World Music

Not so much a genre, more a way of life, world music is as exotic, broad, and surprising as the planet itself. World music has become as big as its name. These 25 tracks offer a round-the-globe glimpse of the music's greatest artists.

Maybe one day every nation's music will sound the same. So cherish the sounds of diversity — here are 25 of the richest rhythms and traditions that shout out their nations' pride, and cross every border.

Once upon a time, every nation's music remained a mystery to its neighbours. Now we can cross the world in less than a day — and call up the most sublime sounds from every continent at the click of a mouse. Travel the world with these 25 songs, representing many different sounds from as many different places.

Not so much a genre, more a way of life, world music is as exotic, broad, and surprising as the planet itself. Take the 75 essentials we have here: whether French chansons or the distinctive rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean, this music speaks volumes, whatever the language.