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.

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

Simply amazing - and this is coming from someone who's heard stranger things than most of you will ever hear in your entire lifetime. M.I.A. is a consummate artist (which is one of many things her dissenters are NOT), and she wears her weaknesses better than you wear your pretensions. I'm probably strutting to her beats as you're reading this and wondering why you aren';t either.… Expand

Easily, one of the best albums of the year. I think the last time I checked, Arular was 9th or 11th on the best selling list at Amazon.com. While I don't think that this record will ever get any real big city radio play in American cities (which sucks), except for maybe Galanga or Sunshowers, she definately will be a force to be reckend with come her second album. The only thing that I'm kind of dissapointed is that that while It is really refershing to hear someone as creative as M.I.A., her songs are songs that are not songs that you will be blasting in your ears everyday for the next few weeks. In fact, like good ammo, they should be used sparingly, when you need a good pick me up. What I will like to see from her that this record gains her enough popularity that she collaborate with some of the greatest minds of dancehall and hip-hop. Why you may ask? Because her beats are awesome!!… Expand

With 10K songs on my iPod, i've been listening to nothing else but Arular for three weeks now. I bought Piracy Funds Terrorism, and I'm looking forward to it, just to hear M.I.A's vocals in a new context. I've got my tickets to see her at Coachella, and again with LCD Soundsystem at the El Rey in LA. Obsessesed? Just a bit. Not since the one two punch of Dry and Exile in Guyville way back in 1992-93, has there been such an intelligent, compelling, and beautiful woman's voice in popular music. I can't wait to hear what she has to say next.… Expand

'Galang' begins to get on my last nerve. SWITCH please, M.I.A...

Bliss!!!! 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!!!!!!!!!

Not really melodic. This is for people who love electro/dance and drum & bass but not really for the hip-hop fans. I reckon it has something, but it's not extraordinary. It just feels different than the ordinary, but that doesn't necessarily means that it is good just for being alternative. Lyrics are okay, but her voice feels repetitive. Even though every song is different I can't help but hearing the same.… Expand

One 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.

If 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.

Pure fun

It's a unique album, great in the sense that its genre is unexplored by pop musicians.

Simple but complex, great party music. Although I am mostly into hard rock, this album is just as addicting as many of my usual listenings.

Damn this is good...

it could be better, but as a debut, it's outstanding.

Highly original hip hop/dance straight outta London from a Sri Lankan refugee. And that is definitely not your typical dance or hip hop. Definitely not overrated, if anything, there should be more perfect scores! And not like anything else out there. Words cannot suffice to describe how all over the place it is, fusing genres, and doing so perfectly. I have been listening to Arular since it was originally due to be released, but was postponed due to sampling issues, I have no idea if anything was changed. My guess may have been 'Rocky' sounding samples from 'Bucky Done Gone'. Now M.I.A. born Maya Arulpragasam has signed a record deal with Interscope which will see it drop in mid April. Start to finish, a gem of a record! Highly recommened listening. I guarantee it will be in number one in umpteen top ten lists for 2005, and in even more top ten lists overall!… Expand

A really fantastic dance album. Sure, it's got a lot of repetetive beats and hooks, but it's a totally immersive listen, and M.I.A. just seems to have an instinct for using the right beats at the right times, whatever anyone might think about the depth or lack of in her political insights.

It combines all the elements I could ever wish for in a pop album. It`s something completely new and NOW!

While the beats are insane, and this girl sure knows how to rock out. I think it's too political for it's own good. The saving grace about this is the songs are so hot you can listen to one and completly miss the undertones, but still enjoy the album.

Mindblowing. Easily the best album of the year so far, destined to become the overall best album of 2005.

So boring...

Magic

this isn't good music. this is bullshit direct effect/trl/mtv dance music.

great and fun!! what else is good out there that's fun? just listened to regina spektor: i'd give it a zero.

I am HUGE music Fan - my music interests span from artists such as Ali Farka Toure to Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails and M.I.A.'s album is hot geniusness!! The music is paradoxical in a beautiful way (but doesn't that make the most interesting stuff?) Inititally the party aspect of her music hits you, then, if you feel the need to dig deeper, you can explore the complex issues of her politics as she spreads them acrross the landscape of here album. This all in turn creates a complex mosaic of good time partying and thought provoking polemics. What an album!! Definitely the sure shot of '05. Pull up the People Pull up the Poor. . . . !!! Rock on M.I.A.… Expand

Not ONE of the best, but THE bet album of the year. And likely to remain so.

After listening the album, and reading her interviews, I tend to see the album title as another one word loud cry like "Mummy" (for Diana by her sons).

Nice 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...

Insanely catchy with powerful lyrics. A great add to anyone's collection. Easily one of the best this year.

it'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!

I 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.

doesnt really do very much new, doesnt really say anything of interest. merely average.

it's is completely beyond all reasonable comprehension how anyone could actually enjoy this "music". the beats sound cheap and poorly recorded. there is no melody or real musicality to any of the tracks and i have know idea what she's talking about in any of these songs. honestly listening to this album while reading these reviews makes me feel like i'm in the twilight zone. if i could rate it a negative number i would.… Expand

utter garbage. Not a single redeeming quality in this piece of overhyped, monotanous trash.

Doesn'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.

Incredibly 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.

This 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.

all 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.

Who else is making this sound? No one.

I'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.

There 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.

The Empreror has no clothes! Overhyped rubish. Noise yes, Music No.

If it weren't for the exotic backstory, this deceptively thin slice of subaltern commodification would have likely been whitewashed, so to speak. Obviously this story accounts for a large part of MIA's essence, but that essence is in turn unreflectively sublimated into a packaged aesthetic of rebel-fun for thousands of fickle gringo teenagers. It doesn't help that the "politics" are scattershot ramblings and partial snapshots a la "Global a Go-Go," but without Strummer's encompassing vision and compassion. Compare, for example: "Down at the bauxite mine/You get your own uniform/Have lunchtimes off/Take a monorail to your home" (Strummer), with: "He got Colgate on his teeth/And Reebok classics on his feet/At a factory he does Nike/And then he helps the family" (MIA). One transports you to a tropical perestroika with all the attendant monotony, while the other thinks the post-modern twitch of citing brand names amounts to revolutionary statement, and presumably attempts to acheive some irony about the infiltration of the public and private sphere, and the ultimate interchangability of said brands. Okay, but there is no image here (BYOSweatshop), no conjured sense of place, no real irony, just this reflex of attempting to appropriate corporate symbology while submitting to its strictures in every meaningful way. This is the worst thing about Arular: its affected wisdom. If this is the extent to which pop music can be intellectually engaging and politically engaged, then pop music is bouncing enthusiatically towards its own irrelevance. Taken as a mainstream dance album -- as incoherent and unnecessary as that genre's standards demand -- this is above average: thick, staccatto low-end blasts and hooks a'plenty. The production is big and detailed, if the beats are a bit repetitive . It just isn't a revolution: it's not smart enough.… Expand

I'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.

This is one of the finest debut albums ever made. Even made on a small budget it contains some of the catchiest beats ever created. And as an artist M.I.A. slings political lyrics and even social ones that are so mind blowingly simple yet amazingly clever (like the line "Lolita was a man eater/Clocked him like a taxi meter/Fuck glod she's pltinum digger/She can dance, makin' moves on the mover/Visa then a plane ride to ya/peace out she'll kill you like Uma"- from the song 10 Dollar). M.I.A. is an outstanding new artist that deserves your attention. I can't wait to here what she can do in a real studio with bigger producers. I'll be first in line when her second album drops.… Expand

bangin.

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.

Very Good.

Its 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.

Ok, first off this album is horrible. I see that it was reviewed favorably on this site and ever where else. I know that N.E.R.D made minimalism in music popular ,but this is pathetic. Maybe where M.I.A is from this is great music,but I would hope not. I can say that there might be hope for future releases, but for right now M.I.A needs to stay that way until she adds a little more substance to her music.… Expand

this 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

Have to admit, its a fun album. But ever notice how the entire album sounds like 1 song?

perfect

This album is not good and overrated. There are so many albums just like this and are for some reason rated differently.

The best album of the decade, so far. Seriously, it's THAT good.

yo buck 65 (funny name son): tell me one album thats like this, you fool. Arular is dope sauce so you can go and tell your bois that JAWZ said so. And tell them that they can get their Galangalang on listening to their new Buck 65 CD. JYEAH JYEAH SON!

I already know that this CD will definitely be on my Top 10 list of 2005; it's that damn good! My local alternative radio station (roooot!) started playing her last June (way before the hype), and now they play like half of her album. All of the songs represent a harmonious mix of dancehall riddums and electronic beats - you can't help but get up and "shake ya tailfeather," even if you don't know how! Some songs sound like you're right smack dab in the middle of the jungle, while others make you wanna put on some Adidas, get out your big piece of cardboard, and bust a few moves! When you get this CD, listen to tracks 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 (even the skits are 'groovable'). You will not be disappointed!… Expand

One of the best new artist of the year. Arular is strange, fun and brilliant. The single "Galang" makes me wanna dance all the time;

It lives up to all the hype, which is saying alot. Great rhymes with flawless production. Nothing against Missy, but this better than anything she's ever done.

buck65 must be from another planet and on crack!best cd in ages!!!!!!!!!!!

for someone who do not enjoy rap in general, listening to this album is a brain damaging experience, I wouldn't even call it music, what a piece of crap

This is an exceptional album. Up until the past couple months I really didn't listen to this type of music (I was more of an alternative rock/trip-hop listener). I'm glad I've broadened my musical horizons.

Fierce beats + brilliant lyrics = the best debut in a long long looooong time

Hombre and Galang are interesting tracks.

Perfect!!! Great mix of techno, hip hop, and reggae, with the perfect mix of politics

i love it!!

Wow, this cd was so annoying. It has a lot of forgettable cheap sounding drum beats with this chick going lalala bakka bakka wicka pricka lacka lacka. I have no idea what the hell she's saying. Very annoying. I can't believe the rating it has on this site.

Unquestionably worth all the hype. This artist is wildly original and talented.

Anybody who lashes out because they don't understand this should be ignored. You need this.

Simply 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.

Excellent Music Revolutionary and terrific , no comparison a must listen . It is a variety to go for.

Try...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!

Addictive & Amazing, a must own for anyone interested in music and life.

After buying the singles for Galang and Sunshowers, I was excited for the full length. It turns out that the album is pretty blah. Those two tracks are on the album with what feels like a very small handfull of other tracks, few memorable. I would dig Bucky Done Gone, but I've got the Brazilian funk track they lift the whole beat from, and I just assume play that. I officially stopped being a fan when I saw her live with Diplo DJing for her. Her back up singer held her up the whole time, and it seemed like she was just reciting the lyrics along to the CD. There was no charisma or spark. Even worse, after making us wait for three hours with no opening act, they just played the songs off Arular and left. I think this album was all she had in her. If you want some real talent from a British chick, check out Lady Sovereign.… Expand

Wow. An amazing album. Smart, sexy, and political. It's hard to put in words what a great work this is.

Let's get some things straight here. First of all, I am not some dude who goes out and buys the latest thing on the market; my money is very valuable to me, and I spend it sparingly. I also do not like to dance all that often (or, I like to spare people around me the sight of me dancing whenever possible). Now, I happen to think that this is one of the best albums of the year so far, so my opinion could be seen as unusual. If you were expecting production values rivaling those of 50 Cent's albums, you would probably be dissappointed here, since M.I.A. would rather create a true product than an instant hit. Don't expect this to be a rap album, either; this is dance-hall music through and through. If you don't like it, then maybe its just not your taste. I'm not quite sure why I like this album so much, but the fact is that I do like it.… Expand

it'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

the raddest music to come out in awhile...

Stirring, 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.

because of the positive reviews i tried to like it but i didn't really though it isn't bad

Downloaded Arular yesterday, bought it today. Belgium is becoming hooked!! Brilliant...

The 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.

I 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.

Unlistenable rubbish.From an open-minded music fan.

I 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?

Amazing!! 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.

After 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.

Smart funny and crazy! socially concious electronic hip hop that stays with you. I love it!

one of the best women in hiphop

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?

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.

De la grosse bombasse .... A quand le concert en France ????? /..?/,;:,;,:

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.

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!

I think MIA is a sweetheart. This is good.

adore her and love that kind of music. that album was the hymn of the summer to me

Fiercely funky and addictive. One word you'll associate this album with alot will be... repeat.

will rock any dancefloor and many minds!