Idan Raichel Project

One of 2007's most intriguing world-music releases, the Idan Raichel Project brought together Ethiopian, Israeli and Yemeni singers and musicians -- among many other nationalities -- and put them in musical dialogue. And while Raichel relies perhaps a bit too heavily on synthesized beats and palate-soothing piano, he clearly needs to cool a lot of politically charged feelings, and fortunately he never stifles his collaborators. Underneath the narcoleptic beats and intimate singing, you'll find Reichel has a vision for a polyethnic, egalitarian Israel -- and that makes him more than just a musical visionary.