When you hear the term “folk music”, you may immediately think of a group of barefoot hillbillies playing fiddles and harmonicas somewhere uncomfortably close to a dumpster in South Carolina. It is curious that such a specific image also jumps into in my mind, considering I am no stranger to the versatility of folk music and all of its many branches. Folk music is often passed over for more popular genres like pop or country, and it is fair to say that it doesn’t receive much media attention, so don’t blame yourself too much if you have a skewed perception of it in your head. Since the genre of folk music has such a broad and often disputed definition, it may surprise you just how much folk you are exposed to.
What exactly is folk music? Its origins in almost any culture can be traced back to the times when there was no way to record music, and songs and melodies only survived if they were rooted deeply enough in the minds of the working class. The earliest examples of American folk music are now known as sea shanties and slave songs, created organically in the long work hours before labor laws were introduced. It is now considered to be in a broader music category called “roots”, which also includes country, blues, folk rock, and gospel.
Despite the fact that songs are now able to be recorded in studios, folk has stayed true to its roots when it comes to lyrics, which deal largely with peace, international conflict, and the desire to go back to simple living. Folk provides easy listening, nothing too fast nor too slow, and lacks any intense percussion or sudden volume surges that might be anxiety-inducing.
Since it may not be super tempting to spend your free time listening to centuries-old sea shanties, here are some songs that will help you dip your toes into the Western branch of this underrated genre.
“Peace Train” by Cat Stevens, 1971.
Cat Stevens (officially Yusuf Islam since 1978) certainly dedicated his fair share of music to the anti-war movement of the '60s and '70s. “Peace Train” offers a refreshing, hopeful outlook on the future instead of weighing itself down with the heavy and inevitable absolutes of war. The catchy, upbeat tempo and off-beat motifs make it easy to imagine yourself actually rolling along on a figurative train fueled by peace and acceptance.
“Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce, 1973.
Jim Croce’s 1973 hit was brought back to the public eye after its usage in the lauded Quicksilver scene in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The melody comes off a bit eerie, mirroring the sad truths of time and its refusal to slow for anybody. It’s a good song to listen to at 2 A.M. when you’re on your second box of Wheat Thins, wondering why you didn’t finish that essay sooner.
" Fire and Rain" by James Taylor, 1970.
Taylor’s classic “Fire and Rain” drips with strangely optimistic melancholy. Taylor’s smooth intonation punctuates each stanza with a hint of hope, despite the song not having the cheeriest of beginnings: “just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone.” I grew up with James Taylor, often looking forward to listening to an album of his during a long car ride. His sound is truly timeless, and picking one of his songs for this list was difficult, but I feel that “Fire and Rain” fully encapsulates his lyrical and vocal genius.
"Diamonds and Rust" by Joan Baez, 1975.
Baez’s use of imagery is unprecedented in a song that reads not unlike a short story. Descriptive phrases like “robin-blue eyes” and “that crummy hotel over Washington Square” teleport us to a very specific time of Baez’s life, one that suddenly seems very relatable as she croons to us about her failed relationship.
"The Greatest Adventure" by Glenn Yarbrough, 1977.
Yes, this song is from Rankin and Bass’ Hobbit cartoon, but I think it’s a pleasant and cute example of what folk music can be. Yarbrough’s distinctive vibrato can’t help but cheer the soul as you find yourself absentmindedly swaying from side to side. Though written specifically for a movie, the song carries a message laced with faith in the adventures ahead.
"Listen, Listen" by Sandy Denny, 1972.
The lyrics of "Listen, Listen" are reminiscent of the classic sea shanties that helped define the genre of folk. Mentions of destiny and fleeting adolescence may instill restless thoughts in your head: am I in charge of my own destiny, and am I doing all I can do?
Sure, folk songs may not be the catchiest out there, and some days we just need a song with a heavy beat and less political message. However, when it comes to sheer quality and comfort, rely on folk music to smooth out your everyday tensions.
