I have a very interesting relationship with folk and its many expressions. In some ways, I think I’m a bit tougher with my evaluation of folk in comparison with other sounds that fall into the ‘alternative bracket’ like Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Post Punk etc.
On the flip side, when I find a folk album that I love, I tend to get more attached to it than most albums in other genres. In today’s list, I will be counting down my favourite folk albums between 2011 and 2020.
To make the list as diverse as possible, I have given myself one personal rule — I can only feature one album per artist/group.
Also, this is a ranked list.
Alright, that’s enough chit-chat; let’s get into it.
#10 — All I Have by Sarah Sparks (2019)
Sarah Sparks is a singer-songwriter that deserves a lot of respect. She is one of the most creative folk singers I know today with four albums to her name. Any one of her albums could have made it to this list, but there’s something unique about her 2019 album that brings it to the forefront. This distinction lies in its lyrical themes that manage to be bold, confrontational, and comforting all simultaneously.
Recommended Songs: Saint Are You Burdened?; Religion; Tell Me Have You Found It Yet?
#9 — Civil Dawn by The Pharoah Sisters (2020)
As far as debut albums go, The Pharoah Sisters earned my respect with their 2020 release. With lyrics that are inspired by the Bible, this duo gifts us with an album that blends contemporary folk progressions with Western acoustic strums and a gospel edge. The storytelling on the album is also sublime, sombre and meditative.
Recommended Songs: Angle of Repose; Awake My Soul; Pilgrim Song
#8 — Ghost Of A King by The Gray Havens (2016)
Dave and Licia Radford know have been honing their craft for almost a decade now and have become quite proficient in creating uniquely expressive folk-pop sounds. Still, as it is with many bands/artists; there is usually one album that stands as a milestone in their growth as musicians.
Their second full-length album is that album for me. Ghost of a King is a concept album that flows like a novel by your favourite author with memorable moments across the 10-track playlist.
Recommended Songs: Ghost of a King; At Last, the King; Shadows of the Dawn
#7 — Into Freedom by Lovkn (2018)
Lovkn has one of the most infectious melodies of any of the artists on this list. Crafting sounds that are still very much grounded in acoustic folk, he still manages to surprise you with his composition choices; finding fun ways to infuse pop into his sound. Even with the aforementioned praises, the best arrow in Lovkn’s quiver is his lyrics which reflect an honest and heartfelt desire for God.
Recommended Songs: It’s You; Breath of Life; Down & Out
#6 — Campfire by Rend Collective (2013)
This list will be incomplete without an entry from Rend Collective. These worshippers from Northern Ireland have taken the world by storm with their distinct blend of worship and traditional Irish folk sensibilities. Although, they have infused a lot more Christian contemporary elements into their current music; nothing beats the purity and simplicity of the early days and no album captures that simplicity better than Campfire.
Recommended Songs: Come On My Soul; Build Your Kingdom Here; Movements
#5 — Into Your Love, I Go by Seeker & Servant (2014)
Cameron and Chandler Wood would probably never make an album like this ever again. This worship duo has gone on to create albums that are better produced and more musically astute; yet, there is no album that captures the wide-eyed innocence and freedom that this one brings. It’s one of the best modern folk/worship albums out there.
Recommended Songs: How Deep the Father’s Love For Us; Our Greatest Joy; Let Me Not
#4 — Miles & Years by Allie Paige (2017)
When I first compiled this list, I was a bit taken aback by how high this album ranked — then I listened to it again. Allie Paige is one of the most talented women in the Christian alternative scene today and it shows on this album. Miles & Years walks the fine line between indie rock and indie-folk. With composition choices that are very much rooted in folk music, the production and instrumental layers give this album an atmospheric indie rock backdrop that works well with Paige’s voice.
Recommended Songs: No Sweeter Love; Good Hands; Matchless King
#3 — Posters by Strahan (2012)
At this point on this list, I believe that any one of the three albums left could have easily taken the #No1 spot. The choices I have made here are mostly from personal preferences — which is the entire point of a ranked list anyway.
Some would argue that Posters is the best Christian folk album of the past decade and I will totally understand that reasoning. This country-tinged bluesy folk album has everything you want from a folk record: infectious harmonies, feet-tapping hooks and heartfelt poetry.
Recommended Songs: Deliverance; Hey New Wine!; Daily Bread
#2 — Home by Josh Garrels (2015)
Josh Garrels is the primary reason I gave myself the ‘one artist/group per album’ rule for this list. He is one of the most prominent voices in Christian alternative folk and he keeps getting better with every new project. Home occupies a special spot in my heart because it is the most introspective album in his discography. His exploration of themes like worship, forgiveness, weakness and devotion will keep this album dear to me always.
Recommended Songs: Born Again; Leviathan; Always Be
#1 — Ghosts Upon The Earth by Gungor (2011)
There’s a lot of controversy surrounding Gungor’s theological and musical direction today. Although I have my own thoughts and opinions on this subject, that does not change the fact that their first two albums — Beautiful Things and Ghosts Upon The Earth — are two of my favourite Christian albums of all time.
Of the two albums, Ghosts Upon The Earth is a unique masterpiece gifting me some of the best experimental folk music I have ever heard. With influences ranging from jazz and neo-classical to pop and contemporary; this album has something for everyone.
Recommended Songs: When Death Dies; You Are The Beauty; Ezekiel
Honourable Mention — Hallowell by Hallowell (2019)
This list would be incomplete without giving due respect to this beautiful album by Joseph Pensak (known as Hallowell) who created a chamber-folk album that is very dear to my heart. The only reason it is not on the main list is that the album (as of the time of this publication) has been taken off major streaming platforms. It is still on Bandcamp and if you’re interested in giving it a listen, see here.
That’s all for today.
Until next time.
Keep listening!