Essential Acoustic Albums

I’ve recently been in this phase of listening to minimalist, acoustic/folk, singer/songwriter music. Music that is truly interesting with only a few instruments and a voice – really experiencing the heart of a songwriter. Some of these albums are recent listens, while others I’ve had for a while that are essential.

Michael Pritzl “Hollow Songs” – Music that bleeds emotion. Whatever that means, Michael (mastermind of the Violet Burning) does it like no other. This is great songwriting – honest about struggles, worshipful, and musically diverse all at the same time. One of my favs.

Iron & Wine “Our Endless Numbered Days” – Love the music of Sam Beam. Great voice, haunting harmonies, interesting style. This is a beautiful, relaxing album.

Andrew Smith “Escape Velocity” – Instrumental acoustic guitar on steroids. I want to play guitar like this in heaven.

Bon Iver “For Emma, Forever Ago” – This is a recent fav. Very popular in the indie world right now. Songwriting born out of some deep pain. This guy achieves a spacious, ambient vibe that is irresistible and different for acoustic singer/songwriters.

Derek Webb “She Must & Shall Go Free” & “Mockingbird” – Go buy Derek’s albums. Brilliant.

Gabriel Wilson “Lovely is Death” – Lead singer of “The Listening” strips it down a bit. Gorgeous.

Sufjan Stevens “Seven Swans” – The genius who is influencing everybody. This is a wonderful album on the spiritual life. Please check out ‘The Transfiguration’.

The Welcome Wagon “Welcome to the Welcome Wagon” – Produced by Sufjan Stevens and definitely bears his mark. This is a labeled as “Sacred Folk Songs”. Beautiful spiritual songs by a great husband/wife duo.

William Fitzsimmons “The Sparrow & the Crow” – A sad album, but an honest one. Great voice, great sounds. I love the flow of this album and the use of some electronics.

Any others that I need to know about?

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