JustFolk – ‘The Best of JustFolk 2012-2025’ [Album Review]

Folk-rock trio JustFolk recently released their compilation album, The Best of JustFolk 2012-2025, a collection of tracks exploring motifs of love, hope, existence, and mortality.

JustFolk is made up of Todd Kolod (guitar, vocals), Manolo Diaz (electric guitar), and Steven Gores (keyboards).

Vocalist/guitarist Todd Kolod shares, “JustFolk is a studio band that I formed in 2012 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I wrote the music and lyrics and sang unpolished lead vocals, often with a John Lennon-esque double track boost. The songs are about love, life, and death. I am the only amateur. The rest of the band is made up of professionals. Thank God!  We published 4 albums and several singles in 13 years. Our previous album, “Grounded,” is a hopeful concept album about death and dying. Though the band has now officially retired, I was proud of what we had accomplished.  In 2015, I moved to Ibiza, Spain. We continued to record with musicians in Minnesota and Montana. Sadly, our music is known to only a few. The Best of JustFolk 2012-2025 is an opportunity to give the world a second chance. I cut my teeth on the Beatles and came of age with Neil Young.  As an adult, I was inspired by Jeff Lynne’s production. These were my guides. I always searched for vocal and instrumental hooks. The more the merrier.”

Encompassing a baker’s dozen of tracks, highlights on the album include “Look What You’ve Done,” featuring a gently rolling piano-driven melody that’s simultaneously quixotic and cathartic. Vaguely reminiscent of John Lennon, it’s a gratifyingly beautiful song.

A personal favorite because of its back-and-forth swaying motion, “So Much” sees Kolod taking his voice down a notch, adding darker timbres, which in turn add solemnity to the lyrics. Soft harmonies imbue the lyrics with a wonderful, misty glow.

For some reason, “Can’t Stop Your Dreams” recalls The Beatles backed by Procol Harum. A loose rhythmic crunch and hints of psychedelic flavors give the melody a dreamy, lysergic feel.

“Rievertown” conjures up suggestions of Neil Young, with its trundling melodic feel and Kolod’s phrasing. There’s a looming portentous sense to the melody, like an imminent darkness waiting to envelop listeners.

JustFolk montage, image courtesy of JustFolk

Whereas “Say Goodbye” summons up hints of CSN&Y because of its edgier rock textures and loose harmonics, a bit dirty and almost impromptu. Kolod’s vocals reveal introspective nuances that are melancholic yet thankful, as if appreciative of enjoying a few moments of respite.

There’s an upbeat, happy undercurrent to “Don’t Turn the Lights Out,” a song straight out of the ’70s. Listen to the finessed bassline on this track, sometimes popping, at other times walking on big fat shoes.

The Best of JustFolk 2012-2025, a brilliant folk album, simply confirms that Todd Kolod et al were born 50 years too late.

The Best of JustFolk 2012-2025 Track Listing:

1. Look What You’ve Done
2. So Much
3. Can’t Stop Your Dreams
4. Midwestern Girl
5. Rivertown 03:05
6. All I Really Want
7. Coma Tonight
8. Say Goodbye
9. Never Too Late
10. Don’t Turn the Lights Out
11. Protest to Survive
12. Dirty Sky
13. What Was I Thinking?

Run Time: 45:20
Release Date: December 9, 2025
Record Label: Independent