Real World Records

Voices of the Real World


"Of all the sounds that we hear, human beings have the broadest range of responses to the voice. From the first sounds we hear from our mothers to our final breath, we know that the sounds emanating from our mouths are critical to our existence and survival. Aside from communication and conversation, we use the voice to express much of who we are and what we feel.

Great instrumental players often refer to the voice and talk of 'singing' through their instruments. From the earliest recorded accounts of music in all cultures, the voice has always played a central role.

One of the big excitments from my involvement with Real World Records has been to work with some of the most extraordinary singers in the world. This has been humbling and inspiring.

This collection shows the enormous range of singing styles and remarkable artists that we have been lucky enough to work with in our first ten years.

I would like to dedicate it to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who we lost last year and whose voice has moved me like no other."

Peter Gabriel


Reviews

'An almost dizzying collection of modern/primitive traditional sounds...it's a chance to hear the world if you can't get out and see it.'

Press review from: Philadelphia City Paper (USA)

'This stunningly exotic compilation of the label's most outstanding vocalists shows how wide and deep Real World has reached during the past decade. Vocal styles both sublime and arcane find a home here.'

Press review from: Request (USA)

'...there's a ton of wonderful stuff reminding us that great music comes from many corners of the globe.'

Press review from: Daily News Los Angeles (USA)

'With so many sounds that at first seem so different, what becomes so obviously common is the impact of the human voice. The communication of ideas and emotions are transmitted despite language barriers and presentation...Quite simply, the most innovative and moving instrument may be the one that we're equipped with at birth.'

Press review from: New Age Voice (USA)

Voices of the Real World album cover.

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Tracklist & Audio Samples
playSygyt, Khoomei, Kargyraa (Styles Of Throat-Singing) by Shu-de
playHappiness Is... by Yungchen Lhamo
playTaboo by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Peter Gabriel
playKel Kweyo by Geoffrey Oryema
playAililiu Na Gamhna (Calling Home The Calves) by Iarla Ó Lionáird
playMosquito by Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble
playKronkronhinko by Ayub Ogada
playOre Poinkha by Paban Das Baul
playI Want Jesus To Walk With Me by Holmes Brothers
playLa Sombra Negra by Totó La Momposina y sus Tambores
playT'amo = I Love You by Tenores di Bitti
playGula Gula by Mari Boine
playSisitizo La Amani Duniani by Hukwe Zawose
playNasikitika (I Regret) by Remmy Ongala
playOrovela by Tsinandali Choir
playSpeaking In Tongues I by Sheila Chandra
playAwa Y' Okeyi (If You Go Away)(Emotion version) by Papa Wemba

Related Artist Information

Yungchen Lhamo · Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan · Peter Gabriel · Geoffrey Oryema · Mara! · Iarla Ó Lionáird · Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble · Ayub Ogada · Paban Das Baul · Sam Mills · Holmes Brothers · Totó La Momposina y sus Tambores · Tenores di Bitti · Mari Boine · Hukwe Zawose · Remmy Ongala · Sheila Chandra · Papa Wemba

Walking On by Ananda Shankar

Rain of Blessings by Lama Gyurme