AllMusic 2016 Year in Review
Favorite Folk and Americana Albums
The latest releases from Lydia Loveless, Hiss Golden Messenger, Luke Bell and Aoife O'Donovan headline our list of the best folk and Americana albums of the year.
Chicago-based banjo picker and songwriter delivers a powerful album of rollicking big-city folk with rock & roll muscle.
The Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter delivers an intimate, poignant second album, written during a respite from the road.
The Commander Cody guitarist and Eggs Over Easy collaborate on a roots-rocking album that's one hell of a good time.
Dylan's second Sinatra tribute record functions as a lighter counterpart to Shadows in the Night.
The Austin-based singer, songwriter, and violinist formed an all-star band to record "culturally blended music for a culturally blended world."
case/lang/veirs / Neko Case / k.d. lang / Laura Veirs
Collaboration between three world-class talents finds them trying to strike a stylistic balance, with often rewarding results.
On his eighth LP, the refreshingly renegade songwriter takes on life's messiness and timely sociopolitical topics with a smooth '70s veneer.
Charlie Faye & the Fayettes / Charlie Faye
The Americana singer/songwriter goes full girl group with her backing band the Fayettes.
Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars...
The champion of the Bakersfield Sound tries his hand at bluegrass in this lively, full-bodied acoustic effort.
On her first full-length in six years, the songwriter aggressively alters her sound in cathartic, unapologetic new songs.
Their first album in over a decade shows Catherine Irwin and Janet Bean are still writing and singing with moody down-home genius.
Sixth solo full-length from the master neo-traditional folk guitarist, recorded at a creekside house in New Jersey.
Relocating to Tennessee prompts the singer/songwriter to record an engaging and evocative album about California life.
The Texas songwriter turns his gaze inward on his fifth album, and delivers his finest to date.
M.C. Taylor and friends expand their sound and embrace rootsy southern soul, R&B, and bluesy gospel in their finest set to date.
Ten evocative songs of life under the big bright sun of the West; a superior solo effort from the co-founder of X.
Outstanding second album from this Canadian duo combines '60s-style North American folk and British folk-rock traditionalism.
The prolific musician and producer Tucker Martine delivers a stellar album of vintage covers.
The singer/songwriter's third album benefits from the expansive production by Yellowbird's Sam Cohen.
On his 14th album, the 82-year-old singer/songwriter looks into the void, wrestles with himself, God, and love with unflinching honesty.
The veteran country singer/songwriter's tenth effort is a warm, natural, gloss-free affair produced by Dave Cobb.
The great singer/songwriter ponders struggle and faith on this deeply personal collection.
![Luke Bell [2016]](https://fastly-s3.allmusic.com/release/mr0004560365/front/400/AC8kFfLHDBjL1CWktQO0jByhM-OFI8zG4l-qVpXXB1I=.jpg)
Old-school honky tonk charm from this wily and charismatic singer/songwriter.
I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Always
Romantic troubles bring out the best in this Michigan-bred retro bluesman, who contemplates divorce in a soulful manner.
Outstanding fourth album from the singer/songwriter adds a dash of pop gloss, but still feels as powerful and honest as ever.
The acclaimed vocalist delivers an intimate set of covers recorded with her trio at the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in England.
The Things That We Are Made Of
With producer Dave Cobb, the singer/songwriter offers a collection that bridges the tensions between the past and the uncertain future.
Third album from this rootsy North Carolina trio spotlights articulate, passionate songwriting and Heather McEntire's superb voice.
Jones returns home to the jazzy singer/songwriter style of her debut Come Away with Me.
The sullen, sweet, and soulful eighth album from the Will Sheff-led ensemble rewards a patient ear.
The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 3
Third album of bare-bones performances from the celebrated songwriter; fine work, but overly familiar material.
This follow-up to the outstanding Gone Away Backward is another spare, subtly brilliant set of stories of life in the South.
The Houston songwriter returns home and extends his musical reach in a striking, confessional song cycle about divorce.
Golden Sings That Have Been Sung
The Chicago guitarist and songwriter's third album was produced Leroy Bach and influenced by the Windy City music scene of the 1990s.
Concise and rich collection that finds Watkins emphasizing mature rock over Americana.
A hushed, haunting, and quietly affecting protest album as personal as it is political.
A windblown set of road explorations that yearns for the path less taken.
Warm and rich collection of sweet, brotherly harmonies in the tradition of the Everly Brothers.
The trio returns with a host of all-star guests to deliver an excellent collection of American country, gospel, and blues covers.
The progeny of folk music royalty team up for this set of lullabies, some traditional and some slightly twisted.
Tenth studio set from the venerable Chicago alt-country band is tougher and louder, delivering harder music for harder times.
The modern-day master of Lone Star honky tonk swing keeps on ticking on his eighth studio album.
The guitarist's instrumental reflection on America is ambitious, tightly written, and expertly performed with a full band.