This compilation of multinational artists benefits "Debt and Development", an organization that advocates the forgiveness of Third World debts. The musicians come from all over the globe: Senegal, Brazil, Zimbabwe, France, Burkina Faso and even Japan.

Like most comps, this is a hit or miss grab bag -- but there are plenty of hits. Tiken Jah Fakoly and Tribo de Jah's "Baba" is a rousing, stimulating affair. "Tudo Vale a Pena", performed by Brazilians Fernanda Abreu and MV Bill, adopts a quasi-reggae feel with a heavy infusion of beats and samples. El Hadj N'Diaye's "Boor-yi" has a complex arrangement, filled with exotic instruments and about six grooves going on at once. It got me to punch the repeat button a few times.

If you're in the market for a wide-ranging sampler of different world music styles and artists, you could do a lot worse than Drop the Debt. Besides, you'll be helping a trendy cause, so it's win-win -- unless you don't want the debt dropped, in which case I might direct your attention to the Starve the Children comp, you heartless so and so.