World Music: Top 25 Albums

World Music: The Top 25 Albums

Wikipedia defines world music as “is an English phrase for styles of music from non-English speaking countries, including quasi-traditional, intercultural, and traditional music.” I compiled a dozen lists of the best world music albums and consolidated them with albums in the Dave’s Music Database with albums labeled as “world music.” These are the results. Note: the act’s country of origin is listed after the album title. Check out other best-of-genre/category lists here. Paul Simon Graceland (1986): USA various artists Buena Vista Social Club (1997): Cuba Harry Belafonte Calypso (1956): USA various artists The Indestructible Beat of Soweto (1986): South Africa Tito Puento Dance Mania (1958): Puerto Rico King Sunny Adé & His African Beats Juju Music (1983): Nigeria Manu Chao Clandestino (1998): France/Spain Paul Simon Rhythm of the Saints (1990): USA Os Mutantes Os Mutantes (1968): Brazil Youssou N'Dour Immigrés (1983): Senegal Tito Puento Top Percussion (1957): USA Bulgarian National Radio and Television Chorus Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares (1988): Bulgaria Salif Keita Moffou (2002): Mali Césaria Évora Miss Perfumado (1992): Cape Verde Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan En Concert a Paris (1988): Pakistan Konono No. 1 Congotronics (2005): Congo Fela Kuti Zombie (1977): Nigeria Baobab Orchestra Pirates Choice (1982): Senegal Ali Farka Touré Savane (2006): Mali Astor Piazolla Tango: Zero Hour (1986): Argentina Amadou & Miriam Dimanche à Bamako (2005): Mali Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Mustt Mustt (1991): Pakistan Juan Luis Guerra y 440 Bachata Rosa (1990): Dominican Republic Rubén Blades & Willie Colón Siembra (1978): Puerto Rico/Panama Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music (box set: 1958-93, released 1993): Jamaica Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: other best-of-genre lists First posted 8/27/2024; last updated 8/28/2024.