Listen on Spotify ↗
This playlist captures the complex interplay of colonial history, language, and power in "Babel" by R. F. Kuang through a diverse blend of global sounds, literary folk influences, and evocative instrumentals. The balanced mood and medium focus level are reflected in the mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, while the inclusion of character-inspired songs and culturally rich music from various traditions mirrors the book’s interrogation of empire and identity. Together, these selections create a textured, immersive atmosphere ideal for reading this sharp, thought-provoking alternative history.
Your reading session
Press play. Turn the page.
This player plays the saved playlist. Save your mix to listen to the replacements together.
Want a timer? Open the Reading Room for candlelit reading sprints with this soundtrack, a little ambience and a library card that tracks your pages, reading pace and daily streak. How reading sprints work.
Your changes aren't saved yet. Choose Save my mix to create your own Spotify playlist.
Track List
22 songs
1
Trouble In Mind
Big Bill Broonzy · The Big Bill Broonzy Story
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
2
Na Gul
Arooj Aftab · Night Reign
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
3
The Upsetter
Lee "Scratch" Perry · Let's Do Rocksteady: The Story Of Rocksteady 1966-68
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
4
Elegy - Bexar Bexar Remix
Balmorhea · All Is Wild, All Is Silent Remixes
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
5
House Of The Rising Sun
Joan Baez · Joan Baez: Voice of the People
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
6
Mumbai Meri Jaan
Essence · Mumbai Meri Jaan
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
7
Black Gold
Esperanza Spalding · Gaming Jazz
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
8
Gymnopédie No. 1. Lent et douloureux
Pascal Rogé · Clair de Lune - Relaxing Piano Pieces
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
9
Tamacun
Rodrigo y Gabriela · Live in France
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
10
Sehnsucht
Dorian · Sehnsucht
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
11
Nànnuflày
Tinariwen · Elwan
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
12
Bloom - Bonus Track
The Paper Kites · Woodland
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
13
To Build A Home
The Cinematic Orchestra · Ma Fleur
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
14
Easy
Anoushka Shankar · Breathing Under Water
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
15
Viderunt Omnes
Anonymous · Christmas Gregorian Chants
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
16
Tomorrow
Shakey Graves · Tomorrow
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
17
Les jours tristes - Instrumental
Yann Tiersen · Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (Bande originale du film)
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
18
Meu fado meu
Mariza · Transparente
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
19
Come Wander with Me
Jeff Alexander · Late Night Tales: Air
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
20
Viva La Vida
Knight Instrumental · Instrumental Covers of Coldplay
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
21
Ward: Oxford Fantasia No. 1 a 4 in C
John Ward · Urban Pulse - Rhythms and Sounds from the Roaring City
Replaced in your draftPress play in Spotify to listen. Playback availability depends on Spotify.
Same book, another mood
Another mix for Babel
Discover more
More playlists like this
Book soundtracks with a similar Fiction feel, ready for your next session.
Lights Out
by Navessa Allen
View soundtrack
Reverend Insanity 2 : The Demon Leaves The Mountain
by Gu Zhen Re
View soundtrack
The Talisman
by Stephen King, Peter Straub
View soundtrack
Yesteryear
by Caro Claire Burke
View soundtrack
Crime and Punishment
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
View soundtrack
Harry Potter
by J. K. Rowling
View soundtrack