The ’60s was the golden age of folk rock, and there are still plenty of old songs that harken back to the genre’s heyday. We know all the big names like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, but what about the underdog albums that never made it that far despite the immense talent of their artists? Let’s take a look at four forgotten folk-rock albums from the ’60s that we think are underrated!
1. “The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt” by The Stone Poneys
Originally, this 1967 album was simply labeled The Stone Ponies. However, when popular member Linda Ronstadt began to gain fame as a solo artist, the album was reissued with a new title to capitalize on her star power.
The Stone Poneys were Ronstadt’s first band in which she was the lead singer. Folk-rock fans often overlook this great album because Ronstadt’s name is more closely associated with ’70s-era pop songs, but we think it’s worth a thorough listen.
2. “Gray Day Celebrations” by Richard and Mimi Farina
Would this be a list of forgotten folk-rock albums without mentioning at least one husband-and-wife duo? It wouldn’t be on the label if we left them out! The semi-famous and largely underrated folk-rock duo appeared in Joan Baez’s sister, Mimi, and her husband, Richard.
Their 1965 album Gray Day Celebrations is a stunning piece of folk-rock that was a bit minimalist in nature and completely lacked drums. In fact, only a few of the songs on the album featured electric guitars. For the most part, this recording features a more modern, polished folk sound from the Appalachian region, and it works very nicely.
3. “Fred Neil” by Fred Neil
Another excellent folk-rock release from 1967, this somewhat forgotten, self-titled album by Fred Neil deserves more attention. Neal’s voice is dripping with soul, and the album as a whole blends a fair number of genres outside of folk-rock. If you like a little bit of jazz and gospel mixed with ’60s folk-rock, this is the album to listen to.
4. “Gene Clark Sings to You” by Gene Clark
We love an album that tells you exactly what you’re going to get. This 1967 release from Gene Clark features the amazing, soothing voice of the Byrds co-founder. It’s a special little piece of folk-rock history, and the original eight-track version of the album is highly sought after by music collectors. Fortunately, the internet has more or less immortalized this album in the absence of easily accessible LPs or CDs of the recordings.
Photo by Michael Oakes Archive/Getty Images
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