"New York City" by Brazilian Girls (Verve Forecast) - Out now

According to the press materials, the newest release from Brazilian Girls aims to pay homage to New York City as well as all four corners of the globe, an ambitious goal to be sure. The band nearly makes it, including sounds from every continent but Australia and Antarctica.

Overall, "New York City" possesses a cosmopolitan European flair with African and South American influences. It’s the perfect traveling companion should you happening to be jet-setting off to Paris or Moscow for the weekend (or if you just wish you were) and should you hit the clubs while you’re there, you’ll be able to slip it into the rotation of your favorite international DJ without missing a beat.

All of the tracks are listenable and most of them are danceable, making for a CD that even listeners with a particularly itchy trigger finger can play all the way through without skipping around. The only thing that may keep you from getting through the entire CD in one go is the urge to hit "repeat" to better appreciate the layers and complexity of each song.

The opening track, "St. Petersburg," is a definite standout, from the tribal percussion and jauntily-whistled hook to vocalist Sabina Sciubba’s Natasha-esque vocals. "Do you like my accent?" she asks coyly. Yes, very much so. It’s a breezy, whimsical, yet musically rich tune - pop music for listeners who value creativity and innovation in their hooks and beats.

"Noveau Americain" is another favorite, with train-like percussion adding an increasing sense of urgency and a hint of Olde World accordion lending an underlying warmth to the track. "Internacional," which features Senegalese musician Baaba Maal, is the most chill geography lesson you’ll ever have, with Sciubba reciting the names of major international cities over an infectious bass-and-percussion-driven groove.

The more mellow tracks, such as "L’Interprete" and "Mano de Dios" (which have underlying Asian and Middle Eastern elements respectively), provide a pleasant change of pace and are potentially danceable in a tai chi or yoga type of way.

All in all, "New York City" is a must-listen for any pop music aficionado with globe-trotting aspirations. Whether you’re a jet-setter or simply a commuter, these songs will be right at home in your travel rotation.

Recommended track: St. Petersburg