Whether on vacation in an exotic land or just kicking back at home, everyone can travel the world just by turning on the stereo. Here are a few artists whose recent singles are not only burning up international charts, but also are sure to satisfy any global taste.

Rita Ora
“How We Do”
Roc Nation
3 out of 5 decibels

Straight out of London by way of Kosovo, Rita Ora is one of the newest artists to sign to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. The blond diva may be new to Americans, but she got her start in the United Kingdom in 2009. She had a brief stint on the U.K. talent contest “Eurovision: Your Country Needs You” before Jay-Z discovered her. Ora’s latest single, “How We Do,” is heating up the U.S. charts as well. The song samples Notorious B.I.G.’s “Party and Bulls**t” and is a bouncy pop tune that shows off Ora’s soulful voice. She adds a pop rock edge, mixing a little Jessie J influence along with that of her idol, Gwen Stefani. Ora is bringing British R&B across the pond to your party this summer.

D’banj
“Oliver Twist”
G.O.O.D. Music
5 out of 5 decibels

Kanye West’s newest protege is D’banj, the Nigerian hip-hop artist whose summer hit, “Oliver Twist,” showcasesAfrobeat to a worldwide audience. His signature style combines African drumming, funk and jazz with D’banj’s modern hip-hop influences. He recently teamed up with Snoop Dogg for the title track on his latest album, “Mr. Endowed,” and now he’s reaching American audiences with “Oliver Twist.” This danceable tune is a hip-hop inspired track whose lighthearted lyrics and infectious beat combine Afrobeat and an electronic feel. The music video for the song features a hilariously awesome dance by European rapper and comedian Bricka Bricka, as well as cameos from fellow G.O.O.D. music artists Big Sean, Pusha T and Kanye himself. D’banj is the man making sure Afrobeat invades America, and so far the conquest sounds great.

The Wanted
Island Records
“Chasing the Sun”
4 out of 5 decibels

The Wanted must have a warrant out for their arrests for singing too well and having an illegal number of good looks. Max, Siva, Jay, Tom and Nathan are the British-Irish result of a European talent search in 2009. They quickly began working on their debut album, “The Wanted,” in 2010, spawning hits such as “All Time Low” and “Lose My Mind.” They released their second album, “Battleground,” last year, which produced the mega-hit, “Glad You Came.” With the band’s new self-titled EP comes the summer pop tune, “Chasing the Sun.” The boys are excellent at taking an electronic song and using their strong vocals to create party anthems. The song capitalizes on this formula through its catchy lyrics and driving beat and should chase their last hit up the charts.

Kimbra
Warner Brothers
“Warrior” feat. Mark Foster and A-Traka
5 out of 5 decibels

By now, everyone has probably heard and sung along off-key to Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.” But few may know that the female vocalist featured in the song is New Zealand hottie Kimbra. After showing off the powerful pop side of her voice in “Somebody That I Used to Know,” she does the same in her latest single, “Warrior,” which features Mark Foster of Foster The People and DJ A-Trak. The song has a heavy, aggressive beat, matched with an electronic, video game-inspired instrumental track, courtesy of A-Trak. It’s topped off with Mark Foster’s subdued voice, which complements Kimbra’s powerful vocals. Who knew there was so much soul in the land down under?

Published on June 19, 2012 at 12:29 pm

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