I've never really talked about any bands that were not English speaking, so why not do that now? Kassav' has got to be one of the most impressive bands. Not the most impressive foreign band, nor the most impressive French band, just a truly impressive band. They've released 20 albums since their band originated, excluding the 12 solo albums made by different members of the group. Their official genre is 'zouk,' which really just means that they make 'party music' that makes you feel relaxed, kind of like Bob Marley, except that I can listen to an entire Kassav' song. I would, usually, never look to Italy for rap, but Nesli is actually pretty good, and Mondo Marcio is, well, he scares me a bit, but someone might like him. Even though Najoua Belyzel (France) is a pop singer, I did fall for "Comme Toi" in high school, and she continues to make addictive songs. Another French pop singer, Nadiya, was forced onto me sometime during my interminable French classes, but I learned to like her after she came out with "Amies Ennemies". "Ai Se Eu Te Pego" is such a ridiculous song, but Michel Telo (Brazil) somehow pulls it off and makes it awfully catchy. If you want good dance music from Belgium, "Alors on Danse," by Stromae, is kind of great; it's so basic and I can't help but love the lyrics. And if you're looking for a sickeningly sweet Italian pop song, Tiziano Ferro has everything you need. Ligabue (Italy) just exudes classic rock, and I kind of love it, not as much as I enjoy listening to Zero Assoluto sometimes, but still really good. Due to my seven years of French class and my dad's insistence that I "stick with the language" because of my "French and Belgian background," most of my foreign music is in French, but I think I have done a fairly good job of diversifying it... with Italian. Regardless, if we all love "Fuego" and "Dragostea din tei" so much, why can't we feel the same about "Ti Sposero" or "Gobbledigook" (who doesn't like alternative rock from Iceland??)?
Granted, it is difficult to find music that is different from the music you already own. You don't look for music you don't normally listen to and, if you do, it is usually not available; I got Alphabeat and Infadels from my English friend because I could not get them in the US iTunes or Amazon stores at that time (and I don't illegally download music. There's the whole morality thing; I don't do it because I do not want to take away anything from the artist who put so much effort into making it for my enjoyment. There's also the selfish reason though, which is that it always, always leaves a virus somewhere in your computer).
Leaving your musical comfort zone does not just mean finding music you love in foreign languages; for me, it's accepting any band I would normally not listen to, namely, any band which describes themselves as 'Christian' or 'gospel'. I did, however, fall in love with Relient K when I was in high school (as everyone does) and Group 1 Crew sometime during my freshman year, and continue to like both bands, despite their genres. Though, while researching Paper Route, I found that one of my new favorite bands was considered a Christian group, I still love the band. It's not too difficult to get over any reservations if the band is good.
Even stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to your favorite artists is important. Try listening to "Fingerprints" instead of "Firework," or leaving "Super Bass" for "Marilyn Monroe" or "Masquerade". Gosh, try leaving "We Are Young" for "I Wanna Be the One"; I know "We Are Young" is a great song, but so are all the other songs Fun. did on Aim and Ignite before releasing Some Nights (or listen to "C'mon"; it is, possibly, one of the best collaborations I have ever heard live. I mean, I kind of really like Brendon Urie, but that does not play too much into my love of this song).
Every song or artist mentioned above, plus Anggun, Povia, and other great foreign, comparatively, artists.
- E
