By now, you’ve probably seen that viral video of musicians from around the world being filmed singing “Stand By Me,” unless you’ve been living under a rock in the Gobi Desert. It is the result of a small film and recording crew under the direction of Mark Johnson, who, for the past four years, has been traveling the world with recording equipment and cameras in search of inspiration.

They traveled from streets and subways to Native American reservations, through African towns and villages, up to the Himalayan Mountains and beyond. Throughout the journey, they have created a movement connecting the world through music. “Songs Around The World”is a collective statement from over one hundred musicians spanning five continents. Many of them have never met in person, but through their different cultures, the album demonstrates a profound human connection and willingness to unite.

Among the better known musicians participating are Keb’ Mo’, Vusi Mahlasela, Bono, Bob Marley (a recorded vocal donated by the family), and Clarence Bekker. Songs performed include the aforementioned Ben E. King classic, two from Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel’s classic “Biko,” Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” Keb’ Mo’s classic “Better Man,” U2’s “Love Rescue Me” and a performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which demonstrates what happens when some of the musicians from the recording of “Stand By Me” meet and perform for the first time.

The set also comes with a DVD featuring five of the 10 songs on the CD as well as a trailer for the upcoming feature film and a chapter explaining the Playing For Change Foundation. The album and DVD are joyous and heartwarming, and show that, without a doubt, music is the language of the world.

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