylor · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A gentle, intimate landmark of the singer-songwriter era, home to 'Fire and Rain'. Warm and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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6. 6
   Still Crazy After All These YearsPaul Simon

   Still Crazy After All These Years

   Paul Simon · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A polished, jazzy peak of mature songcraft. Tuneful and acclaimed. A Grammy-winning high.

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7. 7
   Astral WeeksVan Morrison

   Astral Weeks

   Van Morrison · 1968 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A mystical, free-flowing fusion of folk, jazz and soul, unlike anything before or since. Improvisational and transcendent. Frequently named among the greatest albums ever.

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8. 8
   Songs of Love and HateLeonard Cohen

   Songs of Love and Hate

   Leonard Cohen · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A stark, intense peak of literary folk, home to 'Famous Blue Raincoat'. Dark and beautiful. One of his best.

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9. 9
   John PrineJohn Prine

   John Prine

   John Prine · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A wry, humane debut of perfect songwriting, home to 'Angel from Montgomery'. Warm and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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10. 10
    Like an Old Fashioned WaltzSandy Denny

    Like an Old Fashioned Waltz

    Sandy Denny · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Her most intimate solo record, built around piano ballads and a voice that could convey more in a held note than most singers manage in a verse.

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11. 11
    Tea for the TillermanCat Stevens

    Tea for the Tillerman

    Cat Stevens · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Warm, melodic folk-pop of searching and faith, home to 'Father and Son' and 'Wild World'. Gentle and enduring. His defining record.

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12. 12
    Late for the SkyJackson Browne

    Late for the Sky

    Jackson Browne · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A reflective, beautifully written peak of California songcraft. Tender and acclaimed. His finest.

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13. 13
    Diamonds & RustJoan Baez

    Diamonds & Rust

    Joan Baez · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A mature peak, home to its autobiographical title song. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her finest.

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14. 14
    Sail AwayRandy Newman

    Sail Away

    Randy Newman · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A sharp, ironic song-cycle of American satire and lush arrangements. Clever and acclaimed. His masterpiece.

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15. 15
    SundownGordon Lightfoot

    Sundown

    Gordon Lightfoot · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The title track became his biggest hit, but the album around it shows his storytelling craft at its most consistent.

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16. 16
    I Want to See the Bright Lights TonightRichard & Linda Thompson

    I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight

    Richard & Linda Thompson · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A peak of British folk-rock songcraft and harmony. Beautiful and acclaimed. A genre cornerstone.

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17. 17
    Small ChangeTom Waits

    Small Change

    Tom Waits · 1976 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A boozy, jazzy peak of late-night ballads and barroom poetry. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.

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18. 18
    Judee SillJudee Sill

    Judee Sill

    Judee Sill · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A gorgeous, gospel-tinged folk debut of overlooked genius. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult treasure.

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19. 19
    Solid AirJohn Martyn

    Solid Air

    John Martyn · 1973 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warm, jazzy folk landmark of slurred vocals and atmosphere. Singular and beloved. His masterpiece.

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20. 20
    Just Another Diamond DayVashti Bunyan

    Just Another Diamond Day

    Vashti Bunyan · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A fragile, pastoral folk gem ignored on release and later revered. Beautiful and beloved. A cult treasure.

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