Folk Rock combines folk’s diatonic harmonies with rock’s energetic rhythms. Acoustic and electric worlds intertwine to form a niche all its own.

The subgenre dates back to the mid-1960s with acts such as Roger McGuinn and Bob Dylan. The Byrds are credited with scoring the first folk rock hit with “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The rise of the style is attributed to a plethora of American and British artists, from Paul Simon and David Crosby to The Animals and The Searchers.

Folk rock emphasizes well-crafted lyrics, melodic arrangement, and lively production. The standard band usually features acoustic guitar, electric bass, drums, fiddle, and banjo, among other instruments. While the anthems tend to be short in duration, there are songs that exhibit ambitious structure.

Artists:

• Neil Young
• Leonard Cohen
• Buffalo Springfield
• Joni Mitchell
• Simon & Garfunkel