Best World Music

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Rankings are calculated based on verified user reviews, recency of updates, and community voting weighted by user reputation score.

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Best 1 Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival
From £335 (including camping)

Glastonbury, held in Somerset, England, is a sprawling, iconic festival known for its eclectic lineup and unique atmosphere. It features a wide range of music genres, from rock and pop to folk and wor...

9.8 Brilliant
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2 Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club

This 1997 self-titled album brought the forgotten legends of Cuban music back to the world stage. Produced by Ry Cooder, the record is a warm, intimate, and masterfully performed collection of son, bo...

9.8 Brilliant
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3 Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel is a world-renowned acoustic guitarist known for his virtuosic fingerstyle playing and storytelling through music. His performances blend folk, country, and world music, captivating aud...

9.5 Brilliant
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4 Ray of Light - Madonna
Ray of Light - Madonna

Madonna's 'Ray of Light' marked a significant shift in her musical direction, embracing electronica and incorporating influences from world music. Produced largely by William Orbit, the album features...

9.4 Excellent
5 Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a living encyclopedia of roots music. His career has been defined by his exploration of the blues in all its forms, from the Delta to the Caribbean and Africa. A multi-instrumentalist wit...

9.4 Excellent
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6 Graceland - Paul Simon
Graceland - Paul Simon

Graceland is a vibrant and uplifting album thats ideal for a road trip, particularly one with a sense of discovery. Paul Simons collaboration with South African musicians creates a unique and infectio...

9.2 Excellent
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7 Clandestino - Manu Chao
Clandestino - Manu Chao

Manu Chao's 1998 solo debut 'Clandestino' is a lo-fi, global-folk masterpiece. Recorded on a portable studio, the album has a raw, intimate feel that perfectly complements its themes of migration, ide...

9.0 Excellent
8 Los Del Rio - Macarena
Los Del Rio - Macarena

The 1996 album 'Macarena' is synonymous with the global dance craze of the same name. While Los Del Rio had released music prior, this album's title track became a worldwide phenomenon, dominating cha...

8.8 Very Good
9 Lodger
Lodger

Lodger (1979), the final album of the Berlin Trilogy, sees Bowie incorporating elements of new wave and world music. The albums playful and experimental nature reflects Bowies ongoing artistic explora...

8.6 Very Good
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10 Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana

Carlos Santanas unique blend of blues, rock, and Latin rhythms has created a distinctive and recognizable sound. His melodic guitar playing and signature tone have earned him a global following. Santa...

8.5 Very Good
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11 Ghost-Note - Water Blue
Ghost-Note - Water Blue

Ghost-Note's 'Water Blue' is a complex and captivating instrumental funk album that draws inspiration from world music traditions. The album is driven by intricate percussion patterns and innovative s...

8.5 Very Good
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12 Rhythms of the World
Rhythms of the World

Released in 1993, 'Rhythms of the World' is a unique compilation showcasing diverse musical traditions from around the globe. Featuring artists from Africa, Asia, and South America, it offers a captiv...

8.3 Very Good
13
LU
Lux Aeterna - Dead Can Dance

Dead Can Dance's 'Lux Aeterna' is a haunting and evocative album, blending elements of neoclassical, darkwave, and world music. The album features ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and a sense of...

7.9 Good
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14 The Plato's Republic - Osibisa
The Plato's Republic - Osibisa

Osibisa's 'The Plato's Republic' (1977) is a unique and groundbreaking album blending progressive rock with African rhythms and instrumentation. The album's complex arrangements and virtuosic musician...

7.9 Good
15 Khruangbin
Khruangbin

Khruangbins unique blend of global influences and instrumental prowess has garnered them a dedicated following. Their music draws inspiration from Thai funk, surf rock, and psychedelic soul, creating...

7.8 Good
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16 Alentejo International Festival (Portugal)
Alentejo International Festival (Portugal)

The Alentejo International Festival in Portugal is a classical music festival held in historic locations throughout the Alentejo region. The festival showcases renowned musicians and offers a unique c...

7.7 Good
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