(Relaxnews) - There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. Relaxnews has compiled a playlist of music that is quintessential to each of these iconic destinations.

Casablanca is Morocco's economic and cultural capital as well as the country's center of art and fashion. With a cosmopolitan feel, the city went through rapid expansion during the French protectorate era, drawing in large numbers of people from rural areas. Casablanca's contact with the western world is reflected in the city's culture, notably in fashions and western-style restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The traffic jams and shantytowns rub up against wide boulevards and colonial architecture. The facades in the suburbs contrast with the Hispano-Moorish architecture in the city center.

When visiting, take a tour around the central neighborhoods, keeping an eye out for the art deco and modernist gems; don't miss the Hassan II Mosque, the Cathédral de Sacré Coeur and the many palaces like the Palais Royal. 

Morocco and Casablanca have inspired art, artists, and creative types of all kinds throughout the years as well as nurturing an increasingly large pool of homegrown talent.

Playlist:

01.   Billie Holliday - "As Time Goes By" (1979)
Billie Holliday performs this classic track from the movie 'Casablanca.'

02.   Akon feat. Melissa - "Yalli Naseeni" (2009)
Rapper Akon teams up with Lebanese singer Melissa on this laidback track.  

03.   Patrick Bruel - "Au Café des Delices"  (2000)
French singer of Algerian descent Patrick Bruel sings of a romantic night in Tunisia.

04.   Fritz Kalkbrenner - "Facing the Sun" (2010)
German producer Kalkbrenner drops an almost perfect chilled out driving track.  

05.   Sting - "Desert Rose" (1999)
Sting sings of finding love in this dreamy track.

06.   Bing Crosby - "(We're Off On the) Road to Morocco" (1942)
Written for the movie of the same name, this song tells the tale of two hapless men trying to cross the desert.

07.   The Rippingtons - "Morocco" (1988)
Jazz/soul band The Rippingtons channel the spirit of Morocco in this track.

08.   Yasmin Levy - "Nani Nani" (2004)
Israeli singer/songwriter Yasmin Levy provides smooth vibes for the drive down to Casablanca with this track.  

09.   H-Kayne - "Jil Jdid" (2009)
One of the big stars of Morocco's growing rap scene, H-Kayne shows that Morocco produces as well as inspires music.

10.   Queens of the Stone Age - "Morocco"  (1998)
US rock band Queens of the Stone Age talk life, driving and out-of-body experiences in this Morocco-inspired track.

Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/wOQe
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