The best World Music albums
of the 2010s.
Where to start with 2010–2019 world music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 2010s — world music
Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.
Anggun
Thérèse – Vivre d'amour
A serene blend of heartfelt melodies and spiritual reflections, drawing from the poetry of Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux.
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Anggun
Echoes
A vibrant blend of pop, world music, and emotional balladry that showcases Anggun's powerful vocal range.
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Jovanotti
Lorenzo 2015 CC.
A vibrant fusion of pop, folk, and hip-hop that celebrates life with infectious melodies and uplifting rhythms.
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Jovanotti
Ora
A vibrant fusion of pop and hip-hop, infused with world music rhythms and heartfelt lyrical explorations.
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Leonard Cohen
You Want It Darker
A haunting blend of somber melodies and profound lyrics that explore mortality and the human condition.
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Leonard Cohen
Thanks for the Dance
Introspective melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, reflecting a lifetime of wisdom and melancholy in Leonard Cohen's final collection.
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Charles Aznavour
Toujours
A warm blend of heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics that encapsulate a lifetime of love and loss.
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Mike Oldfield
Return to Ommadawn
A serene blend of intricate acoustic melodies and ambient soundscapes that evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
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Mike Oldfield
Man on the Rocks
A blend of atmospheric melodies and rhythmic textures that reflect both introspection and the vastness of life's journey.
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Shakira
Sale el sol
'Sale el sol' showcases Shakira at a pivotal moment in her career, blending her Latin roots with mainstream appeal. It's a celebration of life and emotions that invites listeners into her world.
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Shakira
Shakira
A vibrant fusion of Latin pop and dance rhythms layered with Shakira's signature emotive vocals.
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Paul Simon
Stranger to Stranger
A rhythmic exploration of life’s uncertainties intertwined with eclectic instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
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Paul Simon
In the Blue Light
A reflective blend of folk and world music, weaving introspective narratives with Simon's signature melodic sensibility.
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Deep Forest
Deep Africa
A lush tapestry of world beats and ambient textures that transport listeners to the heart of Africa's musical landscape.
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David Murray
Be My Monster Love
An intricate blend of modern jazz and world music that evokes deep emotional landscapes and rhythmic complexity.
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David Murray
Plays Nat King Cole en Español
A vibrant homage blending jazz improvisation with the romantic essence of Latin music, echoing Nat King Cole's charm.
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Natacha Atlas
Mounqaliba
A rich tapestry of Middle Eastern melodies woven with contemporary jazz rhythms and introspective lyrics.
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Natacha Atlas
Strange Days
A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music, weaving intricate rhythms with rich vocal textures and cross-cultural influences.
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Loreena McKennitt
Lost Souls
Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting instrumentation, evoking ancient tales and landscapes through a contemporary lens.
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Loreena McKennitt
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
A haunting blend of traditional Celtic melodies and contemporary arrangements, evoking the spirit of Irish folklore.
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Cornelius
Mellow Waves
A dreamy blend of textures and rhythms that evokes a surreal, sun-soaked atmosphere filled with intricate melodies.
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Nolwenn Leroy
Bretonne
Bretonne captures the essence of Nolwenn Leroy’s artistry by blending folk-pop with world influences, allowing newcomers to understand her unique style. The thematic richness of the album provides depth while remaining approachable.
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M.I.A.
Matangi
Eclectic rhythms and bold samples blend with provocative lyrics, creating a tapestry of cultural commentary and personal expression.
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M.I.A.
Maya
A frenetic collage of global sounds and provocative lyrics punctuated by M.I.A.'s signature blend of hip-hop and electronic beats.
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