In every issue of Songlines we choose ten of the best new albums we have reviewed as our Top of the World. Here are the 10 Top of the World albums from the May 2024 issue of Songlines – out now, including outstanding releases from Sahra Halgan, Mohammad Syfkhan, Ngwaka Son Système, Leyla MCalla, Aguidavi do Jêje, David Murphy, Aoife O’Donovan, Marthe x Pilani Bubu, Amsterdam Klezmer Band and Mama Longhorn. Tracks from all of these albums are included on the cover CD with the April issue. 

1. Sahra Halgan

Hiddo Dhawr (DANAYA)

Somaliland’s foremost voice returns in full force with a groove and blues-heavy cut. Backed by her trio’s slinky basslines and gritty guitar riffs, with her voice in fine fettle, she delivers an infectious, charming record.

2. Mohammad Syfkhan

I am Kurdish (Nyahh Records)

A fiery debut: percussion drives Syfkhan’s electric, far-reaching and rhythmic buzuq, all dancing smoothly around his warm vocals.

3. Ngwaka Son Système

Iboto Ngenge (Eck Echo)

Soukous and Congolese rumba inspire punchy dance anthems from the DRC’s new eight-piece: dirty beats, potent chants and sparkling guitar riffs. We couldn’t ask for more!

4. Leyla McCalla

Sun Without the Heat (ANTI–)

McCalla’s rich voice takes centre stage in a broad, indie-acoustic reflection on the importance of taking the bad with the good, an album confronting urgency while embracing the fun life can be.

5. Aguidavi do Jêje

Aguidavi do Jêje (Rocinante)

Another astonishing debut: 18 percussionists show their chops as they pay homage to Afro-Brazilian instruments, orixá deities and culture in a deliciously off-kilter, rhythmic feast.

6. David Murphy

Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar (Rollercoaster Records)

David Murphy’s melodic pedal steel provides spectral moods on deeply atmospheric updates of a collection of centuries-old Irish tunes.

7. Aoife O’Donovan

All My Friends (Yep Roc Records)

Supported by an all-star cast – including brass band The Westerlies and mandolin whizz Sierra Hull – O’Donovan uses Carrie Chapman Catt’s struggle for suffrage in the US as a platform for reflecting on the state of the country today.

8. Marthe x Pilani Bubu

Nay’ Indaba (L’Oreille on Friche)

South African Bubu joins the French brass band Marthe for a powerful, rolling tribute to togetherness, complete with Bubu’s soaring Xhosa vocals and rich jazz inflections.

9. Amsterdam Klezmer Band

Bomba Pop (Vetnasj Records)

A whirling, twirling, whistling and thoroughly upbeat klezmer-esque dose of mesmeric brass and bomba make up this project’s 18th (!) album.

10. Mama Longhorn

Extinct but Still Alive (Soit Se Silti)

Meditative yet playful: soaring bass, slow beats, shimmering melodies and Eeva Poijärvi’s full-bodied voice are melded together to entrancing effect.

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