AllMusic 2015 Year in Review
Favorite Folk Albums
Folkies had plenty to be thankful for in 2015, including the new album from progressive bluegrass band the Punch Brothers, an atypical set of lullabies from the Wainwright Sisters, the second collaboration between Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, and Glen Hansard's subtle, evocative third album.
The Scottish folk singer/songwriter delivers another beautifully conceived and mostly solo effort on his self-titled eighth album.
Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Darrell Scott's excellent tribute album to his late friend Ben Bullington, who died of cancer in 2013.
The prolific British singer/songwriter marries thoughtful indie pop and folk traditions to 19th century political chants by social activist William Morris.
The second collaboration between Steve Martin and Edie Brickell is every bit as elegant and charming as the first.
Third solo effort from the former Frames leader is subtle but deeply passionate, with strong songs and evocative vocals.
The North Carolina blues/folk singer's wonderfully understated debut is full of personality and charm.
The guitarist/composer adds singing and songwriting to his résumé, resulting in what may be the record he always desired to make.
James Elkington / Nathan Salsburg
A remarkable collection of acoustic guitar duets that is comforting, crafty, and totally captivating.
A breezy, lyrically bold, sonically beautiful soft barrage of bucolic country-folk.
On her third solo album the songwriter streamlines her process to ascend to a new creative level in both singing and composition.
Impressive, accomplished debut from a U.K. singer and songwriter equally comfortable with traditional and original material.
Packway Handle Band / Jim White
Visionary songwriter meets a band of playful virtuosos, and their collaboration brings out the best in everyone concerned.
Aided by producer T-Bone Burnett, the sophisticated progressive bluegrass outfit creates a defining record.
The Cornwall band's third effort is a fragile and lovely set of seaside meditations on loss, life, and nature.
A mysterious instrument in the hands of a great musician in a magical place make for a great recording.
The Black Twig Pickers / Steve Gunn
The Brooklyn go-to guitarist and the Old Dominion Appalachian roots music quartet bridge North, South, East, and West.
A dark storeroom of soft, piano-led balladry peppered with tasteful flourishes of upright bass, soft brush work, and spectral horns and strings.
The progeny of folk music royalty team up for this set of lullabies, some traditional and some slightly twisted.
The singer/songwriter, his band, and producer John Parish record in an old theater in Bristol, England, around a single microphone.
With an enormous cast, the canny singer/songwriter delivers a magnificent folk opera of Homeric proportion.