Melodies Without Borders: 9 Songs to Add to Your Playlist

If my playlists had a passport, every page would overflow with stamps. Although my top artists are American, most of the music I listen to is from across the pond. Growing up, my dad would play the soft, French melodies of François Hardy, and in retaliation, I would crank up my favorite hip-hop, rap, and pop artists from France, like Suprême NTM and La Femme.

As I got older and dove deeper into techno, dance, and rap music, I looked past my favorite German pop artists from when I was a kid, like “99 Luftballons” singer, Nena, and discovered artists like Shoki, Ski Aggu, and Ikkimel. Every year, Eurovision becomes my favorite way to explore new music, and most recently, I went down a Dutch pop rabbit hole that led me to discover Vieze Asbak and Brunzyn. 

Fortunately, I have saved you the hassle of going down any music rabbit holes and compiled a list of my favorite artists from 9 Schengen area countries, along with my top song picks for each.

Austria: Conchita Wurst, “Rise Like a Phoenix”

Winner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, Conchita Wurst was my first introduction to modern Austrian music, and their strong, dramatic vocals have stuck with me ever since. Behind the persona is Thomas Neuwirth, who is not just a singer but also an actor, fashion designer, human rights activist, and drag queen.

Belgium: Omdat Het Kan and Average Rob, “On Met La Patate (Belgian Anthem)”

Average Rob, one of Belgium’s most popular content creators (and one of my favorite YouTubers), teamed up with Belgian DJ Omdat Het Kan to create what might be the most fun song on this list: an unofficial Belgian anthem that celebrates the country’s (mostly culinary) culture. The title translates to “We Put the Potato” in English, adding to the song's charm.

Finland: The Crash, “Gigolo”

Hailing from Turku, Finland but making music in English, The Crash was a pop-rock band that rose to prominence in the late '90s and early 2000s. This song echoes soft rock influences like The Smashing Pumpkins and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Nordic Act, they remained active from 1991 until their disbandment in 2009. 

France: Pomme, “comme tu dis”

I discovered Pomme in 2020 through her album les failles cachées (translated to "hidden flaws"), and since then, she has become one of the most popular pop artists in France. Most recently, she created a song titled “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (“My Best Enemy”) for the hit show, Arcane. Pomme’s soft vocals create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. The English translation of “comme tu dis” is “like you said.”

Germany: Shirin David, “bauch beine po”

This was the toughest decision on the entire list. While many of my playlists have artists from Germany, Shirin David just released her latest album, Schlau aber blond (translated to "Smart, but Blond"), which has quickly become my favorite in her discography. This song showcases her signature rap and pop style, complete with fun dance beats that make it the perfect musical backdrop for a pregame or "Get Ready With Me" playlist. The English translation of “bauch beine po” is “belly, legs, butt.”

Iceland: Laufey, “Letter to my 13 Year Old Self”

Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey creates soft, jazz-inspired pop music with gut-punching, emotional lyrics. Trained in classical cello and jazz vocals, she has a unique depth and clarity in her sound. “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self” is, in my opinion, her most relatable song, as it conveys the heartfelt message of reassuring your younger self that everything will turn out just fine.

Ireland: Kneecap, “C.E.A.R.T.A”

The hip-hop trio from West Belfast, Kneecap, protests British rule in Ireland through their music. I recently discovered them through a film about the group, in which the three artists portrayed themselves. The English translation of “Cearta” is “Rights,” and their songs often address themes of Irish social justice. They even have a track titled “Get Your Brits Out,” and most of their lyrics are in Irish, stressing their message of solidarity.

Netherlands: Joost Klein, “Fryslân Bop”

Another artist I discovered through Eurovision is Joost Klein, who participated in the 2024 competition. He creates a unique, fun, upbeat blend of electronic music and rap. This was another tough decision for me, as my two favorite songs by him are “Fryslân Bop” and “Kunst und Musik.” Joost recently released an album titled Unity, which emphasizes the importance of coming together as one rather than being divisive.

Sweden: Icona Pop, “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)”

I can't imagine my childhood without the memories of asking my nanny or parents to turn up the volume on the radio whenever this song played. It has stood the test of time and continues to have a place on several of my more upbeat playlists. The electronic pop duo from Stockholm has released a ton of music since then, with my latest favorite being “Make Your Mind Up Babe” from their 2024 album, Club Romantech.