5 Folk Albums That Defined the 1960s

The 1960s was the pinnacle decade for folk music. So many big names in the genre launched their careers during this decade, and the albums they released are still deeply loved and respected today. While this list isn’t exhaustive in any sense, we think these five folk albums were particularly influential in the 1960s. Let’s take a look at some essential music history!

1. ‘Highway 61 Revisited’ by Bob Dylan

This would not be a list of influential folk albums from the 1960s without mentioning at least one release from Bob Dylan. In particular, we think the 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited was particularly groundbreaking for its time. 

It marked the first time Dylan decided to get into electric instrumentation, and it was truly a major turning point in his career. “Like A Rolling Stone” and “Desolation Row” have since become two of his most recognizable songs. This folk-rock album is definitely one of his very best.

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2. ‘Songs Of Leonard Cohen’ by Leonard Cohen

Legendary poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen released Songs Of Leonard Cohen back in 1967. If you’re even slightly interested in becoming a songwriter yourself, this album will lay out everything you need to know simply because it’s one of the best examples out there. 

It’s songwriting done right, to say the least. “So Long, Marianne” and “Suzanne” are essential listening for songwriters and folk fans alike.

3. ‘Bookends’ by Simon & Garfunkel

In any conversation about influential folk albums from the 1960s, we can’t leave out Simon & Garfunkel. Sounds Of Silence is also listworthy, but the 1968 album Bookends is particularly underrated and worthy of some attention decades later. Perfect harmonization and glittering lyricism are what make this record so easy to listen to on repeat.

4. ‘Astral Weeks’ by Van Morrison

This 1968 release from Van Morrison is easily his best work, though that statement depends on who you ask. It goes beyond the textbook folk sound of its time, incorporating elements of jazz and soul that make Astral Weeks a life-changing listening experience. Morrison doesn’t shy away from exploring his childhood, his faults, and himself to a startlingly vulnerable and almost existential degree.

5. ‘Bert Jansch’ by Bert Jansch

Bert Jansch’s eponymous 1965 does not get enough love nowadays. When the Scottish singer/songwriter first released this record, it quickly became a pioneering piece of work in the British folk revival movement. It’s a simple, acoustic album that inspired and influenced countless artists that followed.

Photo by Hulton Archive

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