Some folks think "folk" refers to every type of music. Others are more traditional, considering only older topical songs to be folk songs. I decided to take a look somewhere in the middle; so I developed this list of pop stars who could pass as folksingers if they'd just lose their flashy pop facade.
Some of these folks made the cut because of their lyrical content; others have the bleeding heart of a folk singer. Others are advocates for peace, justice, human rights, and other issues.
1. Tupac Shakur
© Interscope Records
Tupac's approach to some of the most difficult topics won him a devoted following during his unfortunately short life. While critics blast his lyrics for promoting violence, many argue Tupac was turning the turbulence he saw around him into a constructive outlet, using the instruments he had available to him. His songs of struggle and empowerment have become anthemic inspiration to newbie MCs and hip-hop artists alike.
Purchase/Download: "Brenda's Got a Baby"
2. Pink
photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
When Pink came on the scene in the mid-1990s, her image was that of a typical teen queen pop star. But with the release of her sophmore album, Misundaztood, she clarified her mission to exist outside of the mold of the typical pop icon. Since then, she has used the opportunity to be a pop star by recording songs that address difficult social topics not typically addressed on pop albums, including rape, abuse, and even President Bush and the War in Iraq.
3. U2
photo: ShowBizIreland/Getty Images
On the 2006 Grammys telecast, Bono announced his band isn't a rock band, really, but more of a folk band. I don't know if I'd go that far, but U2 has certainly done their part—writing socially and politically conscious songs that incite and inspire their audience. Lead singer, Bono, has also become a rather active advocate on Capitol Hill, meeting with congresspeople, senators, and even the president, to discuss issues related to peace, human rights, and AIDS in Africa.
Purchase/Download: "Pride"
4. Mary J. Blige
photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Mary J. had me with the release of her album No More Drama in 2001. On it, she addressed violence (at home, as well as references to the war), and feminist empowerment. She has become a highly respected r&b vocalist who does not shy away from singing songs about important social issues; and turning them into catchy songs that anyone can sing along with, at that.
Purchase/Download: "No More Drama"
5. Shakira
photo: Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
Colombian pop diva Shakira is an obvious pick for this list, if for no other reason than she manages to integrate the music, instruments, and rhythms native to her country, with the formulaic styles of American pop music. It's fair to say that at least half of what Shakira does (if not considerably more than half) can be considered Colombian folk music.
Purchase/Download: "No"
6. Eminem
photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images
Sure, his lyrics shouldn't be taken as gospel by young tweens, but that doesn't mean he's not being honest in dealing with some very difficult, seemingly insurmountable social issues. Eminem's songs have gotten people talking about things they're uncomfortable talking about, which is certainly a goal of many folk artists. As he's hinted at on several occasions, it's not Eminem's music that really angers people, it's the overall isues he brings up.
Purchase/Download: "Lose Yourself"
7. Green Day
photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
With the release of their 2004 album American Idiot, Green Day unleashed their capacity for socially conscious, navel-gazing political commentary. The title track on the album, as a matter of fact, was an attack on American media—a topic many folk singers love to decry.
Purchase/Download: "American Idiot"
