All-Time Best Angel Olsen Songs

Some of Angel Olsen's most beloved tracks include 'Shut Up Kiss Me' and 'Sister' from 'My Woman' (2016), 'Unfuck the World' from 'Phases' (2017), 'All the Good Times' and 'Big Time' from her 2022 album, and 'Forgiven/Forgotten' from 'Burn Your Fire for No Witness.' 'Sister' is often considered her signature song - it's an anthemic, building track that showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. 'Shut Up Kiss Me' is probably her most accessible pop song.

Most critics and fans recommend starting with 'My Woman' (2016), which is often considered her masterpiece. It's the perfect balance of her folk roots and her more experimental tendencies, featuring both intimate ballads and expansive rock songs. If you want something more recent, 'Big Time' (2022) is also excellent and shows her country influences. For those who prefer stripped-down folk, her earlier album 'Burn Your Fire for No Witness' (2014) is beautiful but more subdued.

Yes, Angel Olsen came out publicly in April 2021, initially identifying as gay, and later in 2022 shared that she identifies as pansexual. Her album 'Big Time' (2022) was deeply influenced by her experience of falling in love with a woman, coming out, and simultaneously losing both of her parents. This period of major life changes - love, loss, and self-discovery - heavily influenced her songwriting. She's been open about how these experiences shaped her music and personal growth.

Angel Olsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1987, but she's been based in Asheville, North Carolina for much of her career. She was adopted and raised by foster parents who were significantly older than typical parents, which influenced her perspective and songwriting. Asheville's indie music scene helped nurture her early career, and the mountain town setting often influences the atmospheric quality of her music.

Angel Olsen lost both of her adoptive parents within a short period around 2019-2021, during the same time she was falling in love and coming out. This profound loss, combined with new love and self-discovery, became the emotional core of her 2022 album 'Big Time.' She's spoken about how processing grief while simultaneously experiencing joy and new love created a complex emotional landscape that deeply influenced her songwriting. The album deals with themes of loss, love, and finding yourself later in life.

Angel Olsen started performing music in the early 2000s and was part of the indie folk band Cass McCombs before going solo. She released her debut EP 'Strange Cacti' in 2010 and her first full album 'Half Way Home' in 2012 on a shoestring budget. She gained attention through the indie music scene, particularly with her powerful live performances. Her voice and songwriting ability quickly set her apart, and she's steadily built a devoted fanbase over more than a decade of consistent, evolving work.

Angel Olsen's most recent full album is 'Big Time' from June 2022, which received widespread critical acclaim. She also released the 'Forever Means' EP in 2023 with unreleased tracks from the 'Big Time' sessions. She continues to tour extensively and is known for incredible live performances. Her recent work shows her leaning more into country and Americana influences while maintaining her signature indie rock sound. She's considered one of the most important indie artists of her generation and continues to evolve artistically.