User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 326 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 277 out of 326
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Mixed: 16 out of 326
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Negative: 33 out of 326
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Feb 26, 2022
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Apr 12, 2021Incredibly 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
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Jan 11, 2020Album 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.
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Sep 10, 2016Well, 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!!
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Oct 14, 2014PERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECTPERFECT album. I LOVE M.I.A.
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Dec 6, 2013Perfect! 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.
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Sep 29, 2013
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Aug 14, 2013I 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.
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Jun 8, 2013
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Mar 28, 2012Astounding. Still epic 7 years later. M.I.A. is talented. And creative as hell. Love the lyrics.
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Jan 30, 2012
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Nov 19, 2011GreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreat
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Oct 3, 2011One look at the cover and you know that this album isnâ
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Oct 2, 2011
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Sep 16, 2010"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"
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KealaniP.Oct 14, 2008The 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..
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JuliaA.Apr 12, 2008she 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!
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BigDHADubDec 26, 2007
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PenaltyKillah(Jw21)Dec 12, 2007Very political if one is experienced in deciphering with lyrics. Whoever who gives a '0' rating didn't really study this album a lot, no?
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AnonymousSep 4, 2007Can 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.
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SophieB.Aug 29, 2007Wow. 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.
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VaniK.Aug 20, 2007Very Good.
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JojoP.Jun 13, 2007De la grosse bombasse .... A quand le concert en France ????? /..?/,;:,;,:
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LukeRathboneJun 10, 2007Never 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.
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MichAMar 16, 2007This 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.
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HaleyTFeb 8, 2007bangin.
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ivanvJan 4, 2007awful, 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
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TerronMNov 29, 2006this is the best album i have ever brought. THE BEST.
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BrooklynKOct 21, 2006Awesome Album! I really enjoy it. Crazy beats and heavy thoughts. Totally worth the 25$ Hah
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NADIAGSep 25, 2006read 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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TyeN.Aug 10, 2006
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FIonaSJul 30, 2006I'm sorry, but I don't get it. I can see she has lyrical talent, but besides that I'm kind of at a loss. I generally think of myself as an open-minded music listener, but this just does nothing but irritate me.
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sidewinder572Jul 13, 2006I don't know her story. I just bought this on a whim. Gave me chills. One hell of an album.
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AranBJun 28, 2006
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DanTJun 10, 2006Smart funny and crazy! socially concious electronic hip hop that stays with you. I love it!
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MaliniJun 3, 2006If you like to dance, you'll probably like this. It really makes you want to move. And once you get into it, you dont want to stop playing it.
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fotonJun 2, 2006one of the best women in hiphop
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DNAhelixMar 2, 2006After hearing a single track during a set break at an STS9 show, I asked some kid who was singing with it who it is... I got this album because of how it sounds, not because of the backstory... It's FrEsH, EnGaGiNg, SmArT. You hear it and want to hear more.
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MRFeb 28, 2006I tried listening to the album and could not even get pass track #2. I just could not get anything going on with this album, what a mess. Is the label for real?
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kentFeb 17, 2006
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seamusmFeb 16, 2006Unlistenable rubbish.From an open-minded music fan.
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AndrewMFeb 15, 2006I cannot stop playing this album! I heard it way before I read a review or knew anything about it, so it can't be the hype. It is definitely like nothing I've listened to before.
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MichaelRFeb 9, 2006Amazing!! Those who rate it below 8 kus don't get it. where else do you here a blend of electronic dancehall and rap that works so superbly. Lyrics actually mean something those who don't get it are stupid.
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NicholasTJan 20, 2006There are very few albums that I listen to and love immediately. Arular is one of them. This album is simply put, fun. It begs to be listened to and danced to but there is also so much depth to be found beneath the pop/hip-hop surface.
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mackyJan 9, 2006The Empreror has no clothes! Overhyped rubish. Noise yes, Music No.
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PatDaManJan 4, 2006The most overrated album in years. Every song sounds the same and when someone's music depends on the sampling of someone else's, it proves they are talentless. 100% junk.
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MikeCJan 2, 2006One of the best albums I've heard in a long time. I love her production, and I think it's the most original and unique blend of genres that actually works well and is a privilege to listen to.
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emceeaDec 22, 2005this is one of the most amazing and original albums i have heard in a long time i first i heard "galang" in a london club and everyones ears pricked up as if to say who is that.i live in london but i know this will translate across the globe its original and daring and i guess you will either love it or hate it
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RuiRDec 12, 2005it has sunk deeper and deeper in my blood; first time i listened to it i utterly disliked it; second listening was sunshine through heavy clouds. i can't wait for the next round. i think it won't prove disappointing but hopefully assertive. and she's such a lovely little lady.
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mukeshtDec 11, 2005Lots of hype, mostly BS. Not a renegade at all, just a media manipulator. The stories of her childhood are mostly rubbish.
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W.HaasDec 3, 2005Have to admit, its a fun album. But ever notice how the entire album sounds like 1 song?
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nickolettesNov 26, 2005adore her and love that kind of music. that album was the hymn of the summer to me
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DannyDoomNov 25, 2005Forgive my not jumping on the bandwagon here, but, why doesn't anyone realize this album is complete garbage.
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cactuarNov 20, 2005Its amazing. But so hard to find, I have to live on the downloads. the tracks are utterly infectious, plus her voice is so addictive. the beats and music are so special, repeated listening is guaranteed.
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NickNov 17, 2005I think MIA is a sweetheart. This is good.
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JasperBNov 13, 2005Pure fun
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JasonANov 5, 2005
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MellNov 4, 2005It's a unique album, great in the sense that its genre is unexplored by pop musicians.
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Sveta?Oct 5, 2005Simple but complex, great party music. Although I am mostly into hard rock, this album is just as addicting as many of my usual listenings.
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BrendanSep 26, 2005
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KinthyaKSep 19, 2005man i thou no tamil ppl will sing but u wow u friggensing good .i cant wait to c u at toronto ur concert:). Reppin TAMIL 4 lyfe!! i luv all ur songz and ur album and ur video soooo much! REPIN TAMIL FA LYFE C U IN TORONTO BYE!!
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jimmySep 17, 2005
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VaalSep 9, 2005
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Belgian-DSep 6, 2005Downloaded Arular yesterday, bought it today. Belgium is becoming hooked!! Brilliant...
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salomeySep 3, 2005because of the positive reviews i tried to like it but i didn't really though it isn't bad
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EdWAug 25, 2005Stirring, original, punchy and utterly without either the 'street' posteuring of grime or the bling obsession of chart hip hop, M.I.A.'s debut is easily the equal of Dizzee Rascal's, but is a hell of a lot more fun.
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RayKayAug 16, 2005this CD is horribly overrated. don't waste your time
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SamirN/AAug 12, 2005
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maxpoweredAug 8, 2005all u haters are crazy. world music? wtf? kind of let's you know where that user is coming from. get this cd if you want to look cool? stick to your own pretensions and leave everyone else's alone. This is one of the best albums released in quite a while.
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alansAug 8, 2005Who else is making this sound? No one.
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janeDoeAug 8, 2005I'd heard some cuts from this album on npr this year and I thought wow.... I've got to get that record. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Maya's mix of Bhangra, hip hop, and diy beats makes her one of the years stand out artist. Not only is her sound timeless but her lyrics are as well. She is a woman with something to say and on this record she says it loud and clear.
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kammieAug 6, 2005Bliss!!!! This is the most addictive album I ever heard in my whole entire life!!!! They get stuck in your head and you need more, you absolutely need it!!! It's like giving an 80 dollar sample of crack cocaine to a crackhead!!! This is the best cd I ever heard in my life!!!! Pure joy!!! Bliss!!!!!!!!!
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maxpowerJul 20, 2005it's too bad so many people buy this stuff. I like indie and electronic music but there are no standouts here. Only get this cd if you want to people to think you are cool or you like world music
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DanB.Jul 15, 2005I'll get tired of it eventually, I guess. But I can't stop listening to it now.
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JohnDJul 13, 2005
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HadizaMJul 10, 2005This fusion of Bangra melodies and electro beats is a breath of fresh air from the usual dance tracks that are out there today. It is also refreshing to know these very original tunes are coming from a solo artist and not the usual DJ backed with a team of performers. My hands up to this album and this artist, most definately 10 out of 10.
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AaronS.Jul 10, 2005Incredibly overrated disc. Don't believe the hype on this one. I've tried it two times now and I just don't get it. Her vocal style is irritating beyond belief and there is simply nothing ground breaking about the record. 'Bucky Done Gone' has to be one of the worst songs of the year. Skip it.
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JMJul 7, 2005One of the essential albums of the year...
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mirenzJul 4, 2005the raddest music to come out in awhile...
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MariPJun 28, 2005'Galang' begins to get on my last nerve. SWITCH please, M.I.A...
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MaxBJun 24, 2005
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aaronlJun 23, 2005don't believe the indie hype machine. this is not "genius" or "revolutionary". it is at times an enjoyable record made by an attractive, charasmatic singer. however, she is not doing anything novel except for bringin dancehall into the indie circle using moderately political lyrics. it is good, but not nearly as good as the indie hipster hype machine wants you to believe.
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JamieSJun 23, 2005doesnt really do very much new, doesnt really say anything of interest. merely average.
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markdJun 19, 2005Wow. An amazing album. Smart, sexy, and political. It's hard to put in words what a great work this is.
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AlG-PJun 17, 2005very impressive debut built on hard baselines and a fresh approach to rapping. A great fusion of hip/hop, d'n'b, dancehall and garage.
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ZachMJun 11, 2005This is a truly outstanding album, possibly one of the greatest hip-hop/rap records of all time. M.I.A. delivers her rhymes with such intensity and irresistable charisma that you can't help but wonder if you will listen to any other rap record ever again. Some songs falter (particularly Hombre and Bucky Done Gun), but you'll be too busy dancing or singing to notice. A must-have.
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mattaJun 6, 2005Doesn't quite live up to some of the buzz, and a lot of people probably won't really like the style, but it is way catchy and a genuinely fun album to listen to. Like a female version of Dizzee Rascal.
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MattPJun 5, 2005utter garbage. Not a single redeeming quality in this piece of overhyped, monotanous trash.
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KayJun 3, 2005
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scottwMay 31, 2005To everyone who gave this album 2's and 0's: Go fellate your guitar!
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GarielL.May 31, 2005
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TraMay 20, 2005Addictive & Amazing, a must own for anyone interested in music and life.
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LindseyMay 18, 2005Try...just try not to move to this album. If you don't dance to this, its official....you're comatose. This is awesome dance/baile/electro/garage music and is laced with a political message to boot. THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME!
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PaquiLMay 16, 2005Agh, so much promotion and such a dissapointing record. Charisma is not enough. "Power for the people" lyrics repeated in groups of four, absolutely forgettable. The best part is when it finishes (seriously, last minute is very good)
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vincentxMay 16, 2005Nice enough, but nothing lasting, i'd say. Galang and Pull Up The People are pretty good, but Bucky Done Gone and 10 dollar are weak old-school electro. and her rapping is so-so...
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regiievMay 12, 2005Excellent Music Revolutionary and terrific , no comparison a must listen . It is a variety to go for.
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MightyMouseMay 11, 2005Simply extraordinary! This girl has got a very unique, catchy, powerful sound that just will not let you stand still. It's street, it's dancehall, it's global infusion ... it truely is new music. It's not the typical big label, hollow gloss. The weighty lyrics give is some real value as well.
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MattMay 11, 2005Anybody who lashes out because they don't understand this should be ignored. You need this.
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DaveRMay 8, 2005I do not understand the hype behind this crap. By any yardstick you use, it comes up short. Maybe if they'd actually review the music instead of some hipster revolutionary object of lust, hey, we'd be getting somewhere. I think only one song I even remotely dug. I'd rather hear a street preacher ranting over a broken 909.
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HallowSMay 5, 2005it's nice to hear someone willing to skip the production values & head for the dancefloor -w- some raw beats, international flavour & whatever politics-for-tha-people will fit in their pockets. Fun + different! Fk tha cynics! Enjoy - let th world in!
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Awards & Rankings
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UrbM.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]
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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.
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Fortifying her monstrous singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers" with further molten munitions, Arular is primed for worldwide insurrection.