Perfect for the fall season, folk pop has an earthy, cozy vibe that pairs nicely with this time of year. The genre is known for combining contemporary folk sounds with pop, featuring elements like a heavy use of acoustic guitars and using folk instruments like the banjo, all while incorporating commercial pop melodies. To highlight some of our favorite moments from the genre, here are our song picks for The Best of Folk Pop.
1. Ed Sheeran - "Castle on the Hill"
Known for incorporating elements of folk into his music, it only makes sense that Ed Sheeran's "Castle on the Hill" starts off our list. The upbeat, nostalgic folk pop track comes from his third studio album, ÷, reminiscing on the tales of his upbringing in Framlingham, Suffolk. "Castle on the Hill" was a commercial success for Sheeran, debuting at number 2 on the UK charts and number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. Florence + The Machine - "Jenny of Oldstones"
Appearing on HBO's Game of Thrones, Florence + The Machine's "Jenny of Oldstones" is the adaptation of a fictional folk song in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novel series. The track by the indie-pop/rock band is a haunting folk ballad, influenced strongly by elements of Celtic music. "Jenny of Oldstones" is one of many songs by the group to incorporate folk characteristics, earning Florence + The Machine a rightful place in this list.
3. Paris Paloma - "Labour"
Perfect for fans of Florence + The Machine and Hozier, Paris Paloma is up next on our list with her anthemic folk pop track "Labour." The song is heavy hitting both in sound and its lyrics, tackling issues of gender inequality within our societal structures. Paloma laments over a powerful soundscape, narrating the story of an abusive relationship that criticizes the patriarchal expectations of women within marriage.
4. Noah Kahan - "Northern Attitude"
A highly successful song from his third studio album, Stick Season, Noah Kahan's "Northern Attitude" showcases an unapologetically folk pop soundscape, featuring twangy guitar riffs, building drums, and Kahan's powerful, earnest vocals. The artist offers hope in "Northern Attitude," keeping an open mind that maybe one day his heart won't be closed off anymore. Discussing the track, Kahan has revealed that, "I was singing about isolation, about loneliness, about trying to assess who you are and where your life is going, and about accepting that and opening yourself up to love either way."
5. Yoke Lore - "Winona"
Coming from his debut album, Toward A Never Ending New Beginning, Yoke Lore's "Winona" gives us a wonderfully upbeat folk-pop sound, featuring light verses and explosive choruses. The track starts with flowing banjo lines and soft vocals, building up to the powerful chorus that make you want to scream along with Yoke Lore and lose yourself in this vibrant, dynamic soundscape.
6. Gigi Perez - "Sailor Song"
Her third independent release following her departure from Interscope Records, Gigi Perez's "Sailor Song" is perfect for fans of indie folk acts like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and Hozier. The acoustic folk pop track has quickly become a huge hit for Perez, going viral on platforms like TikTok and earning her a spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Hozier - "Shrike"
Closing out our list, Hozier is known for his folksy sound, making "Shrike" an excellent note to end on. The track comes from the artist's second studio album, Wasteland, Baby!, showcasing a lush, beautiful folk pop soundscape. An unforgettable composition, "Shrike" is an acoustic ballad featuring Celtic influenced guitar riffs, tender violin lines, delicate piano harmonies, and Hozier's powerful, captivating vocals.
Did you hear any new favorites in this list? Do you have any favorite folk pop songs of your own? Let us know on our socials!
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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