Today we take a look at one of the most defining folk years of the 2010s. Recently, I started writing Nostalgia Reads in some of my content descriptions. This is my way of pointing out that the content focus for a write-up is at least five years old.
With that out of the way, put on your Nostalgia goggles and let’s get into it.
PS: This is a ranked list.
10 — Foreign Made by Poor Bishop Hooper
Today, Poor Bishop Hooper is in the middle of a Psalm anthology which they started back in 2020 with the goal of releasing a song about every chapter of the book of Psalm. Back in 2014, Jesse and Leah Roberts — the couple who make up PBH — were not nearly as ambitious.
They dropped their debut album, Foreign Made — a beautiful folk album with 11 songs that were artistic interpretations of the parables of Jesus. This album formed the foundation of things to come for this amazing duo.
Recommended Songs: Saints; Final Fire; He Loved Us To The End
9 — Into The Light by Sisterbrother
I’m not even sure where this band is currently. This six-piece band made up of Nathan Horst, Lindsey Horst, Mark Horst, Rusty Fuller, Joel Semke and Anthony Harnish released their sophomore album in 2014 and have not been heard from since.
On this album, the beautiful atmospheric indie-folk/alternative style they introduced in their self-titled debut evolves even further to create more memorable and emotionally stirring tunes.
Recommended Songs: You Reach for Me; Clothed My Skin; Carried Away
8 — Songs of Sorrow/Songs of Hope by Steve Schallert
Steve Schallert’s debut album is certainly one for the history books. Bringing together two unique themes — protest and worship — Schallert’s first album is partly folk praise and partly righteous movement.
He pays particular attention to the violence in the world and the need for believers to embrace peace with both God and our fellow men. For an album that is eight years old, its themes are still relevant today and it has some of the most emotionally stirring moments on this list.
Recommended Songs: The Word; Son of Sorrows; Tremble Tremble
7 — The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This by Rain For Roots
Rain For Roots is a collective of musicians and songwriters (Sandra McCracken, Flo Paris, Katy Bowser, Ellie Holcomb) who create Christ-centered folk songs that are easy for children to learn and also mature enough for adults to enjoy. The fact that they are able to walk this fine line is one of my many reasons for loving this project.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This is their second full-length album and it focuses on the teachings of Jesus Christ. In my opinion, for the sake of Christian parents and children; Rain For Roots is a project that needs to exist and I’m glad that they are still going strong today.
Recommended Songs: The Wise and Foolish Builder; Good Fruit; Mustard Seed
6 — Till We See His Face by Cameron Cole
I know nothing about Cameron Cole. It feels like a weird thing to say about an album that is this high on my top ten list of 2014, but it’s the truth.
Everything I can tell you is on his Bandcamp page and it doesn't reveal much. That does not stop this album from being one of the best acoustic indie folk releases of that year. It’s sombre, atmospheric and soothing to listen to. I can only hope we hear from him again someday.
Recommended Songs: Grace; As The Sun Sets; Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing
5 — Borderland by John Mark McMillan
John Mark McMillan has become a household name when running down the list of Christian singer-songwriters, yet, I am confident that I would not have known him without this album.
Borderland is a beautiful concept album. It’s his fourth studio album but it also stands as his first independent release which he was able to achieve via a Kickstarter. It’s instrumentally dense and quite experimental in its approach while managing to sound familiar.
Recommended Songs: Holy Ghost; Guns/Napoleon; Silver Shore
4 — Into Your Love, I Go by Seeker & Servant
Of all the albums on this album, this is the one that I would describe as the perfect blend between worship and folk. So many things work for this album and sometimes it’s difficult for me to believe that it was their debut record.
Years have passed and this trio has gone on to do more amazing things but Into Your Love, I Go is a moment that can’t be created twice.
Recommended Songs: Coming Like A Fire; In Awe, Our Greatest Joy
3 — In Our Winters by Preson Phillips
Blending indie folk, alternative rock and southern rock feels good on paper, but that didn’t prepare me for the beauty of this album.
In Our Winters has no business being as amazing as it is. It’s a bit lengthy clocking out a few minutes above the hour mark, but that does not make it tedious or boring. Preson Phillips has a lot to say and he certainly has diverse ways of passing his message.
Recommended Songs: Open Seas; Come Down Father; Rising Like a Song
2 — Islands Of My Soul by Jason Barrows
Of all the albums on this list, this is the one that sits firmly within the rock soundscape. It’s an indie rock, psychedelic rock and heartland rock album held together by Barrow’s voice, beautiful synths and sometimes, a harmonica.
At its heart, Islands Of My Soul is a collection of stories, carefully crafted to leave a lasting impression on the heart. I adore this album very dearly and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of these types of songs.
Recommended Songs: Voyagers; City of Lost Children; Up From The Sea
1 — Asaph by Loud Harp
Loud Harp is Asher Seevinck & Dave Wilton. Sometimes, musicians create something that is so unique that it stands as a defining moment in their career. For me, Asaph is that album for Loud Harp.
Asaph is a collection of Psalm-like songs and poems. The album is post-rock and ambient with hints of shoegaze and even among the duo’s impressive discography, nothing quite sounds like it in my opinion.
Recommended Songs: (08) I’m Yours; (77) You Heard Me; (50) out of Zion
It would be amiss if I did not talk about some honourable mentions on this list. Death Met Grace by Clarensau and Self-Titled by I Am Clay are amazing albums that were released that year.
That’s all for today.
Until next time.
Keep listening!
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