It’s easy for critics to get jaded about music. But once in a while, an album comes along that refreshes our weary spirits, and allows us ease while listening to its harmonious rhythms.

One World, One Kid is just such an album. It's a part of the Putumayo World Music Kid’s Series, which explores a variety of ethnically oriented sounds. One World, One Kid’s selection is truly trans-global, with songs from Cape Verde, Australia, France, Jamaica, Colombia and the USA. It’s a conceptual piece, based on an idea from seven-year old Skyler Pia who put together a mini radio show of world beat music on tape for his pal Erik, who is suffering with a rare brain tumor.

Skyler hosts the Putumayo journey, adding bits of colorful commentary to each song in a charming staccato rhythm. The songs themselves are brilliant little conceptions. African vocalist Tete Alhinho sings the delightful “Barco di Papel,” a bright, upbeat number that forces you off your chair to dance barefoot around your house. Aborigine Trevor Adamson sings a tribal rendition of the classic “Waltzing Matilda,” and French serenader Polo warbles admirably through “Petit Francais.” But the standout track on this five-song EP is ska legend Desmond Dekker and his tender version of “Jamaica Farewell.”

But as good as the songs are, the real star of this show is Skyler Pia. Skyler adds some unscripted history about each song he introduces us to. It’s a rare treat to find a young person so in touch with the contexts that brought about the music he shares. The insight he gives helps make the world a much warmer place. In a way, listening to One World, One Kid is a little like attending a summer music camp featuring a wondrous array of musicians. He’s going to make one hell of an ethnomusicologist one day. But more importantly, Skyler, his father Cliff and Putumayo founder Dan Storper agreed to make the album a fundraising venue for the Make A Wish Foundation, which helps kids like Skyler’s friend Erik.

So One World, One Kid is a multi-purpose effort. And even if the fundraising aspect doesn’t thrill you, the passionate, bouncy tones of the music itself probably will. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll be immersed in this album. I caught myself dancing in the middle of the library while listening to it.

If you’re into World music, you’ll be completely enamored with this beautiful little compilation. Its joyous cadences will have you smiling, up on your feet and swaying to its sweeping beats in no time, and you’ll be amazed at how easily it rejuvenates you.