Kick off your celebration with the joyous sounds of Sicilian ska band Roy Paci & Aretuska. The infectious brass and prominent vocals on “Ciuri Ciuri” demonstrate that Italians know how to have a good time. Jamaican reggae legend Burning Spear sets a light and carefree mood with “Walk,” while the Denmark-based Laid Back incorporate a bit of the Caribbean into their party anthem “Groovin’ on a Feeling.” Formed in 1979, the duo was ahead of the times by dabbling in electronic music with a pop sensibility. To the east of Jamaica is Martinique, home to zouk star Jean-Philippe Marthely. Zouk, which literally means "party" in French Caribbean Creole, couldn’t be a more fitting genre for this collection. Marthely, one of the founding members of super group Kassav, offers his party-starter “Wotè Monté” to this global celebration.

Everyone knows the people of southwest Louisiana know how to have a good time, and zydeco is their party music of choice. Beau Jocque was one of the kings of zydeco and “Just One Kiss” became an instant dance hit when he started playing it in local clubs like El Sido’s. Afro-pop legends Osibisa contribute 70s funk and soul to the party with “Sunshine Day,” while L’Orchestre Tropicana d’Haiti provide a classic Haitian compas track.Tropicana, having performed for more than 40 years, is one of Haiti’s few legendary big bands still touring. The multi-cultural Sarazino, with members from Algeria, Quebec and Ecuador, also keep up the energy with their dance track “Cochabamba.”

Finally, what would a world party album be without salsa? Laurent Hounsavi may have been born in Benin and studied in Paris, but his song “Mindé Sè” is steeped in Afro-Cuban rhythms. The Argentine-born, LA-based Los Pinguos have infused ska into their Latin rhythms and harmonizing vocals on the lively “My Love.” Los Pinguos also appeared on Putumayo’s ¡Baila! A Latin Dance Party, which along with Afro-Latin Party and Caribbean Party, boast combined sales of more than half a million CDs.