Unfortunately there aren't too many world lists that I am aware of, but this list might help you, Jeff.
http://www.muzieklijstjes.nl/50worldrecordsyoumustown.htm

Some of the albums on this list will make the Acclaimed Music list, definitely these:
Salif Keita - Soro (1987)
Buena vista social club - Buena vista social club (1997)
King Sunny Ade - Juju music (1982)
Le Mystére des voix Bulgares - Le Mystére des voix Bulgares (1986)

And these will also be included or at least be bubbling under:
Khaled - Khaled (1992)
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Musst musst (1990)
Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder - Talking Timbuktu (1994)
Nitin Sawhney - Beyond skin (1999)

Other acclaimed world albums include:
Youssou N'Dour - Immigres (1984)
Fela Kuti - Black President (1981)
Caetano Veloso - Caetano Veloso (1968)
Cafe Tacuba - Reves/Yosoy (1999)

You probably wouldn't go wrong with any of these records.

If anyone knows about other world music critics lists, I'd be very grateful if you posted them here in the forum (a link would be fine). This genre needs a great push!

World Music Charts Europe (Once a month radio-Worldmusic-specialists from twenty European countries select their individual top ten favourites out of current Worldmusic releases) - see http://www.wmce.de/