Babel
Reading Playlist

Babel

by R. F. Kuang

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.

22 tracks
balanced
Mar 2, 2026
Open in Spotify

Track List

22 songs
0
The Big Bill Broonzy Story

Trouble In Mind

Big Bill Broonzy · The Big Bill Broonzy Story

1
Night Reign

Na Gul

Arooj Aftab · Night Reign

2
Let's Do Rocksteady: The Story Of Rocksteady 1966-68

The Upsetter

Lee "Scratch" Perry · Let's Do Rocksteady: The Story Of Rocksteady 1966-68

3
All Is Wild, All Is Silent Remixes

Elegy - Bexar Bexar Remix

Balmorhea · All Is Wild, All Is Silent Remixes

4
Joan Baez: Voice of the People

House Of The Rising Sun

Joan Baez · Joan Baez: Voice of the People

5
Mumbai Meri Jaan

Mumbai Meri Jaan

Essence · Mumbai Meri Jaan

6
Gaming Jazz

Black Gold

Esperanza Spalding · Gaming Jazz

7
Clair de Lune - Relaxing Piano Pieces

Gymnopédie No. 1. Lent et douloureux

Pascal Rogé · Clair de Lune - Relaxing Piano Pieces

8
Live in France

Tamacun

Rodrigo y Gabriela · Live in France

9
Sehnsucht

Sehnsucht

Dorian · Sehnsucht

10
Elwan

Nànnuflày

Tinariwen · Elwan

11
Woodland

Bloom - Bonus Track

The Paper Kites · Woodland

12
Ma Fleur

To Build A Home

The Cinematic Orchestra · Ma Fleur

13
Breathing Under Water

Easy

Anoushka Shankar · Breathing Under Water

14
Christmas Gregorian Chants

Viderunt Omnes

Anonymous · Christmas Gregorian Chants

15
Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Shakey Graves · Tomorrow

16
Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (Bande originale du film)

Les jours tristes - Instrumental

Yann Tiersen · Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (Bande originale du film)

17
Transparente

Meu fado meu

Mariza · Transparente

18
Late Night Tales: Air

Come Wander with Me

Jeff Alexander · Late Night Tales: Air

19
Instrumental Covers of Coldplay

Viva La Vida

Knight Instrumental · Instrumental Covers of Coldplay

20
Urban Pulse - Rhythms and Sounds from the Roaring City

Ward: Oxford Fantasia No. 1 a 4 in C

John Ward · Urban Pulse - Rhythms and Sounds from the Roaring City

21
Why not?

Let them Talk

Luminary Flux · Why not?

Playlist Settings

Mood balanced
Genre match
Era any
Length medium
Instrumental 50%
Environment balanced

Create your own

Customize the mood, genre and length for Babel and generate a fresh playlist.

Customize Your Playlist

Babel · R. F. Kuang

All Lyrical All Instrumental