3 Must-Hear Folk Rock Albums from the 1960s That You Should Definitely Know

The 1960s were riddled with folk rock albums, so how do you know where to start? Here are just three albums from that time that are must-listens for anyone looking to get into the genre. From Fairport Convention’s drastic style shift, to Bob Dylan’s introduction to electric guitar, and more.

Videos by American Songwriter

1960s Folk Rock Albums You Should Definitely Know About

Liege & Lief — Fairport Convention

Liege & Lief was Fairport Convention’s third album, released in 1969, and marked a dramatic and purposeful shift from the band’s previous sound. Following a car accident that killed drummer Martin Lamble, Fairport Convention returned with a new lineup and a different sound. They focused more traditional British folk elements, including reworked traditional songs, new compositions with an old-world feel, and instrumental folk medleys. The album peaked at No. 17 on the U.K. charts for 15 weeks, remaining a cult classic with folk rock fans.

Bringing It All Back Home — Bob Dylan

One of the pioneers of American folk rock, Bob Dylan released Bringing It All Back Home in 1965. However, this was the first of his albums to incorporate his new electric sound. Many critics felt that he was completely abandoning the traditional folk elements of his previous work, and the album was extremely divisive at the time. Still, while the first half of the album explores Dylan’s new rock and roll sound, the second half remained acoustic. Even with Bringing It All Back Home dividing the folk scene, it became Dylan’s first album to break the U.S. Top 10, and the lead single, “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” was his first charting single in the U.S. It also includes Dylan standards like “Maggie’s Farm” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

Buffalo Springfield Again — Buffalo Springfield

Released in 1967, Buffalo Springfield Again is the second album from folk rock group Buffalo Springfield, an early home of Neil Young and Stephen Stills. Again differs from the group’s debut album, as they took longer to write and record. However, that time was also riddled with conflict. Neil Young quit the band numerous times, and Bruce Palmer reentered the U.S. illegally after being deported to Canada. Each member of the group eventually produced their own material without input from the others. Still, the album was a moderate success, and has since appeared on numerous Best Albums lists from Rolling Stone and music writers Robert Christgau and Colin Larkin.

Featured Image by Charlie Steiner – Highway 67/Getty Images