Yoshiko Sai Is Luminous on the Reissued ‘Mikkou’
Yoshiko Sai emerges as a true luminary unlike any other, holding together an eclectic palette with unshakeable artistic sensibilities and a truly fathomless mind.
Adriane Pontecorvo
Adriane Pontecorvo grew up in San Francisco noise scenes and writes about music from everywhere. She is a music programmer and producer for community radio station WFHB and a PhD candidate in Indiana University’s Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology.
Neba Solo and Benego Diakité Are Masters of Their Traditions
Neba Solo and Benego Diakité have a subtle leadership, guiding other musicians who record with them, filling out ten gently intricate tracks with aural warmth.
Da Cruz Revolutionize the Dancefloor on ‘Som Sistema’
The combination of African, South American, and Caribbean pop styles, timely themes, and impeccable club vibes make Da Cruz’s new album the best yet.
Tigran Hamasyan Seeks Meaning on Rapturous ‘Manifeste’
Tigran Hamasyan’s Manifeste is a journey, profoundly personal and rooted in the world, seeking purpose within it. It’s moving and aurally rapturous.
Sonetos del Amor Oscuro Brilliantly Set Lorca to Music
Sonetos del Amor Oscuro adapt seven Lorca works into six artful tracks that interpret not only the words but the spirit of his final works to poignant effect.
Imarhan Brilliantly Re-Invent Their Sound on ‘Essam’
Algeria’s Imarhan may be one of tishoumaren’s most dynamic contemporary acts, and on Essam, they only get more interesting.
Wesli Follows Diasporic Threads Through Haiti
With Makaya, Wesli places Haiti on a deeply interconnected world map and underscores the power of creative acts of solidarity and revolution.
Amadou & Mariam Bid a Poignant Farewell
Amadou & Mariam’s final album is a testament to their creative and personal chemistry. Their music has always been able to brighten a room.
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The 10 Best Global Music Albums of 2025
The best global music albums represent ten especially powerful examples of musical communion from the past year that defy the frictional fictions of borders.
Antibalas Get Back to Basics on ‘Hourglass’
Hourglass is Antibalas through and through: no novelties, no gimmicks, all consummate professionalism. That is a comfort.
Da Lata Celebrate 25 Years with ‘Edge of Blue’
Da Lata’s music is warm, soulful, and made in collaboration with artists working with musical styles that have emerged from African-Brazilian interchanges.
Syd dePalma Leads Us to an Uncanny ‘Paris’
Syd dePalma’s Paris is dreamlike. Echoes abound, sculpting recognizable rock, folk, and pop stylings into imaginative new shapes.