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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- Most helpful
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JMJul 7, 2005One of the essential albums of the year...
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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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BrendanSep 26, 2005
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Cha7Apr 2, 2005
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AlecMApr 6, 2005
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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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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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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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JasperBNov 13, 2005Pure fun
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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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VladA.Mar 22, 2005Damn this is good...
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eliasiMar 22, 2005it could be better, but as a debut, it's outstanding.
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AndrewMar 24, 2005
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ChrisCMar 24, 2005A 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.
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RobHMar 24, 2005It combines all the elements I could ever wish for in a pop album. It`s something completely new and NOW!
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andpolaMar 26, 2005While 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.
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ElliotGMar 28, 2005Mindblowing. Easily the best album of the year so far, destined to become the overall best album of 2005.
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RzaApr 14, 2005Magic
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annasApr 28, 2005great and fun!! what else is good out there that's fun? just listened to regina spektor: i'd give it a zero.
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RasulSApr 5, 2005
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DonGApr 6, 2005Not ONE of the best, but THE bet album of the year. And likely to remain so.
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NathenMApr 7, 2005After 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).
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DavisWMay 4, 2005Insanely catchy with powerful lyrics. A great add to anyone's collection. Easily one of the best this year.
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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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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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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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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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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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TyeN.Aug 10, 2006
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HaleyTFeb 8, 2007bangin.
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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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VaniK.Aug 20, 2007Very Good.
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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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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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FábioSMar 21, 2005perfect
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MattBMar 22, 2005The best album of the decade, so far. Seriously, it's THAT good.
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jawzMar 22, 2005yo 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!
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badhybridMar 22, 2005
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tecoaMar 22, 2005One of the best new artist of the year. Arular is strange, fun and brilliant. The single "Galang" makes me wanna dance all the time;
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LawrencePMar 22, 2005It 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.
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lesdMar 23, 2005buck65 must be from another planet and on crack!best cd in ages!!!!!!!!!!!
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DanaMar 25, 2005This 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.
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ChrisK.Mar 26, 2005Fierce beats + brilliant lyrics = the best debut in a long long looooong time
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TortoiseMar 30, 2005Hombre and Galang are interesting tracks.
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ClintHApr 12, 2005Perfect!!! Great mix of techno, hip hop, and reggae, with the perfect mix of politics
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siljesApr 13, 2005i love it!!
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BrianPApr 9, 2005Unquestionably worth all the hype. This artist is wildly original and talented.
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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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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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regiievMay 12, 2005Excellent Music Revolutionary and terrific , no comparison a must listen . It is a variety to go for.
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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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TraMay 20, 2005Addictive & Amazing, a must own for anyone interested in music and life.
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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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JohnDJul 13, 2005
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mirenzJul 4, 2005the raddest music to come out in awhile...
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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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Belgian-DSep 6, 2005Downloaded Arular yesterday, bought it today. Belgium is becoming hooked!! Brilliant...
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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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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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DanTJun 10, 2006Smart funny and crazy! socially concious electronic hip hop that stays with you. I love it!
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fotonJun 2, 2006one of the best women in hiphop
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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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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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JojoP.Jun 13, 2007De la grosse bombasse .... A quand le concert en France ????? /..?/,;:,;,:
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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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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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NickNov 17, 2005I think MIA is a sweetheart. This is good.
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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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sunkilmoonMar 21, 2005Fiercely funky and addictive. One word you'll associate this album with alot will be... repeat.
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samgMar 22, 2005will rock any dancefloor and many minds!
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sonhausMar 22, 2005Bombastic The red rose in a clenched fist! See, revolution can be Fun. Throw away that Ritalin and buy this disc
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JeffRMar 22, 2005If there are other albums out there 'just like this' I'd sure like to hear `em... this album is fantastic. Plus, M.I.A is TOTALLY hot.
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S.GoldMar 23, 2005Best album I bought so far this year. Beats are great, singing is great, lyrics are great and you can dance to every song on the album!
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JopsehPMar 24, 2005M.I.A's tribal drums and electronic beats fall together so perfectlt they make you grin, bob your head, and acend to moving your whole body. It's quite delicious.
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DwightVMar 25, 2005Creative, fresh...just great music. The beats are addictive and hooks are clever. J.ust great
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RhiannaLMar 25, 2005its good
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ScottMMar 25, 2005Hoy Hell
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ahmarqMar 27, 2005quite simply the best album ive heard in the past 2 or 3 years. also im just shocked richard x produced this, in a good way.
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RichardRMar 29, 2005This record is great. My only complaint is why no more pictures of her! She's way beyond sexy... More than half of the songs are as catchy and creative as can be.
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AphexApr 21, 2005This may be the most immediatley satisfying album to be released in the last 10 years. The lyrics have a political bent that is laughably trite, but the raw power and energy of these songs is truly amazing.
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estherofanApr 24, 2005no matter your musical preference, try this album out. extremely catchy and fun in spite of its heavy political overtones.
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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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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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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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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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jimmySep 17, 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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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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AranBJun 28, 2006
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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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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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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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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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Oct 2, 2011
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Nov 19, 2011GreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreat
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.