The latest in a series of albums remixing A-list pop with regional styles (see Rhythms Del Mundo: Cuba), this has a Mali-centric house band, and the effect is sweetly disorienting: Chris Martin's "Viva La Vida" vocals meet galloping drums; Mumford & Sons play their English chorales against a South African equivalent. It doesn't always click. But it's a righteous and illuminating culture clash. 

Listen to 'Rhythms Del Mundo: Africa'

“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”