Share some amazing non-English-speaking or World music for $3!

Rich · 2024-05-03T09:39:56.203Z

The USA and the UK tend to dominate popular music, even in many countries where English isn't the first language. While Just About is (for now) an English-language platform, music is a universal language, and we can all enjoy songs from all over the world...

DerRoteKonige 5/13/2024, 6:53:43 PM

If you're going to talk non-English speaking bands, one simply cannot forego mentioning "Arkona" from Russia. Classed by most in the Folk/Pagan Metal genre, Arkona has consistently found themselves at the top of the ranks. Ranging from dark and atmospheric ritual landscapes to lighter works celebrating moments in life, Arkona's works always have an air esoteric themes.

The majority of the past decade or so they have spent touring in support of their works, often times taking on grueling 9 month, multi-continent tour schedules. The crowning gems, however, come about when they play shows on native soil where they often employ choirs and orchestras. Even blending in members from other area bands for massive collaborative shows.

I discovered them fresh off their first album some 20 or so years ago and they're still going strong to this day. Of their U.S. tours, I have personally missed only one due to financial constraints at the time. If you want to see a live show that takes you to another place and time, I highly recommend catching them when go thru.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt6_65LDZ60

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaP1wDvkA6E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDrKpYn-8u8

MURRRAAAAY 5/13/2024, 5:20:18 PM

OK I just love Japan, I've never been though, but I just love the culture, the respect they have for each other, the games, the anime & all the unique stuff they are into which is why I love this song from Japanese singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu called "PonPonPon". It is SOOOO catchy, you cant help but start singing and bopping along, also its just makes you smile! This was her first single and what a banger it is!

This clip is from a live concert and check the audiance! OMG lol that is one heck of a crowd! Enjoy!

PS I would have loved to be in that crowd jumping about, it looks like such a blast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiMk4LlSi2s

L

Laser-Bicep 5/8/2024, 8:06:12 AM

I have to choose Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol

This counts as non english singing because its non sensical but the premise of what the artist was trying to achieve is really interesting.

This italian singer wrote a song in what he though american words sounded like. Non of it makes sense at all. But interestinly this song became a hit all over italy. Meaning that the beat and music plus the feel of singing in an american accent was enough to make a really great song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VsmF9m_Nt8

TheGreatestBanana12 5/5/2024, 10:51:31 AM

World Order

So I came across this Japanese band whilst browsing YouTube one day, Their music is pretty catchy and their music videos are pretty unique as they are all recorded in public places and have a robotic like dance moves which is also great to watch.

This song is a favourite of mine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mkiGMtbrPM

Have a nice day!

CelestialFlea 5/3/2024, 9:23:18 PM

I know..another Nordic themed submission from me, but it's a vibe I'm really enjoying as of late.

Eivør is a band (and is also the name of this lovely lady) from the Faroe Islands. She has an incredibly unique sound that makes her stand out, even from many of the other Nordic artists. The things she can do with those pipes of hers would put many mainstream artists in the US and UK to absolute shame.

Though granted they do both English and non-English songs I feel this one best demonstrates the range of her abilities. She's also pretty handy on the guitar too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT65X0eBTEA

FirestormGamingTeam 5/13/2024, 10:25:50 AM

I am going to share this absolute banger! This is an oldie but a classic! I became aware of Sash in college, I think this must have been when I was 17. The reason I think this song has survived the test of time is not so much the lyrics themselves when translated into English are very good in terms of meaning but because the simple beat and the way the entire song has been put together, really makes for a song that no matter your age in this day and age, everyone listens to it and thinks (well nearly everyone) this is amazing.

Sash - Encore Une Fois

https://youtu.be/qz2bOXLEvuE?si=zXdOZih0uiqS2w7j

0ffworld 5/3/2024, 1:35:12 PM

Rammstein

You read the name Rammstein and you think of angry German industrial metal, right? What if I told you this band is so much more than temperamental German lyrics and rhythm? Rammstein is actually a very controversial band and their songs cover metal hymns, parody songs, ballads, genuine love songs and taboo-adjacent topics.

If you've heard of Rammstein, you probably know songs like Du Hast (Which does not actually translate to you hate but rather you have - check out the translated lyrics and be surprised!) and Sonne (Sun). Most of the lyrics in Rammstein songs are in German but there are occasional English phrases here and there as well.

Some of the songs that I wager only Germans or die-hard fans are aware of tackle subjects such as:

Being tired of life and being a generally lethargic member of society, not doing anything, feeling like you're dead already - Keine Lust (No Passion/Drive/Pleasure)
Mourning someone who's no longer in your life, causing everything to appear empty, joyless, and sad - Ohne Dich (Without You)
America, as the land of excess, exorbitance, blind patriotism, and disregard for consequences - Amerika
All sorts of controversial topics, e.g. sex, fetishism, phallic symbology, immigration, sadism, religion, democracy - Engel (Angel), Sonne (Sun), Deutschland (Germany), Ausländer (Immigrants), and more.

Everyone has heard of Rammstein. I invite you to check out some of my favorite songs below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIPc1cfS-oQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A8bV_IEgyI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8ljRgcJNM

Kane Carnifex 5/3/2024, 1:41:50 PM

0ffworld

<3 Heimatsgefühl

But there is another Masterpiece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMQkV5cTuoY

Lanah Tyra 5/3/2024, 12:47:09 PM

How about some Mongolian metal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM8dCGIm6yc

They are becoming more popular in the west, but these guys still don't get as much attention as they should. Absolutely loving the energy of the music and the sound of the traditional instruments.

Saw them live once in Glasgow, it was an incredible show. They didn't speak much English back then and didn't have an interpreter either so all the communication with the crowd was pretty much based on the energy and all the screaming and cheering, and it worked!

BoomerMod5/3/2024, 12:55:14 PM

Lanah Tyra

This was the first band that came to my mind! 😄

I was considering sharing them, but now I'm glad otherwise I'd have stolen your submission! 😆

Lanah Tyra 5/3/2024, 1:47:15 PM

Boomer

I would have had to share some J-Rock or Hungarian music then :D

Kane Carnifex 5/3/2024, 1:19:11 PM

Lanah Tyra

Ah, praise the Internet for this.

Sturmer 5/3/2024, 1:58:40 PM

Lanah Tyra

Great pick! they are very famous!

Konquest 5/3/2024, 10:19:48 AM

This is one of my favorite instrumental pieces, it is played using the Sape which is a lute like traditional instrument of the indigenous people of Borneo. The artist is Jerry Kamit a local artist who plays the Sape keeping the tradition going strong.

Check out this beautiful piece

https://youtu.be/eZy74aNNAe4?si=hMA-O5Go-qqWn_aY

Retro Stu 5/3/2024, 10:11:24 AM

"Lisa se Klavier"

This song was introduced to me via a cover version so I'm going to post both.

I first heard the cover by South African band The Parlotones who added a bit more energy to the song but the original is by Koos Kombuis. The song is sung in Afrikaans and translates to "Lisa's Piano".

The Parlotones mainly sing in English but they chose to do this in the native Afrikaans.

The song was originally released in the 90s and I must confess, before this bounty I didn't know much about the original artist's name beyond hearing the song. It turns out Koos is a shortened version of Jacobus/Jakobus but is also Afrikaans slang for chamber pot and Kambuis is Afrikaans for kitchen - a reference to when he squatted on a drug dealers kitchen floor!

I did know though that he was known as somewhat of a pioneer in South Africa in the 80s, not wanting to conform to the apartheid regime and with other musicians who shared this vision toured campuses across South Africa to spread their non conformist message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSNZar71U0A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YEb9hok130

archkyrology 5/4/2024, 1:08:35 PM

Retro Stu

Definitely going to give these songs a listen!

RichStaff5/3/2024, 9:50:46 AM

Many thanks to avrona for this excellent suggestion on our latest suggest-a-bounty bounty!

avrona 5/3/2024, 10:08:48 AM

Feels weird submitting an answer for my own suggestion but anyway, some suggestions from Poland I love:

Budka Suflera: A rock band unlike anything else really. Not only are the vocals always hauntingly good, but there's a really fantastic emphasis on melody and a slow, contemplative pace. Hence why calling it rock may be a bit misleading, as it's probably some of the slowest rock you'll ever hear, but fantastic regardless.
Sanah: Sung poetry is a huge genre of music in Eastern Europe, probably something to do have depressed our countries are, and how much emphasis we put on those sad emotions in music, and other media. I love her not only because she has amazing songs in the genre, but because she's transcends generations, and exposing even the youngest to poetry written by some of the greatest Polish poets and beyond.
Lady Pank: Good 80s and 90s rock with just the right amount of crazy and weird, yet still beautifully arranged from start to finish.
Pidżama Porno/ Strachy na Lachy: I put these two bands together as the music is very similar and they are both from the same person. Really amazing punk rock, that also likes to take things slow and not rush things. Also they made what is still probably my favourite Polish song ever "Nikt tak pięknie nie mówił że się boi miłości".

Horror and Cats 5/3/2024, 10:31:38 PM

Hava Nagila is a propos for right now. Antisemitism is at an all time high in my country, so I enjoy belting out a few bars of Hava Nagila at random. I was raised Jewish so I’ve got the pronunciation down and everything.

Banned user 5/5/2024, 9:31:43 AM

Horror and Cats

Shovel 5/3/2024, 12:04:54 PM

OneRepublics song Mirage features Mishaal Tamer where he sings in another language. This was for the Assassins Creed game Mirage and it’s pretty nice to listen to the blends of cultures in a 3/4 min song! Deffo recommend

Sturmer 5/3/2024, 1:57:41 PM

Shovel

This one?

OneRepublic, Assassin's Creed, Mishaal Tamer - Mirage (for Assassin's Creed Mirage) - YouTube

Shovel 5/3/2024, 9:08:03 PM

Sturmer

that’s the one!!

mar1gold 5/3/2024, 12:24:35 PM

https://open.spotify.com/track/7JNyr6lS7KF2m2we2HEfZI?si=ac5de8fa32b84030

This song by Issam Hajali! It's often described as the Lebanese 'stairway to heaven' and is just a beautiful composition. All his stuff is amazing and even though I can't understand the lyrics they evoke a lot of emotion for me <3

Also... Alien Weaponry! They're a metal band who sing a lot of their songs in Māori. The language works well with the metal genre. I also think they're a pretty good 'starter' band for people who haven't listened to much metal before since their stuff isn't that heavy. I particularly like their album Tū!

Kane Carnifex 5/3/2024, 1:34:55 PM

You said Party?

I say Japan!

----->> JAPANESE FOLK METAL <<-----

https://japanesefolkmetal.bandcamp.com

The song how i found them via Spotify :P

https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/5W5RfGXETzaTHr4oQCIeQy?si=11af8b27d99b4bc1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFn3ak3VK-g

If neither the song or the art work hooked you... than we aren´t the same xD

SAKE SAKE SAKE SAKE

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C4mJfBMvMFs

You can´t read that anyway....

Furo ireyo ha migakeyo nomi ka ki ゙ru na yo meshi mo kueyo poi sute suru na yo meiwaku kakeru na yo michite ゙ neru na yo sumaho waru na yo ashita mo shigotota ゙-so ゙ yasunshi ゙ ~yaouse ゙ hontōwa yasumi kamo yo jiyū wa ī se ゙ yamate ゙ kurasou se ゙ o sake no uta o utau o sake no uta o orera wa utau bīru nomeyo nihonshu nomeyo shōchū nomeyo u~okka nomeyo ashita wa kuru so ゙ ho to ゙ ho to ゙ ni shi toke yo yoi yumemiro yo o sake no uta o utau o sake no uta o orera wa utau

Translated:

Take a bath
Brush your teeth
Don't drink too much
Let's eat some food too
Don't litter
Don't cause trouble
Don't sleep on the street
Don't break your smartphone

I have to work tomorrow too.
Let's take a rest
I might actually take a day off.
Freedom is good
Let's live in the mountains

sing a drinking song
We sing a song about alcohol

Have a beer
Let's drink sake
Let's drink shochu
Drink vodka
I'll come tomorrow
Do it in moderation
Have a nice dream

sing a drinking song
We sing a song about alcohol

<3

Lanah Tyra 5/3/2024, 1:47:51 PM

Kane Carnifex

Love this! I'll have to check them out

0ffworld 5/3/2024, 1:37:11 PM

II would love to see this bounty become a recurring one if it's deemed popular enough! I could talk about a ton of different songs and bands! Germany, Denmark, Japan!

Sturmer 5/3/2024, 2:12:09 PM

The first time I heard this singer was at a live concert during Eve Fanfest 2023 at the 'Top of the World' party. I'm usually not a fan of popular music, but Daði Freyr’s performance captivated me instantly. He sings in both English and Icelandic, and I discovered just how melodic the Icelandic language can be. I highly recommend checking out his songs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKNbwC6L78

taha 5/7/2024, 10:43:39 AM

https://youtu.be/1lfb-280MhU?si=I1Mxj0A8S7FAAiup

Qué Más Quieres is one of my favourite songs in Spanish at the moment! It's by a band made up of three sisters called The Warning and it's so good! It's a really catchy hard rock song and they're great if you like bands like Metallica because they also did a cover of Enter Sandman with Alessia Cara! I love them so much and I'm excited to check out more of their music 😍✌️

Gaypengwing 5/8/2024, 10:03:09 PM

I was shown this song in French class back when I was 14 and it genuinely hasn’t left my brain since. https://youtu.be/oiKj0Z_Xnjc?si=x6AhtHAP6kDiYSlR

R

Rafdyy 5/9/2024, 7:49:22 PM

Fela Kuti (Nigeria) - A pioneer of Afrobeat music, known for his energetic rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. Bollywood Music (India) - Explore the vibrant world of Indian film music, ranging from classical to contemporary, with artists like A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar. Buena Vista Social Club (Cuba) - A collective of Cuban musicians who brought traditional Cuban music to international attention with their infectious rhythms and melodies. Seu Jorge (Brazil) - Known for his soulful voice and acoustic guitar, Seu Jorge blends samba, bossa nova, and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) in his music.

Manu Chao (France/Spain) - A multilingual artist blending reggae, ska, punk, and various Latin American styles, creating a unique and catchy sound.Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Pakistan) - Renowned for his mesmerizing qawwali music, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's powerful vocals and spiritual themes captivate listeners worldwide.Gipsy Kings (France/Spain) - Infusing flamenco with pop and Latin rhythms, the Gipsy Kings create an energetic and passionate musical experience.Faye Wong (China) - A versatile singer known for her ethereal voice and diverse music styles, from Cantopop to alternative rock.Django Reinhardt (France) - A legendary jazz guitarist of Romani descent, known for his pioneering contributions to Gypsy jazz.Cheb Khaled (Algeria) - A pioneer of Raï music, Cheb Khaled's lively and soulful songs reflect the cultural diversity of Algeria.These artists and genres offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of world music beyond the English-speaking world

Limal 5/11/2024, 6:30:52 PM

I see not many Korean music here, so my recommendation is BTS! It's South Korean boy-band that primarily sings in Korean and has a MASSIVE global following with hits like "Dynamite" and "Butter". Their YT videos have billions views, I enjoy their video clips too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBdVXkSdhwU

FrostySomething 5/12/2024, 9:08:59 AM

Wow, lots of great suggestion! Here’s one that’s currently on rotation on my music playlists 👇 a really cool chill yet jazzy number

https://youtu.be/dIeX1d9RueA?si=cXMGnq48tBqw_vcz

RichStaff5/14/2024, 3:22:19 PM

What a fantastic, fun thread. Safe to say we'll run this one again in future and put up far more rewards next time. Thank you all for your submissions 🫶