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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Brendan
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    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 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
  2. AlecM
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    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 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
  3. JM
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    One of the essential albums of the year...
  4. kammie
    Aug 6, 2005
    10
    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!!!!!!!!!
  5. MikeC
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    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.
  6. Malini
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    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.
  7. VladA.
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Damn this is good...
  8. Andrew
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    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 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
  9. RobH
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    It combines all the elements I could ever wish for in a pop album. It`s something completely new and NOW!
  10. ElliotG
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    Mindblowing. Easily the best album of the year so far, destined to become the overall best album of 2005.
  11. Rza
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    Magic
  12. DonG
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    Not ONE of the best, but THE bet album of the year. And likely to remain so.
  13. HadizaM
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    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.
  14. maxpowered
    Aug 8, 2005
    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.
  15. alans
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    Who else is making this sound? No one.
  16. janeDoe
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    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.
  17. TyeN.
    Aug 10, 2006
    10
    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' 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
  18. HaleyT
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    bangin.
  19. 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.
  20. VaniK.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Very Good.
  21. cactuar
    Nov 20, 2005
    10
    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.
  22. FábioS
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    perfect
  23. MattB
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    The best album of the decade, so far. Seriously, it's THAT good.
  24. badhybrid
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    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 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
  25. tecoa
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    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;
  26. LawrenceP
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    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.
  27. lesd
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    buck65 must be from another planet and on crack!best cd in ages!!!!!!!!!!!
  28. ChrisK.
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    Fierce beats + brilliant lyrics = the best debut in a long long looooong time
  29. ClintH
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    Perfect!!! Great mix of techno, hip hop, and reggae, with the perfect mix of politics
  30. BrianP
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    Unquestionably worth all the hype. This artist is wildly original and talented.
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »