The album was compiled by Daniel Rosenberg and was produced by Phil Stanton, co-founder of the World Music Network.

Daniel Rosenberg and Rachel Jackson wrote the sleeve notes, and Brad Haynes was coordinator and designer.

In his review for AllMusic, Chris Nickson wrote that while the compilation "touches on all the major points", it would have benefited from the inclusion of more emerging artists.

[2] This was contradicted by Robert Christgau, who described a "strategy of showcasing winners by (...) longtime crossover hopefuls".

[3] Steve Horowitz of PopMatters especially praised the second disc, stating that Balde performs with a "tranquil urgency, a seemingly oxymoronic way of simultaneously compelling one to relax and pay attention.