This was a very interesting assignment as I was not aware that this happened. I was only 2 years old at the time but I am still amazed that I didn’t know about it. This is a very interesting concept for me as it is heralded as a text of humanity and it is meant to show culture, emotion and identity in the form of sound.
I would also like to acknowledge the eurocentric bias and underrepresentation of cultures in this list. The western heavy song selection shows the bias that was evident in this day and age. This coupled with the fact that music was not as global as it is today led to many genres of music that we are aware of today not being included.
My criteria are as follows:
Cultural representation
Genre of music
Personal preference
*note there is no preference in the order given, the songs are in track order from the golden record.
Here is my top 10:
| Track # | Title | Region/origin/genre | Reason for Inclusion |
| 2 | Ketawang: Puspawarna – Kinds of Flowers | Javanese Gamelan music | -Represents Southeast Asia-Many layered rhythms and tones-Transcends language and conveys emotion |
| 3 | Cengunmé | Traditional Mahi Musicians of Benin | -Represents West African culture-highlights the use of percussion and the communal use of music |
| 4 | Alima Song | Mbuti of the Ituri Rainforest | -Represents Central Africa-Musical storytelling in Indigenous cultures-A unique song that portrays musical tradition |
| 5 | Barnumbirr and Moikoi Song | Australian Aboriginal music | -Represents Australian Aboriginal music-Captures ancient cultural expression-Shows their connection to nature |
| 6 | El Cascabel | Lorenzo Barcelata and Marachi Mexico | Represents Mexican folk music and storytelling-Captures linguistic and music from Latin America-Passionate and intense musical expression |
| 9 | “Tsuru No Sugomori” – Crane’s Nest | Goro Yamaguchi | -Represents Japanese traditions and meditative musical technique-Has a linguistic feature with pauses and silence-Shows the meditative expression of ancient Japan |
| 14 | Melancholy Blues | Louis Armstrong | -Represents North American popular music of the time-Expresses emotion through music and rhythm -Shows the influence of jazz and African American culture on music |
| 18 | Symphony #5 in C Minor, First Movement | Ludwig van Beethoven | -Represents European Classical Music-Fraught with emotion and intensity-Iconic piece that is one of my favourites. |
| 22 | Naranaratana Kookokoo | Solomon Islands Cheiftain Tribe | Represents the Pacific Islands-Preserves unique musical expression-Links to nature with bird like sounds and music. |
| 24 | Liu Shui – Flowing Streams | Guan Pinghu | -Represents China, especially ancient China- Poetic and tonal expression that reflects language-Guqin music from the confucian era |