Folk Alley Favorites: Best Albums of 2024
With over 500 albums arriving in our inbox and mail bin this year—and songs from more than 300 new releases added to our playlists—curating our Best Albums of 2024 was no easy task! At Folk Alley, our annual ‘Best of’ list is a carefully crafted mix of staff and host favorites, the most-played albums on our station, and a celebration of the diverse folk, roots, and Americana genres we proudly showcase.
We’re happy to share our Top 20 Favorite Folk Albums of 2024—a collection of standout releases that inspired us. Dive in and discover the best folk, Americana, and roots music of the year!
Anna Tivel’s songs, profiles of everyday people, set alongside intricate yet complex production, are a complete smash. – Cindy Howes
2. Billy Strings – Highway Prayers
Billy Strings continues to honor traditional bluegrass and old-time music while innovating within it. – Henry Carrigan
3. Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free
Timeless folk sounds and fresh, contemporary energy. The melodies and lyrics stick with me long after the songs end. My favorite band for the past four years. – Linda Fahey
4. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland
This makes me want to go west, as a not-so-young man. Also, I’m a huge fan of her voice and his playing. – Matt Reilly
I’m so very impressed by Yasmin Williams. I don’t think there’s anything she can’t do. – Elena See
6. Jerron Paxton – Things Done Changed
Jerron Paxton’s latest album lands right at the crossroads of old-time, blues and roots music when the genre lines didn’t matter and music was just music. His joy and love for the music is beaming.” – Brad Kolodner
7. Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya
There’s something unique about Carper’s sound AND style — hard to put a finger on it, to be honest. I like her voice, her affectation, and what she has to say about the world. – Elena See
8. Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms – Gold In Your Pocket
Caleb & Reeb are steeped in old time and classic country music and their latest duo record Gold In Your Pocket demonstrates the depth with which they reach for a timeless, original sound. This is real deal country music played tenderly and with love. – Brad Kolodner
9. Vasen & Hawktail – Vasen & Hawktail
Instrumental virtuosity from musicians in different parts of the world. I love the collaborative effort of this kind of recording. – Elena See
The Irish/Folk duo Rakish dazzles on their latest record with a sonic landscape that’s varied and dynamic throughout. The songwriting is heartfelt and the instrumentals are elite. – Brad Kolodner
11. AJ Lee & Blue Summit – City of Glass
AJ Lee & Blue Summit has burst onto the bluegrass landscape as one of the most dynamic and entertaining bands today. City of Glass demonstrates their maturation of their sound, dialing in a unique soundscape all their own. – Brad Kolodner
12. Jake Xerxes Fussell – When I’m Called
Jake’s voice sounds like no one I’ve ever heard before. His unique interpretation of songs that’ve been around for a long time is somehow inspiring. – Elena See
13. Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – Into the Wild[EP]
More of Molly Tuttle’s virtuosic talent shines on Into the Wild, with a mix of fresh new songs and clever covers—absolutely love it. – Linda Fahey
14. Various Artists (compilation) – My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall
A fitting celebration of and tribute to the enduring songwriting of Alice Randall – Henry Carrigan
15. Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
The sky is the limit for Sierra Ferrell who continues to blossom into one of the rising stars of country music. Firmly rooted in tradition, Sierra isn’t blinded by the bright lights and her latest release demonstrates the full range of all she brings to the table. – Brad Kolodner
16. Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends
This album is an epic cinematic retelling of the passage of 19th Amendment, a huge undertaking in which O’Donovan easily pulls off. – Cindy Howes
17. Dawn Landes – The Liberated Woman’s Songbook
Dawn Landes’ ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ was the only thing I listened to over and over on Nov 6, 2024. – Cindy Howes
Siri Undlin has created a record that’s wise and playful all at once. – Cindy Howes
19. The Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
This is everything I want from a Decemberist album — gorgeous storytelling, sweeping melodies, and a mix of whimsy and emotion. It feels like classic Decemberists but with a fresh energy that keeps me coming back. – Linda Fahey
20. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
Twang and harmonies! We need more of this in our lives. – Matt Reilly
