Folk, World & Roots Music 2023
The Editor's Best Loved Albums 2023
1. Su-A Lee "Dialogues" (Scotland) Incredibly elegant, exceptional and stunning cello album, setting new standards for the Scottish folk cello. 2. Gudrun Walther & Andy Cutting "Conversations" (Germany/England) Mesmerising collaboration between accordion and violin, played to perfection. 3. Beth Malcolm "Kissed and cried" (Scotland) Brilliant young singer/songwriter from Scotland. 4. Vesselil "Til Kirsten" (Denmark) Beautiful, rich and elegant sound of string trio, reimagining and reinvigorating traditional Danish music.
And the remainder in alphabetical order:
Assynt "Where from here" Blazin Fiddles "XXV" Gangar "Stubb" Huldrelokkk "Flickor alle" Rüüt "kirküüt" Skerryvore "Tempus"
Walkin' Tom's Best Loved Albums
Alex Monaghan's's Best Loved Albums
Michael Engstfeld's's Best Loved Albums
Official Folk Albums Chart APRIL 2024
On Tuesday 7 May the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the April reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are 8 new releases in the April chart, including a new no. 1 and no. 2.
In at no. 1 is You Promised A Lifetime (RCA) by Myles Smith, which delivers on the meteoric popularity of the singer/songwriter’s viral singles Solo and My Home. Over the last year, Smith’s profile has sky-rocketed and this compelling collection of songs beautifully blends folk, Americana and pop stylings to winning effect.
New at no.2 is Martin Simpson’s Skydancers (Topic), his 12th full length solo record for Topic since 1992. Hot on the heels of last year's guest-packed collaboration, Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, Skydancers features another star ensemble. The title track commissioned by TV presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham, highlights the plight of the endangered Hen Harrier.
No. 5 is Live at Minack Theatre (Rough Trade) by This Is The Kit. Recorded as part of a double header at the famous open-air amphitheatre on the edge of a Cornish cliff face, this epic release features a three-piece horn section and includes choice cuts from the band’s last three critically acclaimed albums.
There’s a party in Dana Gavanski’s head and everyone’s invited - well, kind of. Late Slap (Full Time Hobby), Gavanski’s third album lands at no. 11 and gives voice to the highs and lows of the mindscape with all its joys and terrors.
Phil Odgers of legendary folk-punk band The Men They Couldn’t Hang and John Kettle, guitarist and songwriter for folk-rockers Merry Hell present Far Rockaway – The Songs of Phil Ochs (Vinyl Star), which comes straight in at no. 30. The record is a tribute to the influential 60/70s’ songwriter’s artistry.
Daisy Rickman’s sophomore release Howl (Daisy Rickman) comes in at no. 33. A homage to the sun, the stars and explorations of the cycles both within us and throughout the turning wheel of the year, KLOF Mag’s Thomas Blake calls it, “an ancient pastoral dream of an album full of contemporary resonances.”
Acclaimed double bassist, singer, arranger and composer Ben Nicholls rounds off our chart with Duets (Hudson Records) at no. 40. Featuring many of the artists he has accompanied over his 30-year career, such as Nadine Shah, Jon Boden, John Smith and Cara Dillon, the record brings his exceptional upright bass playing to the fore.
Official Folk Albums Chart MARCH 2024
On Tuesday 9 April the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the March reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
This month’s chart features an unprecedented 18 new releases - including a new no. 1 and top three!
Straight in at no. 1 is Build Something Better (Robot Needs Home) by Britain’s most relevant political songwriter Grace Petrie. Produced by folk-punk legend Frank Turner, the album is for anyone whose broken heart beats for the hope of a brighter tomorrow. This DIY release also reached no. 27 in the main UK album chart, no. 6 on the UK sales chart and no. 1 on the UK download chart in its first week.
Coming in at no. 2 is All Now (Nonesuch Records) by The Staves, which marks Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor’s first release as a duo, following their sister Emily’s departure. Far Out describe the record as, ‘simultaneously an existential nightmare and a beacon of optimism, its themes as vast as the musical talents of the Stavely-Taylor sisters themselves’.
The Light Fantastic (Townsend Music) by John Bramwell of the 2010 Mercury-nominated I Am Kloot lands at No. 3. He describes his first solo album in seven years as, ‘the most uplifting collection of songs’ of his career, despite being preceded and inspired by a tough few years of loss in many forms.
New at no. 4 is Mother (Chrysalis Records) by The Wandering Hearts, the only British act to debut at both the iconic Ryman Theatre and The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in the same week. Their new album blends flavours that bring to mind Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac and First Aid Kit.
songdreaming (Cooking Vinyl) the fourth album from Sam Lee is at No. 7. Continuing his work with producer Bernard Butler and long-term collaborator, arranger, and composer James Keay, in their five star review The Guardian describe the record as, ‘a moving tribute to Albion’s troubled soul’.
No. 8 is The Living Kind (Commoner) by John Smith. The record is a cohesive song-cycle and was cut over just four days in February 2023 in Joe Henry’s remote home in Harpswell, Maine, where temperatures dropped to -25 outside during recording.
Americana fusion duo Ferris & Sylvester’s sophomore record Otherness (Archtop) rounds off our top ten at No. 10. The album is divided into three sides: Storm, Flood and Hope. Strand magazine says, ‘The duo used a 1960s tape recorder to record some parts of the album, whilst also mixing it with modern technology, creating a distortion which aptly reflects the name of the album.’
At No. 13 is Alan Hull’s Sing A Song In The Morning Light (Cherry Red/Grapefruit), a collection of largely demo tapes from 1967-1970 by the Lindisfarne legend who passed away in 1995.
No. 15 is Between The Moon and The Milkman (Quiet Crown) by Amelia Coburn, the first full-length record from the award-winning songwriter whose distinctive voice and unique storytelling talent has seen her emerge at the forefront of an exciting new generation of alt-folk voices.
Official Folk Albums Chart FEBRUARY 2024
On Tuesday 5 March the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the February reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are 6 new releases in the February chart, including a brand-new top 3!
In at no.1, The Pendulum Swing (Cooking Vinyl) is the follow-up to Katherine Priddy’s highly acclaimed 2021 debut The Eternal Rocks Beneath. Speaking about the new album Katherine says; “my songs have matured since my debut, seeing as most of those were written in my childhood, but despite moving forward and feeling the need to do something different with this second release, I still can’t help but return to those fundamental, unchanging things at the root of it all: home, family, love.”
Close behind at no.2 is Sea Songs (Deutsche Grammophon) by Bryn Terfel. Featuring a whole host of special guests, including Sting, Sir Simon Keenlyside, Fisherman’s Friends and Calan, the album presents a rich and diverse repertoire of traditional music with sea shanties, spirited sailor songs and maritime folk tunes in brand new arrangements.
At no.3 is The Pilgrim, Their God and the King of My Decrepit Mountain (Heavenly Recordings). The latest release from South-London-based 6-piece Tapir! follows a three-act structure –as three four-track EPs which tell the story of an ambiguous red creature known as The Pilgrim, on a journey across a mythical landscape of eerie forests, stormy seas and unholy mountains populated by beasts, injured birds and idealised eidolons. A fantastical offbeat fable carried along by heartfelt vocals and the band’s idiosyncratic melodies.
The Longest Johns are in at no.10 with their new offering Voyage (Jetsam). Their 5th studio album, which was funded entirely by their loyal fanbase, comes 10 years after the Bristol-based band first met and promises a unique take on traditional folk and shanties, informed by seafaring history and inspired by key moments and landmarks which have sparked stories, tales and legends throughout the centuries. The album release is accompanied by a UK, Europe, US and Canadian tour throughout 2024.
At no.30 is Spin (Make Believe) by Scottish fiddlers, RANT. After a decade performing together both traditional and self-penned music, this album sees their take on influential tracks from their formative years including tracks from Capercaillie, Solas, JPP, Vasen and Liz Carroll.
The final new entry on this month’s chart comes from neo-trad trio Project Smok with The Outset (Project Smok) at no. 33. The second album from the Glasgow-based band builds on the genre-bending style the group is well-known for, with more new-age pop and electronic influences.
Official Folk Albums Chart JANUARY 2024
On Tuesday 6 February the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the January reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are 3 new releases in the January chart, plus a new no. 1.
Rising back to no. 1 is Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll (BC Recordings) by The Mary Wallopers, which entered the charts at no. 1 in October 2023. The album captures the chaos, humour and excitement of the band’s live shows whilst also showcasing the emotion of the traditional ballads that they play.
Straight in at no. 2 is All Aboard (Island Records), the tenth album by Port Isaac’s shanty singers, The Fisherman's Friends. This, their fifth album released with Island Records, showcases a compelling mix of traditional sea shanties from the 18th century, coupled with a touch of the 20th and 21st centuries.
In at no. 6 is Les Cousins - The Soundtrack Of Soho's Legendary Folk & Blues Club (Cherry Red / Strawberry) by Various Artists including Paul Simon, Nick Drake, Shirley Collins, and more. Les Cousins was a folk and blues club in the basement of a restaurant in Greek Street, in London’s Soho, which became a home and the epicentre for the folk revival of the mid-1960s. Compiled and annotated by folk historian and fRoots editor/publisher Ian Anderson, who also played at the venue, this album pays tribute to a unique time and place in UK folk music history.
Martyn Joseph comes in at no. 10 with his 27th studio album, This Is What I Want To Say (Pipe), the product of a 40 year musical journey. The raw, honest observations in this stripped-back acoustic rendition reflect Joseph's commitment to social justice and love. The album is described by Folk Radio as, 'Songs of love and longing, of place and time, of finding certainty amid contradictions, this is what he wants to say, and, as ever, he says it with heartfelt eloquence and is always worth hearing.'
Official Folk Albums Chart DECEMBER 2023
On Tuesday 9 January the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the December reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are 6 new releases in the December chart, including a new no. 1.
Straight in at no. 1 is Light Years (Pure) by BBC Folk Award winner and Mercury Prize nominee Kate Rusby. She released this, her seventh Christmas and twenty-second overall album, on December 1st, coinciding with her fiftieth birthday. With over thirty years in music, she reflects on the enduring pleasure and privilege of her journey, expressing gratitude for a continued passion for music-making.
No. 6 is Glad Christmas Comes (Hudson) by Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden. The album was recorded in Sheffield earlier this year, it features songs with Emily Portman (The Furrow Collective) & Tim van Eyken (War Horse), Morris dancing from Ewan Wardrop, Brass from Yorkshire’s own Backstage Brass and was produced by long-time collaborator Andy Bell.
Lankum take no 15 with their latest release, Live In Dublin (Rough Trade). Recorded during three sold-out nights at Vicar Street, the album showcases Lankum's diverse catalogue, including the official release of the track 'The Rocky Road To Dublin' following their fourth studio album False Lankum.
In at no 23 is Beflean – An Alternative History 2002-23 (Managed Decline) by Jim Moray. Featuring acoustic renditions recorded at Abbey Road Studios, capturing a rich, authentic sound through iconic microphones, the album revisits well-loved classics and introduces new versions of cherished songs from a two-decade span.
We Know By The Moon (Hudson) by Furrow Collective takes no. 24. Produced by Andy Bell, the album merges Glasgow and Sheffield influences, complemented by enchanting illustrations from May Farrell. The record showcases the band's diverse musical talents, and its stories traverse Gaelic laments, Robert Burns, Schubert influences, and more.
No 36 is Spell Songs latest release, Gifts Of Light (Hudson); a live album documenting their captivating performances during the 2022 Spring tour at Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Natural History Museum in 2021. The live recordings features enchanting tracks, and captures the powerful impact of their concerts, marked by standing ovations, emotional moments, and smiles.
Official Folk Albums Chart NOVEMBER 2023
On Tuesday 5 December the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the November reporting period in the UK by UK and Irish artists. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
There are 12 new releases in the November chart, including a new no. 1.
Straight in at no. 1 is The Moon Also Rises (Transgressive) by Johnny Flynn & Robert Macfarlane. The album gathers songs that Johnny and Robert have written together since finishing their first joint album, Lost In The Cedar Wood (2021). It fuses poetry, story, landscape, history, nature and myth into a series of rich, strange songlines that criss-cross time and place, joining winter to spring, ancient to present and birth to death.
No. 2 is Thea Gilmore (Mighty Village) by Thea Gilmore. Born from preceding EPs, the album is written, played and produced entirely by the artist. Emerging from the personal revelations in her prior release, Afterlight, she offers a resilient perspective on the world.
First Loves & White Magnolias (Communion) by Bear’s Den comes in at no. 3. The folk-pop duo’s latest release follows on from their chart-topping album Blue Hours (2022) and contribution to the Apple TV+ series Trying.
Smoke Fairies come in at no. 6 with their sixth studio album Carried in Sound (Year Seven). Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire’s latest release has been hailed by Uncut Magazine as, their "most spectacular yet". The album reflects inner strength and tackling darkness with a longing for light.
Cyrm (Claddagh) by ØXN lands at no. 7. The collaboration’s debut album melds experimental doom folk from Radie Peat (Lankum), the motorik euphoria of John ‘Spud’ Murphy and Eleanor Myler (Percolator) and Katie Kim’s glorious Lynchian meta-verse.
No. 8 is John Francis Flynn’s Look Over the Wall See the Sky (River Lea Recordings). In his latest album John Francis Flynn unpicks traditional songs and rearranges them with emotional force, evoking the space between past and present, analogue and digital, love and tragedy.
In at no. 10 is Catrin Finch & Aoife Ni Bhriain’s debut collaborative album Double You (Bendigedig). Dublin's versatile violinist Aoife Ni Bhriain and Welsh harpist Catrin Finch offer a captivating journey, drawing inspiration from diverse genres and celebrating the cultures of the artists’ home countries.
Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones’s seasonal album Wesselbobs (Selwyn Music) comes in at no. 19. The powerhouse folk duo present a collection of winter songs and tunes sourced from Yorkshire, offering unique versions of classic seasonal material packed with rich traditions and yuletide tales.
No. 22 is Sooner After Solstice – A Transatlantic Folk Christmas (Sungrazing) by A Winter Union, featuring Gilmore & Roberts, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage and Jade Rhiannon of The Willows. This joyful record captures the individual and collective talents of the all-star band in a collection of original compositions and re-imagined classics.
Roots 2 (Hands On Music), the latest album by Show of Hands, comes in at no. 29. This anthology is a musical journey through three decades, featuring anthemic classics alongside haunting melodies, capturing the essence of their extraordinary thirty-year career.
Bex Burch’s debut solo album There is Only Love and Fear (International Anthem) lands at no. 39. She describes her sound as "messy minimalism". The album explores a unique sonic universe, blending experimental elements and harmonics, symbolizing a musical journey rooted in openness and magic.
You Are Wolf’s third studio album, Hare // Hunter // Moth // Ghost (Firecrest), is at no. 40. You Are Wolf is the folk project of composer/author Kerry Andrew. The album explores transformation through traditional folk songs and originals, influenced by drone, electronica and alt-pop.
The Official Folk Albums Chart is a Top 40 chart, released monthly. It is open to artists where at least one band member is a UK or Irish musician. Charts are based on physical sales, digital downloads and streams. Charts will be sent out by email on request on the first Monday of every month and will be available to view at
englishfolkexpo.com and officialcharts.com. Tracks from the full Top 40 folk albums can be heard at the
Official Folk Albums Chart Spotify Playlist
WOMEX ’24 in Manchester, UK - 23-27 October 2024
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