Kala
by M.I.A.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 288 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 325
  3. Negative: 23 out of 325

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  1. FernandoV.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    This album is dangerous to my health. My neck and shoulders are eternally sore from popping, locking, and nodding.
  2. MarkusS
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    No words can express how great this record is. Album of the year this far. Not listening to this album means not listening to the new kind auf "worldmusic"
  3. IanC.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Even though it's certainly rough around the edges, if Kala is anything it's momentous, but its reviews don't reflect that. How is it that the mode score seems to be 80? I don't want to accuse a critic of copping out because he is afraid of not understanding an album that everyone else glowingly reviews, but if you've ever written about music, you know it's a Even though it's certainly rough around the edges, if Kala is anything it's momentous, but its reviews don't reflect that. How is it that the mode score seems to be 80? I don't want to accuse a critic of copping out because he is afraid of not understanding an album that everyone else glowingly reviews, but if you've ever written about music, you know it's a temptation. From my point of view, this album could be nothing if not ~10 or ~0.… Expand
  4. michaelt
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Pivotal
  5. TalesR.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    I really recommend this album, is an experience.
  6. Kumuthanx
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    MIA is excellent! talented. a genius. her music is like abstract art. only some of you will "get it".
  7. PaulaK.
    Jul 4, 2008
    10
    Crazy.Cool.Hot.Nice..
  8. mark
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    "Arular" was one hell of a masterpiece, so my expectations for this album were insanely high. I was not disappointed. "Kala" is just as great, if not better. M.I.A. truly is one of the best, most original artists of our time.
  9. DavidG.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    Pop/Rap brilliance encapsulated in a surprisingly, refreshingly digestible smörgåsbord of world music.
  10. Ixata
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    Omg, recommended: paper planes, bird flu, jimmy, come around fantastic.
  11. GeorgeW.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    Stellar!
  12. MarcyM.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    The best album of the year!
  13. MarcusW.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    Kala is the world in your hands, amazing album.
  14. MatthewS.
    Jan 29, 2008
    10
    This is the freshest stuff out there for those into music that captivates. A lot of music requires a lot of attention, as does Kala, but this artist turns the process into pure enjoyment.
  15. BethanyL.
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    My favorite release of the past few years. M.I.A. is as talented as she is quirky, heartfelt, and likable. Meaningful, uniquely-delivered lyrics. Bouncy, interesting beats. And....a whole lot of fun. World class album. You can't help but root for this chick and all her future projects.
  16. SimonK.
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Quality from start to finish! As good as Arular , which is the biggest compliment i can bestow
  17. ErikU.
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year. Infectious beats, witty and meaningful lyrics. Definitely not for the weak of heart. I. Am. Fan.
  18. SamH.
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    There is nothing annoying about this album, people say that because the structure of the lyrics mixed with unconventional beats makes this album one of the most exciting album to come out in a long time. The production value is remarkable, as well as the militant lyrics that actually serve to say something far past what most mainstream artists ever think to expand to. This reflects a real There is nothing annoying about this album, people say that because the structure of the lyrics mixed with unconventional beats makes this album one of the most exciting album to come out in a long time. The production value is remarkable, as well as the militant lyrics that actually serve to say something far past what most mainstream artists ever think to expand to. This reflects a real artistry that is personal while speaking to every person in the world. When she atempted to enter the US after being on the homeland security watchlist, she could only get a temporary status just long enough to do a track with Timbaland, she ten used the rest of the money the record company allotted her, and traveled the world picking up different and new sounds to encorporate into a hip hop dance album. Instead of spending money on menial bullshit, she used to advance her craft, and you cant not respect something like that… Expand
  19. patd
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    Great Album
  20. TimE.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    This album is M.I.Alicious as Fergie would put it. Sorry for even mentioning Ferigie in the same sentence as MIA as she would never stoop to that level.
  21. FelipeP.
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    The album of the year, M.I.A. backs better than ever!
  22. ChrisW.
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    M.I.A. is one the most original artists out right now. Take full advantage of listening to this album... loud! The sounds that come through the speakers are so incredible. There is nothing like it out right now. Vibe mag doesn't know what they're talking about... nor have they ever.
  23. MJ88
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    Stunning. Exciting. AWESOME.
  24. benk
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    "Kala" is an epic album from start to finish. M.I.A.'s debut "Arular" was already good enough as it is, but the follow-up completely trumps it. There is a much bigger, fuller sound and the material is stronger.
  25. Ninjaw
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    since when did fucking vibe count? album of the year.
  26. briank
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Brilliant, furious, blazing and insanely cool! This album makes her last one sound like mainstream pop!
  27. AaronS.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    This album is bonkers. One of the best of the year.
  28. Nick
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Solid, solid, solid. Vibe is way wrong on this - are they upset because it's the one release of 2007 without Timbaland on it? Boo-freaking-hoo.
  29. AricB
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    At first listen I was a bit shocked because it seemed sort of dull and slow after the song Hussel. But after about 3 listens, the songs started to grow on me immensely. While not quite as cohesive as Arular, it's better in its variety and takes more risks, probably because MIA herself co produces many songs (and had the main producing credit on Bird Flu). There are songs to dance to At first listen I was a bit shocked because it seemed sort of dull and slow after the song Hussel. But after about 3 listens, the songs started to grow on me immensely. While not quite as cohesive as Arular, it's better in its variety and takes more risks, probably because MIA herself co produces many songs (and had the main producing credit on Bird Flu). There are songs to dance to (XR2, Bird Flu, Boyz, Jimmy) but what I love is there are also songs that I can just sit down and listen to (Mango Pickle, The Turn, 20$, Come Around) I think it's actually for the best that Timbaland wasn't the main producer, because while Come Around is a good song, the others are better.… Expand
  30. SashaL
    Aug 25, 2007
    10
    What was the hell was Vibe listening to? Top 5 five this year Garantee! I wish there were more of rap artist like her.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Album of 2007
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2007
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. cokemachineglow
    87
    Although there are a couple of failed tracks--like the tediously slow 'The Turn'--most of this stuff is groundbreaking.
    Read full review
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    There are the terrible lyrics and more than a few moments where her one-style-fits-all MCing grates, but there's also the politics that no one else would touch, an intelligence, colour and humour, and the added benefit of centrifugally heavy production. Skip a couple, and you're in for a treat.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    Everything here is a fantastic hybrid, M.I.A. and her platoon of producers thieving fashionable street sounds from Baltimore hip hop to Brazil's baile funk. [Sep 2007, p.89]
See all critic reviews »