Nothing feels better than listening to the soul-stirring melodies and heartwarming lyrics of acoustic music. Acoustic music has a quality of taking you to a different world of music altogether. It's a genre that does not use the synthesized components of instruments, unlike contemporary music filled with electronic beats. But with so much variety in this genre, it can take time to choose where to start.
Below, we'll take you through the rich history of acoustic music and also explore the best songs/artists that have come from this genre of music. Whether you're a seasoned acoustic music enthusiast, folk music lover, or a beginner, this guide will point you in the right direction.
What is Acoustic Music?
Acoustic music, similar to folk music, solely or primarily uses instruments that produce sound through acoustic means, including guitars, violins, and pianos, as opposed to electric or electronic means. This genre has a unique way of touching the hearts of those who listen to it. The charm of acoustic music lies in its simplicity and pure sound, contrasting with the modern trend of heavy electronic effects in music today.
When it comes to acoustic music, it's all about the pure, harmonious blend of instruments without any electronic devices. Think of a serene piano melody or the delicate strumming of a guitar. While amplifiers may sometimes be used in concerts or recordings, they only enhance the music without altering its natural essence.
The true magic of acoustic music lies in its ability to calm and soothe the soul. Just like the sounds of nature - flowing water, singing birds, or gentle ocean waves - acoustic music has a way of rejuvenating and enlivening our inner selves. It's a delightful mix of intensity and tranquility, transporting you to a world where stress fades away, and everything feels serene.
History of Acoustic Music
Acoustic music is a genre that's been around for a long time and continuously evolving. Did you know that the first-ever acoustic instrument was the human voice? People have been singing and creating music with their voices for thousands of years. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument is the flute, believed to be around 43,000 years old. It's said to have originated in Central Europe, where people used it as a tool for hunting and performing religious rituals.
As time passed, people began crafting other acoustic instruments. By 1800, instruments similar to modern-day guitars had become very popular. Luthier Antonio de Torres Jurado was the one who started making larger-bodied guitars, which became a hit across Europe. Other instruments, like the double bass, also came into being around this time. In the 19th century, guitars became recognized as musical instruments played at big concerts and events.
Although electric instruments became more common during the 20th century, several stringed instruments, such as the violin, viola, and cello, stayed acoustic. The violin became an accepted instrument during the 16th and 17th centuries, thanks to luthiers like Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Amati, who pioneered the development of the modern instrument.
In the 1960s, as rock music was being born, some bands started to play acoustic songs. This gave rise to acoustic rock, a genre that became increasingly popular throughout the 1990s - artists like Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Nirvana even performed acoustic versions of their hits for the MTV Unplugged series.
Pop music is also no stranger to acoustic sounds. Some pop musicians started making acoustic versions of their songs, creating an acoustic pop sub-genre. Songs like "True" by Ryan Cabrera and "Exile" by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver are some examples of this style. By the 2000s, indie musicians began to make acoustic songs among the most dominant music. Bands like Green Day, Oasis, Bright Eyes, and many others brought popularity to the "contemporary acoustic" genre. Acoustic music is loved for its simplicity - you can just pick up a guitar and start playing without any fancy equipment. It's also budget-friendly and perfect for creating a chilled vibe indoors. Acoustic music is still going strong, and it's not going anywhere soon. Throughout music history, acoustic songs have been at the heart of it all. From classic tunes to the latest love ballads, acoustic music remains a timeless favorite for music lovers everywhere.
Best Acoustic Songs
Acoustic music has so much variety that you could make a list of hundreds of songs and still have completely unique tracks each time. Many Acoustic guitar players have also complemented this versatility with their unique style and technique to add a distinctive touch to the genre's overall sound. That said, if you're completely new to the genre, the ten songs below have a great sampling of the best acoustic songs you can find.
- “Son” by Logan Ransley
- “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
- “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
- “The Only Exception” by Paramore
- “Hotel California” by The Eagles
- “Paper Hearts” by Tori Kelly
- “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
- “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
- “Hard Place” by H.E.R.
Top 10 Acoustic Artists
The acoustic music genre has produced several top-notch artists since its inception. Hence, trying to bail down the best acoustic artists is a challenging task. With that said, here are ten of the top acoustic musicians of all time who have defined the acoustic music genre:
- Simon and Garfunkel
- Neil Young
- Johnny Cash
- Bob Dylan
- The Eagles
- Joni Mitchell
- James Taylor
- Elliott Smith
- Jack Johnson
- Nick Drake
Enjoy Acoustic Music at its Finest
If you want to experience the heartfelt melodies and captivating storytelling of acoustic songs, check out other captivating folk-inspired acoustic songs by Logan Ransley.
- "Crossroads" by Logan Ransley
- "I Don't Know Where I'm Going" by Logan Ransley
- "All I Want" by Logan Ransley
- "Expectation" by Logan Ransley
- "Gwendoline" by Logan Ransley
Conclusively, acoustic music is a broad category that fits a wide range of musical acts and genres into its blanket. Its primary characteristic is using instruments that take no power, making it generally a quieter and more relaxing genre. Acoustic music has made up the bulk of music history up until modern days and remains one of the most popular categories of music.