Francis Bebey made music that was traditional and future-facing, synthesized and acoustic: worldly music, in tune with both past and present, yet never nostalgic.

What Pachyman is doing is too fresh to ignore, crossing enough lines that even the most cynical reggae skeptic will find plenty to enjoy here.

The White House will soon release a proposal that would claw back already approved public media fund

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Aesthetically cohesive, Satomimagae's Taba consists of many sounds and feelings. It's geometrically organic and takes her even further afield in invigorating ways.

Planetary Caravan is an eclectic mix of music from all corners of the world. On Planetary Caravan, we take you on sonic trips around the globe with an international array of folk, pop, and everything ...

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JakoJako's Tết 41 is a truly artful work of modular synthesizers, compelling even at its most sedate and brilliant when it opens further.

Thaba's mix of charming DIY beats and technical musical excellence, soulful lyrics, and wistful melodies makes for ephemeral moments of nostalgia and familiarity.

Psychedelic rockers XIXA introduce XOLO's key narrative, accompanied by what sounds like the soundtrack of an action-packed Western film.

If Un Autre Blanc was Salif Keita's music coming to a head, then certainly So Kono makes for a soothing and stunning denouement to his recording work

Kin'gongolo Kiniata translate vibrant existence into thrilling music with a modern punk edge and hope for the possibilities of better things that start from the ground up.

Hüma Utku has created something remarkable in Dracones. It's innovative for the unpredictability of its sounds and the honesty from a deeply felt period.

"Flamenco allows that raw expression of emotion and anger that I'm constantly feeling, the need to express, the need to fight for those who cannot," says Farnaz Ohadi.

With Sol, Raúl Monsalve and Los Forajidos add their soulful illumination to a world in which there are always bright and beautiful moments and music like this among them.

Derya Yıldırım is a revelation, an artist with the kind of (literal, figurative) voice that makes legends. She finds deep meaning in everything she does musically.

Florence Adooni has effortless, down-to-earth charisma from start to finish, from her most lighthearted moments to her most earnest.

Mdou Moctar's Tears of Injustice is cause for mourning and melancholy. It makes time for lamentation, knowing there is more to sustaining resistance than fighting with fire.

Kaito Winse takes seriously the responsibility of being a tradition bearer while still having fun. Reele Bumbou is a compelling sampler of his skills.

Dowdelin's Tchenbe! packs an emotionally nuanced punch, allowing the Creole Afro-Futurists' style to develop in promising ways.

Jupiter and Okwess make bold music that moves the body and mind. They are expert at making history and social commentary exciting.

It's always a good time to revisit music taking a stand against fascism, and Violeta Parra's Las Últimas Composiciones has some of South America's best.

A corrupt bargain has been struck between the oligarchs who own our public squares and the autocrats who aspire to own our country.

In this 'Jazz Is Dead' celebration of highlife legend, Ebo Taylor, a genuinely appreciative team revels in everything he's done in the past six decades.

Boom.Diwan's new LP is gorgeous, deeply personal work that emerges from encounters between performers with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Sababu is a decisive step forward for Aboubakar Traoré and Balima, moving them toward becoming standouts of internationally focused West African folk-pop.

Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp are a cohesive collective in which each participant is passionate about the music they make.

The 30 best pop albums of 2024 radiate with unstoppable playlist power, much-needed sweet escapism, self-reflection, self-criticism, and killer melodies.

The year's best album re-issues include rock legends, essential R&B artists, classic pop, jazz, alternative rock, global beats and so much more.