Popular World Music, Third Edition introduces students to popular music genres and artists from around the world. Andrew Shahriari discusses international music styles familiar to most students—Reggae, Salsa, K-Pop, and more—with a comprehensive listening-oriented introduction to mainstream musical culture emanating primarily from the United States. Each chapter focuses on specific music styles and their associated geographic origin, as well as best-known representative artists, such as Bob Marley, Carmen Miranda, ABBA, BTS, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The text assumes no prior musical knowledge and emphasizes listening as a pathway to learning about music and culture. The subject matter fulfills core general education requirements found today in the university curriculum. The salient musical and cultural features associated with each example are discussed in detail to increase appreciation of the music, its history, and meaning to its primary audience.

NEW to this edition

• Updates to content to reflect recent developments in resources and popular music trends.
• Contributing authors in additional areas, including Mongolian Rock and K-Pop.
• “Artist Spotlight” sections highlighting important artists, such as Johnny Cash, Gilberto Gil, Selena, Fela Kuti, and Tarkan.
• Updated “Questions to Consider” to prompt further discussion of each chapter.
• New Chapter Challenge sections to encourage experiential learning.
• Updated and additional website materials for students and instructors.