While contemporary folk often retains the gentleness of its more traditional parent, alternative folk combines acoustic sounds and a strong singer-songwriter bent with a more energetic, aggressive sound. Alternative folk's lyrics run the gamut from the protest music of Billy Bragg to the riot grrl feminism of Ani DiFranco to the story-based songs of Suzanne Vega and Victoria Williams; (read more)

While contemporary folk often retains the gentleness of its more traditional parent, alternative folk combines acoustic sounds and a strong singer-songwriter bent with a more energetic, aggressive sound. Alternative folk's lyrics run the gamut from the protest music of Billy Bragg to the riot grrl feminism of Ani DiFranco to the story-based songs of Suzanne Vega and Victoria Williams; many other artists compose songs with intense emotional themes, while others settle on the quiet musings that seem similar to contemporary folk songs, yet remain thematically unique.(collapse)