I’ve recently been enjoying a lot of music performed by women in foreign languages. I’m not sure how I got on this kick, but here are some of the performers I’m already familiar with:
Can anyone suggest other performers or bands along these lines? Musical style or time period really isn’t that important, just that they be talented, as I enjoy just about anything that’s well-performed.
I really like Angelique Kidjo and Bebel Gilberto.
Another good place to explore would be Putumayo World Music. They have a great selection of compilations, so you can sample a bunch of different artists from around the world. They also have a weekly syndicated radio show that may be broadcast in your area. Check their station list.
Others I listen to besides those already mentioned include Ekova, Uman, Dissidenten, Miriam Makeba, Rita Ribeiro, and Agricantus to name just a few.
Enjoy your search!
Sorry, just noticed I suggest Ofra Haza, who someone else beat me to and who was in the OP.
Duh. How about some Ofra Haza?
So I’ll add the Cocteau Twins. She’s English, but you’ll never know, because most of the lyrics are gibberish, chosen only for the sounds. “The Pink Opaque” is a good CD to start with.
I’m not very fond of his voice, but a huge name back in the 60s was the Belgian Jacques Brel, whose songs include “Ne me quitte pas” and “Fils de.” Rod McKuen translated many of the songs into English - often interesting, but generally bearing little resemblance to the originals. (“Ne me quitte pas,” which literally means “Don’t leave me,” became “If You Go Away.”)
From the same period, I recommend Francoise Hardy, a sweet voice that was the rage of France. Well known for “Comment te dire adieu.”
Try Zap Mama, particularly the recent album A Ma Zone.
The album Mouth Music (1991) has some unusual Gaelic singing by Talitha MacKenzie, as does the second Mouth Music album, Mo-di, with Michaela Rowan and Jackie Joyce.
You might also try Linda Ronstadt’s albums in Spanish, *Canciones de mi Padre, Mas Canciones, * and Frenesi.
Meret Becker is amazing. She shatters any preconception that German is a harsh and guttural language with her crystalline voice. I recommend her wholeheartedly. And if her voice weren’t enough to make me quiver, her lyrics are exemplars of the sung word. Listen to Marsch #666 and tell me that she’s a hack.
Another good singer is a very obscure Danish lass named Gry Bagøien, specifically, her works with former Einstürzende Neubauten member FM Einheit. I don’t really know what she’s up to right now, but her two albums created while working with Einheit were simply masterpieces. Her singing is divided fairly evenly between English and Danish, sometimes mixing the two languages in the same song, and her versatility impresses.
These two are hard to find, but they are available.
Try Lisa Gerrard, either alone or with Dead Can Dance. She doesn’t actually sing in another language, but makes up a chant-sounding fake language. She has a beautiful voice, which was featured prominently on the Gladiator soundtrack.
Also try Lumin. They’re sort of Celtic/Gypsy/Goth sounding. I don’t know what language the singer is using, but I think it’s something central or eastern European.