 |
Genre: dance, hip-hop, club Label: XL Release date: Aug. 21 Producer: Various Related Links: Last fm site / Official artist siteNo doubt about it, M.I.A. is a one-woman powerhouse. A globe-trotting, political activist who can drop a sick beat like the best of ‘em, M.I.A., aka Maya Arulpragasm, the Sri Lankan-born London-based rapper, shows no sign of a sophomore slump on ‘Kala,’ which finds M.I.A. at her most culturally aware and dense in sound. The album is hot, its message hotter — just don’t count on anything as immediate and dance floor-ready as ‘Arular.’ |
 Overall Grade: B (9 Votes) |
Affiliate Reviews
“‘Kala’ stands as a testament to this ideal, a political album that you can dance to.” - John Bradley, The Daily Texan
Read Full Review
Grade: A+
“‘Kala’ will flood your senses with an innovation of sound and make you dance, think and feel like you’ve been on a global journey.” - Amanda Robinson, The Baylor Lariat
Read Full Review
Grade: A
“It’s the beginning of a reverse globalization of culture, and M.I.A is helping us to digest it with her bombastic beats and overpowering flow.” - Benj Gilman, The Cornell Daily Sun
Read Full Review
Grade: B+
“‘Kala; secures M.I.A’s place in the upper echelons of protest music.” - Dan Fletcher, The Daily Utah Chronicle
Read Full Review
Grade: B
“‘Arular’ was a cultural touchstone, but for those who listen a little closer, ‘Kala’ is the real revelation.” - Lloyd H. Cargo, The Michigan Daily
Read Full Review
Grade: B
“It’s not as infectious as ‘Arular,’ but with varied sampling of world sounds, ‘Kala’s’ verve makes it an addictive listen.” - Christian Ochoa, The Daily Cougar
Read Full Review
Grade: B
“Despite some dull tracks and a few unsettlingly on edge, M.I.A.’s ‘Kala’ proves that dance music daring to engage the body and mind demands to be heard” - Jason Lester, The Badger Herald
Read Full Review
Grade: B-
“On a far more aggressive album than its predecessor-not nearly as accessible, but gelling into a work as energetic as it is cohesive and focused.” - Evan Winchester, The Daily Californian
Read Full Review
Grade: B-
“It’s a sin to simplify music of this caliber, but the truth is, ‘Kala’ lacks something vital that made the previous effort, ‘Arular,’ a big hit.” - Andi Berlin, The Arizona Daily Wildcat
Read Full Review
Grade: C+