Truly a global project, One World Many Voices draws on tracks broadcast on NPR to form an international web of sound, from the raw desert blues of Tinariwen to the soulful folk stylings of the late Eva Cassidy. The range is quite staggering, but at the same time natural, whether it's putting the Melodians and the classic reggae song "Rivers of Babylon" next to Miriam Makeba, or the inspired pairing of Patti Smith followed by GreenJolly and the strident "Razom Nas Bahato," the anthem of Ukraine's Orange Revolution. The subtext to all this, of course, is the way NPR covers the sounds and ideals of the globe -- quite true -- and how America, rather than standing apart, is indeed one piece of the globe. But this compilation also brings together some familiar names (Rosanne Cash) and others who might be less well known, like Lila Downs or Souad Massi. Above all, everything here is quite compelling, be it the Warsaw Village Band's frantic "Cranes" or Miriam Makeba's "The Retreat Song" from 1960. The movement from one track to the next feels perfectly natural, and the quality of music throughout is consistently excellent. A superior compilation indeed. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide