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
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First posted 8/27/2024; last updated 8/28/2024. |
