My Top 6 Favorite International Songs

Local neighborhood in Bali, Indonesia celebrating

A great way to learn a foreign language and become immersed in your destination's culture is by listening to international music. There are many benefits that come from listening to international music including:

• Increasing your language capacity by learning local words and phrases

• Enriching your cultural diversity by listening to various musical styles, languages and rhythms

• Getting to know your destination's culture, traditions and values

• Building emotional connections with locals

Music transcends language barriers and unites people. Since traveling internationally, my taste in music has changed with a variety of songs I listen to regularly on my playlists (and sing with as well 🎶) Here are my top 6 favorite international songs:

LA VIE EN ROSE by Edith Piaf

La Vie en Rose, a famous French song and phrase, is my favorite French song that my son has learned

The first French song my son and I learned was La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf. This love song is very famous and has been replicated by multiple artists including Zaz, Celine Dion, Louis Armstrong, Grace Jones and Lady Gaga. This song is also a common expression to see life through rose colored glasses and joys of being in love.

AAJ KI RAAT by Madhubanti Bagchi

Madhubanti Bagchi's voice is intoxicating

The first time I heard Aaj Ki Raat, I was mesmerized. Performed by famous Indian singer Madhubanti Bagchi, this song is part of the soundtrack for Bollywood movie Stree 2. This soulful song will get you the mood for some good times.

YODEL-AY-HEE-HOO by Universal Production Music

A well-known form of singing in Switzerland, I'm still learning how to yodel

The Swiss are famous for yodeling, a form of singing that originated from the beautiful mountainous Alps herders used to call their flock. Yodel-Ay-Hee-Hoo by Universal Production Music is a majestic song that will make you dream of traveling to the incredible country of Switzerland.

SHU by Keith Ledger

Shu, pictured on the last row 3rd to the left with feather on his head, is one of the primordial Egyptian gods from ancient Egypt with dominion over air

In the 8 dreams I've had about traveling to Egypt, Shu has appeared in the 4 most recent. The one thing I always remember when I wake up from my dreams are his eyes. There are multiple songs called Shu, the instrumental song by Keith Ledger reminds me of how captivating Shu's eyes are.

LOBA by Shakira

Shakira is well known in North and South America

Available in English and Spanish, I prefer listening to the Spanish version of Loba by Shakira. This song will get you dancing and bring out your inner fierceness.

NEPHTHYS by Jeremy Pelt

Dear Nephthys has been in every dream I've had about Egypt

Of all the places I've traveled to, Egypt is my favorite. In the 8 dreams I've had in the past 4 years about traveling to Egypt, goddess Nephthys, who supports people in the afterlife to go to eternal paradise, has appeared in every one of them. Similar to Shu, there are several songs named for her. The song Nephthys by Jeremy Pelt is a jazz ballad with a sophisticated vibe that reminds me of her classiness.