[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe
Traditional and folk music has a charm that’s different from works categorized into genres like rock, jazz, or R&B, doesn’t it? It’s like you catch a glimpse of a world different from where you are now… scenes you can’t quite put into words start to unfold in your heart.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a wide variety of folk music loved around the world.
From pieces brimming with exotic flair to songs that feel surprisingly familiar, we’ve gathered a truly broad selection! Listen to the tracks featured here and open a new door.
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- Mexican Music | Energetic Latin Tunes Make an Appearance!
- Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- Everything is stylish! Popular music in France
- Summary of ethnic musical instruments originating in Africa
- 【2026】The State of World Music Now: Introducing Masterpieces to Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures
- Flamenco masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes
- Also great as café music! Introducing famous tunes to savor the charm of musette
- Classic salsa songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Dutch Music | Introducing the Latest Tracks and Timeless Classics!
- [2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces
[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: Collection of International Folk Songs (1–10)
El Condor Pasa (The Condor Flies Away)
I imagine many of you remember learning about this in school.
The widely known cover by Simon & Garfunkel, “El Condor Pasa,” is a song from the folk tradition known as folklore that has been passed down around the Andes in South America.
As the title suggests, it’s a majestic piece that evokes the image of a condor gliding freely through the vast sky.
It’s curious how it feels both pastoral and mysterious at the same time.
Folklore isn’t a genre limited to one specific region, so there are pieces that have developed uniquely from place to place.
Flag of Dublin
Traditional Irish music, with the distinctive tone of the uilleann pipes, leaves a strong impression.
Some may be more familiar with the term “Irish music.” Although it bears the name of a country, it’s loved worldwide, especially across Europe, without borders.
When you listen, images of grand natural landscapes come to mind—its soft, rich sound paired with a lively sense of momentum is particularly striking.
The video introduced here features the band FourWinds performing “The Banner of Dublin.” Dublin is the capital of Ireland.
Copacabana
This song incorporates samba, Brazil’s world-famous folk music.
It’s a work by American composer Barry Manilow, who created hits like “Mandy.” In Japan, it’s also well known as a cheer song for high school baseball.
The lyrics depict a sad love story, which contrasts with the passionate musical style—giving it a slightly different feel from the image of samba with flamboyant costumes.
By the way, this track is often used for the ballroom dance genre “Samba.”
Los Gryffindorfitos
This is “Los Griñafitos,” from the Venezuelan folk music genre joropo.
Joropo is dance music based on a triple meter rhythm, with a history of being performed by people living in the Llanos, the vast plains stretching from Venezuela into Colombia.
As you’ll hear, it’s a passionate musical style with the atmosphere of flamenco and African folk music.
Perhaps it flourished precisely because Venezuela is a country with a multinational ethnic makeup.
Maria Lisboã
Fado, a folk music born in Portugal, is a genre characterized by richly expressive guitar playing and melodies that are both soaring and tinged with melancholy.
There’s no single rule that defines “this is fado,” but I’m sure you’ll be captivated by its lyrical world that depicts the subtleties of the heart and its emotionally stirring vocal performances.
“Maria Lisboa” is a fado classic that is even said to be the original song for Saki Kubota’s “Ihoujin.” Immerse yourself in its exotic allure.