Arular
by M.I.A.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 326 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 277 out of 326
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 326
  3. Negative: 33 out of 326

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 26, 2022
    7
    A rough ride through a peculiar war torn soundscape . Seemingly scattered as it is equally immaculately curated this testament of creativity didn't only push boundaries it inspired an inimitable post-rap rap that thrives in the marginal such as so called world music and hard edged industrial beats. Some songs are laced with an upbeat sensuality such as "10 dollar " which explores whatA rough ride through a peculiar war torn soundscape . Seemingly scattered as it is equally immaculately curated this testament of creativity didn't only push boundaries it inspired an inimitable post-rap rap that thrives in the marginal such as so called world music and hard edged industrial beats. Some songs are laced with an upbeat sensuality such as "10 dollar " which explores what money costs us through a story of prostitution (on kala she would return to this theme with greater costs in "20dollars). This album is essential listening due to how it challenges the listener and finds continuous ways to keep you intrested. You won't forget the first time you hear it .… Expand
  2. kricketsandblue
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    Incredibly underrated artist, she should get more recognition than these boring new female "rappers" who can only rap about materialism and themselves as if they were Gods or something
  3. rraaiii
    Jan 11, 2020
    10
    Album of millennium, she show us how to be brave, and take the weakness to make something really good n’ special. I’ll always be thankful to be blessed with this piece of art. Thank you Matangi.
  4. WeeLass
    Sep 10, 2016
    8
    Well, I admit this was taking me like 11 years till I found this album, and gosh, it was such a mistake or maybe a good thing. You decide. I'm gonna go listen some more of this, cause it's f****n great!!
  5. KevLonelyHeart
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    PERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECT album. I LOVE M.I.A.
  6. Gzbernini
    Dec 6, 2013
    10
    Perfect! All of the songs are mind-blowing with a lot of hidden political messages. I love all the tracks, but its highlights are Amazon, U.R.A.Q.T., Bucky Done Gun (an amazing track which samples funk carioca!) & Bingo. Too bad that Arular failed to achieve commercial success, I wish it was released on the 90s so it would have sold a lot.
  7. gabrielzbernini
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Only M.I.A. could sing about children prostitution over dance-pop beats. Every song on the album is a highlight:

    Pull Up The People 5/5 Bucky Done Gun 5/5 Fire Fire 5/5 Amazon 5/5 Bingo 5/5 Hombre 5/5 10 Dollar 5/5 Sunshowers 5/5 Galang    P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Only M.I.A. could sing about children prostitution over dance-pop beats. Every song on the album is a highlight:

    Pull Up The People 5/5
    Bucky Done Gun 5/5
    Fire Fire 5/5
    Amazon 5/5
    Bingo 5/5
    Hombre 5/5
    10 Dollar 5/5
    Sunshowers 5/5
    Galang 5/5
    Hidden track 5/5    … Expand
  8. BWETMatangi
    Aug 14, 2013
    9
    I love me some M.I.A. She is creative, and controversial, and a really good singer/rapper. Even though it isn't my favorite M.I.A. album, it is still up there.
  9. gabrielpuche
    Jun 8, 2013
    9
    The story behind MIA's "Arular" is uniquely twisted and interesting. The name "Arular" comes from MIA's father's political code during his involvement in the Tamil Tigers. M.I.A named the album after her father because she considered that her father might Google his name, find out about the album, and re-establish contact with her; a strategy which worked.
    The album is divided into three    The story behind MIA's "Arular" is uniquely twisted and interesting. The name "Arular" comes from MIA's father's political code during his involvement in the Tamil Tigers. M.I.A named the album after her father because she considered that her father might Google his name, find out about the album, and re-establish contact with her; a strategy which worked.
    The album is divided into three sections: The Banana Skit Songs, The Dash the Curry Songs, and The One For The Head Songs. Banana Skit serves as the intro to the first part of the album, and then sends you to "Pull up the People," which contains screams, shouts, and awesome beats. Then come "Bucky Done Gun" which has trumpets and samples "Gonna Fly Now" by Bill Conti, "Sunshowers" which has indian-inspired vocals and lyrics, and "Fire, Fire" which shows us MIA's sassy side.
    The second half of the album starts with "Dash the Curry Skit" and interludes towards "Amazon" which has a tarzan-inspired jungle sound to it, "Bingo" the reggae flava of the album, and "Hombre," in which MIA's sexy espanol comes alive.
    The third and last part of the album starts with "One for the head skit" and then "10 Dollar" starts, which is one of the best songs of the album, as it is super catchy. "Hey, hey,hey oh oh" states MIA as she asks "What can i get for 10 dollar?,." URAQT contains hilarious lyrics and a good sample, and "Galang" murders the rest of the album with its out-of this-world production. Overall one of the best political albums of all time and 95% of the album is not worth skipping on. I give it an A-    … Expand
  10. joerizkallah
    Mar 28, 2012
    10
    Astounding. Still epic 7 years later. M.I.A. is talented. And creative as hell. Love the lyrics.
  11. Reeeth
    Jan 30, 2012
    10
    It's a swaggering, spitting, utterly contemporary album of politically dissident, sexually forthright Anglo-Sri Lankan dubstep bhangra hip-pop IDM in which M.I.A. stars as protagonist, antagonist, chanteuse, MC, exotic schoolgirl tease, graphic artist, chastiser of the immoral, and fun-loving London-living party girl. And all in under 40 minutes, too. It's special. We've not heard it'sIt's a swaggering, spitting, utterly contemporary album of politically dissident, sexually forthright Anglo-Sri Lankan dubstep bhangra hip-pop IDM in which M.I.A. stars as protagonist, antagonist, chanteuse, MC, exotic schoolgirl tease, graphic artist, chastiser of the immoral, and fun-loving London-living party girl. And all in under 40 minutes, too. It's special. We've not heard it's like before.… Expand
  12. diogame
    Nov 19, 2011
    10
    GreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreat
  13. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    6
    One look at the cover and you know that this album isnâ
  14. LuizCC
    Oct 2, 2011
    8
    The guest CD from M.IA. brings us the roots she takes her magical beats from. This album is pure Africa, with bongos, drums, and sound effects that put us in the middle of a jungle, watching a tribe doing some sort of ritual for a special day. "Bucky Done Gun", "Bingo", "Sunshowers" e "Galang" are the best this album have, and it's not a minor thing, it's a great thing, starting theThe guest CD from M.IA. brings us the roots she takes her magical beats from. This album is pure Africa, with bongos, drums, and sound effects that put us in the middle of a jungle, watching a tribe doing some sort of ritual for a special day. "Bucky Done Gun", "Bingo", "Sunshowers" e "Galang" are the best this album have, and it's not a minor thing, it's a great thing, starting the beatiful carrer of the one the most intelligents singer that appeared this days.… Expand
  15. gagaforever
    Sep 16, 2010
    8
    "Arular" is definitely a good album, but I have to wonder if the album needed all of the explicit language. The beats and the synths were enough to keep you dancing, there was really no need for F***, or S***. Key Tracks: "Galang" "Bucky Don Gun" and "Pull Up The People"
  16. KealaniP.
    Oct 14, 2008
    10
    The first time i heard this album it was October 1, 2006 midnight. She is one of the reasons why my husband is my husband now. Oct. 1, 2007 is the day we got married a year after we started our relationship. I love it..
  17. JuliaA.
    Apr 12, 2008
    9
    she made the somewhat-meaningless-worthless-look-alike lyrics with brash music,that what makes people said she's just being overhyped...but sometimes the most 'obvious' lyrics could be the most subtle in its own way of deliverance. Sunshowers on you Maya!
  18. BigDHADub
    Dec 26, 2007
    1
    Seriously, if you want to be effective as a revolutionary...especially with music (which is not likely to happen unfortunately)...you have to make it simple. Dumb it down so that you're audience can relate, then as they get used to you grow more complex. From the beginning of this CD artists that I played it for were ignoring the message. But artist show talent and convince groups, Seriously, if you want to be effective as a revolutionary...especially with music (which is not likely to happen unfortunately)...you have to make it simple. Dumb it down so that you're audience can relate, then as they get used to you grow more complex. From the beginning of this CD artists that I played it for were ignoring the message. But artist show talent and convince groups, and CDs are made...so I can't say that the message is not worthy to atleast a good amount of people.… Expand
  19. PenaltyKillah(Jw21)
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    Very political if one is experienced in deciphering with lyrics. Whoever who gives a '0' rating didn't really study this album a lot, no?
  20. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2007
    0
    Can anyone even understand what she is saying? I am shocked to see that so many people like this kind of music. And I use the term music lightly, because to me this is just random noises thrown together. If anyone listens to Dane Cook, then they will understand when I say that this is the kind of noise that makes you want to punch a baby.
  21. SophieB.
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    Wow. When I first heard this, I would have given it about a 5/10.. it wasn't unbearable, it was unique, but I just didn't get it at all. Now.. after replaying it, this is an AMAZING, ORIGINAL album.
  22. VaniK.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Very Good.
  23. JojoP.
    Jun 13, 2007
    10
    De la grosse bombasse .... A quand le concert en France ????? /..?/,;:,;,:
  24. LukeRathbone
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    Never before have I heard something of this nature. It is so original that you can't even compare it with anything else. 10 out of 10, no doubt.
  25. MichA
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    This album is a revolutionary one. It's like noting i have ever heard before, from the lyrics to the beats. Absolutely Brilliant. Her history is definately controversal, but i think she means no harm. She is brave and i give her props for making this record. Hope to meet you one day Maya.
  26. HaleyT
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    bangin.
  27. ivanv
    Jan 4, 2007
    0
    awful, how is this getting good reviews. this sounds even worse than kevin federline. i know there a message and all but its awful. not music
  28. TerronM
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    this is the best album i have ever brought. THE BEST.
  29. BrooklynK
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Awesome Album! I really enjoy it. Crazy beats and heavy thoughts. Totally worth the 25$ Hah
  30. NADIAG
    Sep 25, 2006
    9
    read a review on her and decided to buy the album.. One of the best albums i have ever heard. If i need to get hyped up or motivated for anything,thats the cd i grab..totally addictive.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2005
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2005
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Urb
    80
    M.I.A.'s singsong cadence is both child-like and streetwise, perfectly mirroring the smiley-faced menace of the electro-informed palpitations behind her. [Mar 2005, p.113]
  2. Village Voice
    80
    Not for a moment does the violence seem vindictive, sadistic, or pleasurable. It's a fact of life to be triumphed over, with beats and tunelets stolen or remembered or willed into existence.
    Read full review
  3. Austin Chronicle
    89
    Fortifying her monstrous singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers" with further molten munitions, Arular is primed for worldwide insurrection.
    Read full review
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