Albums to Transport You to Another Time or Place

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

If you're not hopping on a plane, train, or automobile anytime soon, we've got a solution for you: let your ears do the traveling! 🌍🎧

Picture this: you're lounging on your couch, sipping your favorite drink, and suddenly, you're taking a stroll along the Seine. Dive into some French pop, and let those chic Parisian vibes whisk you away. Or maybe you're in the mood for a lively fiesta—Latin jazz will have you dancing through the streets of Havana without leaving your living room. Music is the ultimate passport, and the best part? No need to worry about packing, airport security, or the dreaded middle seat. Just pop on your headphones, hit play, and voilà—you’re exploring the world one song at a time.

So, next time you're craving a getaway, let your playlist be your guide. Whether it's samba rhythms from Brazil or the cool jazz vibes of New Orleans, there's a whole world out there waiting for you to tune in.

Here are six great albums to transport you to another time or place. Bon voyage! 🎶✈️

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Shaka Zulu

There’s a good chance you know this South African male choral group already. You’ve probably heard Paul Simon’s famous Graceland album, right? Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the choral group that you hear throughout Graceland. While Graceland brought fame to the group, they have excellent independent records, too. This album, Shaka Zulu, is perhaps the group’s most accessible album, with some songs in English and more traditional songs that cater to every musical taste. 

 

Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin

Even at the end of Billie Holiday’s life, her voice never lost its power. Lady in Satin perfectly illustrates Holiday’s virtuosic talent, further confirming her legacy as one of the best jazz and blues vocalists to ever live. Lady in Satin carries melancholic crooners such as “I’m a Fool to Want You” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” Whether you’re experiencing heartbreak or feeling the travel blues, Billie Holiday will suit your mood. 

 

Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club

Have you always wanted to travel to Cuba, but never had the chance? Thankfully, when Ry Cooder went on an adventure to Cuba, he brought back a timeless gem. A well-beloved Latin jazz album, Buena Vista Social Club showcases the chops of the many incredibly talented Cuban jazz performers. Sit in your living room, drink a Cuba Libre, and dance your heart out!

 

Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire de Melody Nelson 

This album tells a story about an illicit romance between the narrator and a teenage Melody Nelson (depicted on the album cover by Jane Birkin). Despite deeply Lolita-esque narrative overtones, there's no denying that this album remains Serge Gainsbourg's magnum opus, leaving an indelible imprint on French Pop. Buy a baguette, pour yourself some wine, and make an indoor picnic while listening to this fantastic album.

 

Paco de Lucia - Entre Dos Aguas

Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking through southern Spain to the sounds of Flamenco music. Paco de Lucia captures this essence beautifully in one of the greatest Flamenco albums ever made. From the evocative "Monasterio de Sal" to the iconic "Entre dos Aguas," this album will transport you straight to the heart of southern Spain.

 

Dolly Parton, Linda Rondstadt, and Emmylou Harris - Trio (1987)

Put the best women country singers of the mid-to-late 20th century in a room, and you get Trio, one of the finest country albums ever made. Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt combine their talents to create music magic that's greater than the sum of its parts. Released in 1987, this album takes you on a journey through the South with its mix of traditional, original, and classic songs. From "To Know Him Is to Love Him" to "Wildflowers," the harmonies are pure gold. If you love country music, Trio is an absolute must-listen; it's like a masterclass in the genre!