[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.
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[World Music] Recommended Ethnic Music: A Collection of Folk Songs from Around the World (21–30)
Humahuacaño
[Andean Folklore] The amateur group Milca Milca, a folklore conjunto active mainly in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, performs “El Humahuaqueño.” Recorded during the live public broadcast of SBS Radio (Shizuoka Broadcasting System)’s program “Radio East.”
Cielito Lindo
Mariachi, a type of Mexican music that’s also inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“Cielito Lindo,” composed by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés, is one of the great mariachi classics and is also beloved in Mexico as a soccer chant.
Its invigorating melody, brimming with Latin flair, really sticks in your ears.
The word “mariachi” carries the sense of an ensemble or band, which means that even the same piece, like “Cielito Lindo,” can sound different depending on who performs it.
Be sure to search for a version that suits your taste.
[World Music] Recommendations for Ethnic Music: A Compilation of Folk Songs from Around the World (31–40)
The joy of love
The French-speaking world’s musical tradition, chanson.
The word itself simply means “song,” so it doesn’t refer to a specific performance method or singing style, yet it’s often associated with a relaxed tempo and a mature melodic feel.
In Japan, perhaps the best-known example is When the Cherries Are Ripe, featured in the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso.
The piece we’re introducing here, The Joys of Love, is also one of the chansons beloved around the world—a sorrowful love song about lingering feelings for a woman who has left the singer.
Living OverGreensky Bluegrass
Formed in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2000, Greensky Bluegrass is a band that brings a fresh breeze to traditional bluegrass.
Featured on their album “Shouted, Written Down & Quoted,” released in September 2016, this track beautifully harmonizes heartfelt storytelling with a refined soundscape.
It sings of the resolve to take a new step forward from past regrets, resulting in a warm song that gently encourages listeners.
The band’s hallmark—delicate performances on acoustic instruments—balances exquisitely with bold, rock-influenced arrangements, creating a piece that soothes the heart while conveying strength.
It’s highly recommended for those seeking new musical discoveries or interested in contemporary interpretations of traditional music.
BergvagabundenTakeo Ischi
A folk song that depicts an exhilarating adventure set in the Alpine mountains has long been loved in the German-speaking world.
Created by Takeo Ischi, a Japanese artist based in Germany, this piece is a popular track from 2003 included on the album “Der Import-Hit aus Japan.” It masterfully celebrates majestic nature and the earth, as well as the bonds of companionship, blending traditional yodeling techniques with modern arrangements in perfect harmony.
You can fully enjoy the refined vocal skill and expressive power characteristic of Takeo Ischi, also known for “Chicken Attack,” which surpassed 25 million views on YouTube in 2017.
Listen to it before a mountain climb or when immersing yourself in the great outdoors, and you’ll feel your heart set free and your energy stirred.
Recuerdos de Ypacarai
Guarania is a musical genre born in Paraguay.
It is characterized by instrumental performances featuring the arpa, a type of harp, and melodies with a wistful atmosphere.
Paraguay has another genre called polka, which developed independently from the Czech dance and refers to pieces with a bright tone.
As you can tell by listening to the piece we’re introducing, “Recuerdos de Ypacaraí,” the sentimental musicality of guarania has a compelling charm that moves our hearts even here in distant Japan.
A night longing for you
[Guarania (Paraguay)] “Mis Noches Sin Ti” composed by Demetrio Ortiz.
Performed by the Latin American trio Los Tres Amigos.
The members are Luis Carlos, Luis Sartor, and Ricky Rodríguez.