AllMusic 2015 Year in Review
Favorite Latin and World Albums
Whether it was the sounds of Cambodia-obsessed Dengue Fever, the profoundly unique debut from Ibeyi, bachata superstar Prince Royce's star-studded new album or the latest from long-running Mexican rock icons Maná, there was much to enjoy on the global music scene in 2015.
The Spanish singer and songwriter pushes many musical boundaries in a provocative, breathtaking collection.
This large-scale work based on Allen Grossman's poetry is a masterful creation of artful sophistication and accessibility.
Benjamin Biolay / Nicolas Fiszman
An excellent tribute to the iconic songwriter that's loose, jazzy, and imaginative, yet utterly faithful to the source material.
Striking a perfect balance between atmosphere and artistry, Amor Supremo presents Morrison as anything but a traditional Latin pop star.
More eclectic and passionate music from this Cambodian-obsessed LA combo; one of their most flavorful and satisfying efforts yet.
The singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger offers an encounter with musical traditions of Africa and the Caribbean via spiritual L.A. soul.
"Soledad," "Guaya Guaya," and "Yo Soy de Aqui" top the large list of highlights on the reggaeton Don's return.
The debut full-length from the South African supergroup weds electronic music to township traditions, punk, funk, and psych.
The rapper, producer, and songwriter combines new styles, beats, and sonic approaches in his futuristic brand of reggaeton.
The great songwriter and accordionist greatly ups his own creative ante with this excellent 26-track album.
The killer debut from French-Cuban twins who wed Afro-Cuban sounds and rhythms to electro doom soul.
Eight urban-styled songs from the reggaeton Queen's album Vendetta: The Project are collected on this smaller set.
The sibling duo offer a new level of maturity and sophistication on their finest outing to date.
El Divo of Juarez returns to the studio to reimagine many of his hits with an all-star cast of vocal guests.
Kwashibu Area Band / Pat Thomas
Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band
The "Golden Voice of Africa," with old friends and younger players, delivers a killer program of highlife and Afrofunk.
La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de René Camacho
After two decades, these Sinaloans reveal their singular sophistication on this mighty collection of brass- and woodwind-driven tunes.
This great Mexican regional dance quintet pull out all the stops with fine songs, breathtaking rhythms, and passionate performances.
After five years, the Italian superstar returns with a stirring album of all new material.
The singer and songwriter's militant album about Mexico is also her most musically ambitious and emotionally intimate.
On their first album in nearly four years the Mexican rockers expertly balance pop accessibility and rock & roll swagger.
With an all-star international cast, the bassist creates massive grooves and infectious melodies to link the past to the future.
The singer/songwriter delivers an intimate, poignant, quietly powerful collection of heartbreak songs on this gem of an album.
Exhilarating debut album from the architect of South Africa's hyperkinetic Shangaan electro sound.
Primavera en Salonico / Savina Yannatou
The Greek vocalist and Primavera en Salonico offer a beguiling musical portrait of Thessaloniki's rich cultural history.
With Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Snoop Dogg as guests, the bachata superstar's first primarily English album is a sexy success.
On his best offering in more than 15 years, the superstar delivers a collection of global dancefloor grooves and killer ballads.
Serge Kakudji / Fabrizio Cassol / Rodriguez Vangama
What makes this all so extraordinary is that there is absolutely nothing of pat pastiche about it, or even of experiment. A real triumph.
The Indonesian jazz-rockers captured in an exploratory, sprawling yet focused set recorded live at Baltimore's Orion Studio.
The Norwegian kantele player, composer, and singer explores the mysteries of nature on a primarily instrumental recording.
The West African group's follow-up to its 2013 breakout is an exhilarating mix of regional traditions, rock flair, and dazzling musicianship.
Makes a King "Mumachokela Mafumu"
The Swedish-Malawian duo offer up another alluring amalgamation of politically charged Afro-pop and European house music.
Totó La Momposina / Totó La Momposina y Sus Tambores
A wonderful, remixed, re-imagining of the singer's classic La Candela Viva, containing alternate takes and new songs.
Exploring a range of rhythmic styles inside salsa, the singer executes one of the sharpest records of his career.