Emel Keeps Her Electropop Revolution Strong on ‘MRA’
Tunisian artist Emel’s MRA is what contemporary pop should be: a true and socially conscious mélange that makes its audiences want to listen, learn, and move.
Global Music
Avalanche Kaito’s ‘Talitakum’ Is a Jagged, Electroacoustic Dream
Avalanche Kaito’s Talitakum is one of the most intriguing albums this year so far. It’s a work of futurist folk-rock and a mixed-media sculpture.
Bagus Shidqi Sounds a Full Digital Gamelan on ‘Njondhil Njondhal’
Bagus Shidqi’s Njondhil Njondhal is a work full of heart and belief in keeping gamelan vibrant and available to contemporary practitioners and audiences.
Tuareg Guitar Godfather Abdallah Oumbadougou
Abdallah Oumbadougou’s music is astounding, with guitar lines that seep into one’s pores and lyrics addressing revolution, homesickness, and lost love.
Les Amazones d’Afrique Are Vital Voices for Women’s Empowerment
On Musow Dance, energy is as vital as ever as Les Amazones d’Afrique continue to celebrate womanhood over some of their most engaging beats to date.
The Holy Mother: Madhuvanti Pal Plays the Rudra Veena
Sublime Frequencies correct a grave injustice with this stunning new two-LP from Madhuvanti Pal, the first-ever vinyl record of a woman playing the rudra veena.
Rising Appalachia Bring Alluring Mystique to the Mystic in Petaluma
Their affinity for blending their sonic art with grassroots activism for social justice causes has made Rising Appalachia a musical voice for a better world.
Carminho Brings the Soul of Portugal to the World
Carminho’s second album Portuguesa sees the Portuguese singer nominated for a Latin Grammy, making her film debut, and performing for the Pope.
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The 10 Best Global Music Albums of 2023
The best global music comes from places around the globe and then goes to others. If you find something new, those connections therein have stretched farther.
Okan Explore Complexities of Cuban Heritage on Powerful ‘Okantomi’
On Okantomi, Okan continue to engage with many of the interwoven styles and stories critical to their own experiences of Cuban music and personhood.
Fränder’s ‘II’ Is Nordic Folk at Its Most Boundless
Sweden’s Fränder blend Scandinavian and Baltic musical traditions with global folk-rock in contemporary arrangements that are heartfelt and fresh.
Nihiloxica Stand Up For Human Rights on ‘Source of Denial’
As Nihiloxica draw from electronic, metal, hard rock, and older musical traditions, they call listeners to awareness and action with vigor and skill.
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