Kala

This is a sonically dense and textured albums. So many new and interesting sounds, samples, references, and interpolations of other songs and styles just come out of nowhere but it's all united by M.I.A.'s creativity and politics. Also, THAT FUCKIN' GROOVE. This Aussie gives Kala five bags of Twisties out of five.

After literally 2 minutes my first (second, third, and...) thoughts are the same as some other oddly critically-praised albums on this list... I've always considered that so-called good music has to have one critical ingredient: *the music has to be good* - crazy concept. This first track is flat out unlistenable. Unimaginatively simple beat topped with a monotoned vocal throughout. Wait, did I say "first track?" - scratch that...apply to all tracks... It goes well beyond "I don't get this" for me - normally if I don't like something it's fine; there are more than a few I don't "get" or like but still can see how they might be influential but this... what I don't get here is why this is even on the 1001 list - it sounds like an undisciplined 8 year old from Birmingham got some primitive 808 machine and a microphone and was allowed to put this out. Not a particularly pleasing rapper - I'm not hearing anything interesting in the rhythm, it's toneless and bland, and altogether was a slog just trying to finish the album. Unlistenable. 1/10 1 star.

I can't get over that she used the Iron Maiden signature font for the "Fight On" text. I love it. For the actual album - it's a banger! The influence of Bollywood and South Asian and African culture on the album is clear both musically and lyrically, blending really well into the mainstream dance music. || I love that this album was able to be made extensively with Logic. Feels like an early success story proving you can make professional music with just a computer and good software (even though obviously they didn't JUST used Logic here. But extensively!) || Lyrically its awesome to have the themes addressing world poverty, immigration, and capitalism. Feels even more relevant today, MIA was ahead of the curve! Also obviously paper planes still whips ass. I think the music might be a 4 for me, but I want to throw full 5 at it because of all the radical outside factors that went into creation and themes!

Word on the street is that 1001albumsgenerator.com got hacked and shut down for 24 hours, so its sister company 1001annoyingalbumsgenerator.com stepped in for the day. Paper Planes wasn’t enough to save the album.

Wow. I'm tired just listening to this album. I did like "Jimmy", which was a respite in the frenetic-ness of the surrounding songs.

Experimental while still being catchy and globally minded in its sound and message without feeling like a scold, Kala storms out the gate at 100 miles an hour with the radio on and doesn't let up until it gives an entirely out-of-place Timbaland a chance to embarrass himself in a single rhyme. This album turned my walk into a jog, and even when I was worn out, I felt the urge to nod my head. Killer record. Key tracks: Bamboo Banga, World Town, Paper Planes

Clever, innovative, effortless

If I had to choose between listening to this full album again or getting waterboarded for 47 minutes and 38 seconds I'd choose the latter. Paper Planes was the only song saving this from 1 star.

M.I.A. is a legendary artist. She's able to do with music things that few others can. This album is 15 years old and still sounds fresh. The mix of styles is so unique and one of the reasons this is called the album of the third world. Tamil instruments, Bollywood vibes, funk carioca, Sub-Saharan Africa percussion and even some didgeridoo thrown in for good measure. Most of the songs are gread, well crafted and full of layers - and "Paper Planes" is probably the best song of its decade.

"Kala" is the second studio album by British hip hop artist M.I.A. Dance, world, hip hop and pop musical genres. The album was primarily written and produced by M.I.A. and Switch. Other producers listed include Blaqstarr, Morgan's, Diplo and Timbaland. It was recorded in numerous places including India, Angola, Trinidad, Liberia, Jamaica and Australia. She wanted to record in the US with Timbaland as the producer but had visa issues related to her parents connection with guerrillas in Sri Lanka. Oh, that might come up in a song. The music relied heavily on Logic Pro and had influences from South Asia with samples from Bollywood and Tamil cinema. Some of the lyrics have political themes related to the third world including immigration, poverty and capitalism. The album had widespread critical acclaim and, commercially, reached #18 in the US and #39 in the UK. "Bamboo Banga" begins things with a fast beat and M.I.A. with multiple voices. She begins a chant/rap. She repeats words that rhyme. A dance beat comes in midway through. I will like any song that samples the Modern Lovers' "Roadrunner." Tribal beats courtesy of the Indian urumee drums highlight "Bird Flu." A hypnotic beat. M.I.A. rapping. "Boyz" uses the urumee drums as well. Various noise samples including a pennywhistle. M.I.A. repeating "Na, Na, Na, Na." The song was influenced by her time in Jamaica and about being a female in the music industry. "Jimmy" brings the disco and dance club beat. A synth melody. Creative use of a Bollywood song. A song she used to dance to as a child. And a song that's a tribute to her Mother, whom the album title is named for. Speaking of creative sampling, without question my favorite sample use in any song is her sample of The Clash's "Straight to Hell" in "Paper Planes." Her rapping and singing. The combining of the beats, vocals, bump bump, camera and cash register into music. The song is about her problem with visas and the perception of immigrants. One of the best songs of this century in my opinion. This is an excellent album. A great fusion of world music, disco, hip hop and pop. The music is hypnotic, mysterious and danceable. Very creative use of samples...The Modern Lovers, Pixies, the Clash and Bollywood. A very high recommendation for all to listen to if you haven't and relisten to if you have.

I knew later M.I.A. albums were great. Don't know why I didn't think to check this one out. Probably assumed that Paper Planes was representative of the whole album. Not true.

I'm giving two fives in a row. I really was impressed by the variety of sounds on this album. Paper Planes was the obvious track I was looking forward to, but there was a lot of great stuff on the way up to it. "Jimmy" "Bamboo Banga" and other tracks were great!

Butt-Head: Check it out, Beavis, this dumb album generator thingy just gave us our 666th album. Beavis [mimicking Bruce Dickinson]: 6! 6! 6!…The number of the beeeast!!!! [they both head bang] Beavis: heh-heh…Satan is cool. Butt-Head: uh, Beavis…did I ever tell you that I, like, walk the path of the left hand? Beavis: uh…I don’t think so, Butt-Head. What’s that? Butt-Head: uh-huh-huh, let me show you. [Butt-Head slaps Beavis across the face with his left hand] Beavis: Ow! What the hell, Butt-Head! Why’d you do that? Butt-Head: I told you, I walk the left handed path, butt-munch. Beavis: I still don’t get- [Butt-Head slaps Beavis again] Beavis: Cut it out, Butt-Head! This sucks. Butt-Head: uh-huh-huh…you’re a dumbass. Beavis [sheepishly]: so..uh…Butt-Head, what album are we supposed to listen to? Butt-Head: uhhh…it says “Kala” by M.I.A Beavis [unenthusiastically]: …huh. [they sit in silence momentarily] Butt-Head: uhh…don’t just sit there, fartknocker… put on the record. Beavis [mumbling under his breath, annoyedly]: Why don’t you put it on, dill-weed? [They argue for a while over who is going to put on the album, with Beavis eventually acquiescing, and then listen to the record] Beavis: Hey, uh, Butt-Head…like, don’t get me wrong…it would have been cool if we got some Slayer for our 666th album…but this album is kind of awesome. Butt-Head: huh-huh…yeah, it definitely *slaps* [He slaps Beavis once again] Beavis: Dammit, Butt-Head…You know what? You can, like, slap me all you want, but it’s not going to stop me from getting down to these beats, butt-wipe. [Beavis starts twerking as “World Town” plays in the background] Butt-Head: …dumbass.

Rating: 6/10 Mixed bag album. For better or worse, this album is very experimental. The highlights are absolutely fantastic, the production is interesting without being overwhelming and it's very melodic. When the experimentation does not work it's bad but not totally awful, this album is so interesting sonically that even when it does not work it's still interesting, although oftentimes quite annoying to listen to. I don't enjoy a decent bit of this but when it works it's something special and very creative. Favorite songs: Jimmy, 20 Dollar, XR2, Paper Planes, Come Around. Worst songs: Bamboo Banga, BirdFlu, Boyz.

Is it music? Jimmy and paper planes ok, rest is v strange.

As great as I remembered it.

Chaotic explosion of different sounds and genres from across the world, for someone less talented then M.I.A. this would have been a trainwreck, however the result of this album is something which is as equally accessible as it is experimental. 2000s hip-hop was starting to get stale midway through the decade, this helped revitalise it. It is definitely ahead of it's time, a lot of the hip-hop from the 10s and even hyperpop from this decade can trace it's roots back to M.I.A.'s 2000s output.

Voici un résumé de l'album pour ceux qui seraient un peu pressés: klingklangklang boombadaboum pingibam (beaucoup de bruit pendant très longtemps - Paperplanes - bambadakling klong (un bruit très court mais intense)

Lots of waiting around for "Paper Planes".

I really can’t stand this music

una merda!

terrible

crap

Anstrengend.

Do I even need to listen to this? It is one of my favorite album from that era. Let me re-listen. MIA COMING BACK WITH POWER POWER. yep. Oh yeah BirdFlu.. drums 🥁 kids and SQUAWK! Boyz.. infectious rhythm. check. JIMMY AAJA throwback disco. 20 Dollar... the sequel to last album's 10 Dollar but this time you get AK's with Pixies throwbacks. WHERE IS MY MIND? XR2... Where were in you 92? Whistle whistle blow blow 🤯🤯🤯 Oh yeah that Paper Planes song that blew up a year after this album was released. Got her on the Super Bowl where she properly gave Corporate America the middle finger 🖕 Still a 5 star to me

M.I.A. - Kala I love all the different mixes of music from around the world on this album. It's such a breath of fresh air and not your regular cookie cutter music. We all know the song Paper Planes. I had only listened to it and I'm so glad that this popped up so I would actually listen to the entire album. I saw a copy of this on vinyl while in San Diego and passed it up as I didn't want an album for one song. Now I wish I'd picked it up! (Plus the song 20 dollar has a sample/interpretation of the Pixies 'Where is my mind" that is so great) 5/5

So glad this is on here. Deservedly so. Bringing dance hall into the mainstream

Really liked this. Been a fan of hers for a while and enjoyed the beats.

Wild that MIA is on this list twice (and I've already heard both). Of the two albums, I would prefer this album. Stellar production and shocked by some of the samples ($20 and Blue Monday). Two weakish tracks Mango Pickle Down River (vocals not great) and Come Around (Timbaland really drags the track down). Outside of those two, album is a great listen. Big energy.

Super cool. Not your run of the mill hip hop. Definitely worth a listen if you like stuff that's a bit weird.

It's like listening to the world's most aggressively British marching band, but the musicians are all on ecstacy and playing Casio keyboards for children.

Paper Planes, XR2, Boyz, and some of her older songs off Arular give the je ne sais quoi of late 2000s high school (Dansex) & early college (pimp plaza). However, I imagine if I weren't in this prime demographic when it was released, I'd find this album very abrasive.

Cash register gunshot song good, the rest of the album forgettable. 2.6 stars

Faites très attention lorsque vous allez lancer cet album ; pendant les dix premiers morceaux, la chanteuse répète les mêmes mots en boucle jusqu'à provoquer des douleurs au crâne qu'aucun doliprane 1000 ou 500 n'a le pouvoir d'apaiser. Prudence.

Not a big fan. The odd song was OK.

it was overall pretty bad but I did enjoy paper planes because who doesn’t know that song and some of it had an OK bit but I really didn’t like the singing and it was very repetitive

Nope, not my style.

I consider M.I.A.'s Kala to be a significant achievement in creating obnoxious, bloated, annoying and simultaneously awkward pop music. From the nasally sung and repetitive vocals on Bamboo Banga, to the bird-screaching and baby voices on BirdFlu, the horribly sounding soaring synths on Hussel and 20 Dollar, the horns on XR2 and the annoyingly distracting sampling on Paper Planes, I am not content. To be fair to Kala, Jimmy sounds alright, Mango has a great beat. Therefore, a 2/5 is my score.

Only enjoyed a couple of the songs in the album, excluding Paper Planes

“What if Toni Basil made a hip-hop album in the style of Art of Noise?” Yea, some questions are better left unasked.

Not a fan. I'm British, but British Rap has always been a bit cringeworthy.

It’s great that you can put records together on your own in your bedroom these days, but not everyone’s gonna like it.

Style over substance

Sound like a world cup songs tf

If Arular was a raw spark, Kala is the wildfire. Released just two years after her debut, M.I.A.'s second album doesn’t just expand her sound—it explodes it. Where Arular felt like a snapshot of London’s underground, Kala ventures far beyond, weaving global rhythms, bold beats, and unapologetically brash energy into a sprawling, chaotic experience. It’s the sound of an artist hitting her stride, pushing boundaries even as her strengths and flaws grow more pronounced. Recorded across continents—India, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Australia—Kala digs deep into street music and traditional sounds, making its cultural influences feel genuine and embedded rather than borrowed. This globetrotting approach injects the album with a sense of restless energy and ambition. The production is Kala’s crown jewel. While Arular thrived on sparse, jarring beats, Kala embraced maximalism, layering Bollywood strings, African percussion, and dancehall grooves, often within the same song. Tracks like “Boyz” and “Bird Flu” are percussive earthquakes, while “Jimmy” struts with Bollywood disco flair. “Paper Planes,” the album’s sardonic centrepiece, combines gunshot and cash register samples to create a cultural juggernaut that’s instantly recognizable. Meanwhile, “20 Dollar,” with its Pixies sample, bridges worlds, teasing familiarity while remaining undeniably M.I.A. Each track pushes boundaries, even when the experiments occasionally overwhelm. What hasn’t changed is M.I.A.’s penchant for provocative, surface-level politics. If Arular felt like “a teenager cosplaying Noam Chomsky,” Kala is the diary entry after a round-the-world trip—broader in scope but still light on substance. Tracks like “Hussel” and “World Town” touch on immigration, capitalism, and survival, but rarely dive deep enough to fully realize their potential. Even “Paper Planes,” focussed on its critique of immigrant stereotypes, feels more impactful for its delivery than its depth. M.I.A. gestures toward global issues, but her voice—playful, defiant, hypnotic—often carries more weight than the words themselves. Despite these flaws, Kala endures because of its audacity. M.I.A.’s vision is fearless, her sound unpredictable, and her energy undeniable. This album is a global manifesto, pulsing with life and defiance. ⚬ Did/Do I own this release? It lives on an old iPod in my drawer. ⚬ Does this release belong on the list? Yes. This album was impossible to avoid for years, and even established artists tried to ape its sound. ⚬ Would this release make my personal list? You know what, yes. ⚬ Will I be listening to it again? In the right mood, this is an undeniable banger.

This is a Bamboo Banga. What a glow up from M.I.A.'s first album, which I enjoyed but didn't love. This one is loud, confident, full of crazy beats and sounds, and is just a kickass album through and through. Of course Paper Planes and Boyz are well known, but I liked the opener a lot, as well as 20 Dollar. This album is fully imbued with her Sri Lankan sound, which is cool for me.

Great album, lots of world music styles! Really excellent

Sometime in the hazy days of my twenties, I was somehow at a house party in the Old Fourth Ward where I didn't know anybody. Maybe I knew someone, but they left early?? I don't quite remember, but that's how things were in my twenties. Anyways, they had a DJ who was infatuated with M.I.A. and mostly just played her first album in its entirety and throwing in a song inbetween in an effort to be a "real" DJ and have an excuse to bring two turntables. After his set, I spoke with him and all he wanted to talk about was M.I.A. Years later, I heard "Paper Planes" on Album 88/WRAS 88.5 and loved it, but didn't know who it was until I heard it again while watching Slumdog Millionaire. I didn't waste time in picking up Kala. My wife (girlfriend at the time) saw the cover and thought it was some cheap basement BS and even laughed when "Bamboo Banga" first started, but we have since fallen in love with this album. The rhythmic yells and tongue rolls of children on "Birdflu" and the hanina-na-ninna-ninna, ha-na-ninna-na-ninna chanting on "Boyz" is so refreshingly unexpected in it's sophisticated synchopation, not to mention the complex rhythms and layers of drums in the hand drum ensemble (which came at a time when I was active in and studying West African hand-drumming from Guinea). Once the Bollywood samples on "Jimmy" and the Australian aboriginal children off-time rapping on "Mango Pickle Down River" kick in, we see Kala as a hip-hop interpretation of world music. It's a celebration of and collaboration with the variety of sounds that make up the global human experience. "Represent the World Town" indeed. For her part, M.I.A. plays with phrasing that wouldn't work in traditional rap, adding an extra bar or a couple beats, or singing a free-form version of the Pixies' "Where Is My Mind?" on "20 Dollar" which ignores the trappings of needing to stay on the beat. It still works; she knows what she's doing. It's a party, and everyone is invited.

Very much not my normal taste and I was only aware of Paper Planes before, but I thought this was fantastic Maybe it was the smattering of rock samples littered throughout but this was great from beginning to end

Banger

This album already gets points for me for paper planes. This came out and got really big when I was around 18, and was a huge club anthem at the time. Then there are all the little nods to other songs and artists I love -- Iron Maiden on the cover, Modern Lovers, the Pixies, the Clash... probably more that that I didn't pick up on the first listen. Then it's just kind of a cool album, very experimental, the samples are cool, I like her vocals. This one won me over.

Truly a masterpiece

Did this thing just open with a Modern Lovers reference. This thing rules so much. It’s sonically varied and interesting and catchy and chaotic in all the best ways. I don’t know if I would have had the song with Australian kids rapping, but, hey I dunno. Jimmy is one of the craziest songs ever. When those 70s disco strings came in a fucking cheered.

This is a sonically dense and textured albums. So many new and interesting sounds, samples, references, and interpolations of other songs and styles just come out of nowhere but it's all united by M.I.A.'s creativity and politics. Also, THAT FUCKIN Groove.

It's a banger. I first listened to this album back in like 8th grade a ton, still sounds cool and fresh today, and you can see a bunch of influences play out.

i just love MIA and wish she would come back with stuff like this - such a creative and unique album that oftentimes has little to no melody outside of her voice yet still hits with meaningful and intentional lyricism calling out international affairs.

I really wanted to like this more than I did, this was incredibly innovative at the time it came in regard to the sound and particularly the attitude, and the plethora of other things that were fresh and new about MIA and the music she was making. Some of these songs are really great like the opening track there are definitely some bangers here but overall I don't think she truly understood the ways in which she was pushing the envelope. That opinion is largely influenced by how her career has gone since this time as well. Ultimately I think she sort of accidentally stumbled onto a massive and innovative sound that informed a decade or more of pop music to follow, and I think I love the music that she influenced a lot more than her music itself. That being said though the miserable old fucks on here that only wanna hear the same 50 blues-based white guy artists can get fucked she's getting a perfect score

I mean I'm not sure you can get much cooler, in terms of the image she's developed here. For whatever that's worth. Not sure how many of her collaborators have actually "never seen a map" haha. But yeah super catchy. Super different. At least among mainstream options here in the United States. She also just has fun musicality and I like her melodies. mOnD0 ExTra bonUs points for the Pixies and Clash references 😍

Pretty fire

Wow, what an album. I don't think I've heard anything else remotely like that. The mix of so many genres and it not feeling laboured or forced is incredible. I always think the sign of a good album is when you feel like you've only been listening a few minutes but you've actually listened to the whole album. Added to my playlist and will be a regular listener.

I knew I liked Paper Planes but hadn’t bothered to explore her music any further. What an idiot. Whilst there’s a clear debt to The Clash (and Adam and The Ants on Bird Flu) it was a joy to discover The Wilcannia Mob (and realise Die Antwoord had clearly had a dip in that river). Loved it all, immediately played it again and am pretty sure it’ll be on heavy rotation this summer.

This is amazing. M.I.A herself is good enough but what really shines on this album is the great production. These beats are so good, excellent stuff!

This is why I started doing this! I would have never thought to listen to M.I.A. if it wasn’t for this list and I’m absolutely vibing it. Such a different sound for me and I’m loving it. I knew Paper Planes and I think Boyz too but it’s all such a good sound and beat.

Great album, been listening to it for years.

BOM DEMAIS!!!!!

I'm pleasantly surprised. I know M.IA. through her radio releases, primarily Paper Planes (which, ironically, is one of the weakest songs on the album in my opinion). They're catchy, but they've never really grabbed me enough for me to seek out a full album. I can now say that was a mistake. This album is really, really good. Taking a cornucopia of interesting sounds, cultures, experiences, and ideas, she's able to weave this really catchy tapestry of sound that has kept me bobbing my head and tapping my toes. I think the first two songs got a little repetitive within themselves, but that is a small niggle, and one that does not portend further repetitiousness throughout the album. Each song sounds different, but still work really well as part of a coherent album. This is a great album. 4.5 stars.

Such a wonderful collection of joyous noise by a world music master. I’d rate it 5 stars even without Paper Planes, but that just shoves it into the stratosphere.

This album is crazy in the best way possible. There is so much going on sonically and almost every song is makes you bob your head. A very unique style that pulls from M.I.A.’s Sri Lankan roots as well.

For some reason this just hit different than Arular. Was is the Pixies reference? Or the greatness of Paper Planes? I can’t say right now, but it was a whole vibe.

I loved this album! I’ve loved a few of M.I.A.’s songs in the past (Bad Girls is a stand out) but I’d never listened to a full album of hers for some reason?! This album had some incredible tracks! The were a few bits I didn’t love, and a few of the samples were a little hit and miss, but I listened to it over and over and particularly loved … Come Around as a new to me track. I think it’ll go on high rotation! There’s something about the beats and repeated vocal and instrumental elements that really tickles my brain, clashing sounds and international vibes that just really do it for me! Yes!

Hell yeah brother. Real good sounds on this one. Mango Pickle Down River is a revelation

Banger! Never listened to the entire album but it’s great!

Sure, I can try to review the album Kala by M.I.A. for you. Here is my opinion based on the criteria you mentioned: Lyrical themes: The album explores various topics such as immigration, war, poverty, globalization, and cultural identity. M.I.A. uses her personal experiences and political views to create a powerful and provocative message. She also incorporates different languages and slang terms from the places she visited while recording the album, such as India, Jamaica, Liberia, and Australia. Some of the standout tracks in terms of lyrics are “Paper Planes”, “Bamboo Banga”, and “World Town”. Music: The album is a fusion of diverse musical genres and influences, such as hip-hop, dancehall, electro, bhangra, baile funk, and rock. M.I.A. collaborates with various producers and artists, such as Timbaland, Diplo, Switch, and Afrikan Boy, to create a unique and eclectic sound. The album is also very experimental and adventurous, using unconventional samples and instruments, such as gunshots, cash registers, children’s voices, and urumee drums. Some of the standout tracks in terms of music are “Bird Flu”, “Boyz”, and “Jimmy”. Production: The album is well-produced and polished, despite the challenges and limitations that M.I.A. faced while making it. She had to record the album in different countries and studios, due to visa issues and travel restrictions. She also had to deal with censorship and controversy, as some of her songs were deemed too political or violent by the media and the authorities. Despite these obstacles, she managed to create a cohesive and consistent album that showcases her creativity and talent. The production quality is high and the sound is clear and crisp. Influence: The album is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 2000s and one of the most influential albums of the 21st century. It received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning several awards and nominations, such as a Grammy, a Mercury Prize, and an Oscar. It also influenced many artists and genres, such as pop, rap, indie, and world music. The album is considered a landmark in the history of music and culture, as it represents the voice and the vision of a global citizen. Overall, I think Kala is a brilliant and groundbreaking album that deserves all the praise and recognition it has received. It is a masterpiece of musical and lyrical expression, that challenges and inspires the listener.

I was impressed. I don't believe I have ever heard any music by M.I.A (have heard of her though). Thank you 1001 album generator! This was a great find that I wouldn't have stumbled upon myself.

I personally consider Boyz and Paper Planes to be stone cold classics, there are a lot of other jams here too. Gotta love the cheeky Pixies reference as well. This sound tracked the couple years after high school for me as well, so bonus nostalgia points. True millennial shit. I dig it. So take the 4, bonus points for nostalgia, bonus points for the anticapitalist themes, 4.5. Rounded up because I think it needs more love here compared to the deluge of samey rock albums. Almost forgot to mention that this spawned one of my all time favorite remixes: https://youtu.be/m9dIv-kSpEQ

This is what is lacking in this list! Give me 10 albums like this one, instead of U2. On contrast with other albums so far, this one is special. Raw energy, great grooves

This was better then expected. I knew unwound like it but I was surprised by how much I like it

I know this one so well

pioneer.

Truly visionary, this album still feels fresh almost 15 years later, which is incredibly remarkable to me

M.I.A is absolute 🔥, absolutely in my wheelhouse (although I’ve listened to Paper Planes too much over the years). As before, she has important strong political messages. I just LOVED this and it’s a personal 5 for me. Listens: 2 Fave Track: 20 Dollar Rating: 5

I'm a big fan of M.I.A. as an artist. She has a style all her own and has produced some massive bangers. Her personal stance against vaccination is nauseating though.

Like an updated version of The Clash's Combat Rock, Kala addresses an ever-shrinking globe and the tension between the rich nations and rest of the world. The sounds are bombastic and modern. The rhymes are a great example of grime in the early 2000s.

This is my thing

An immaculate blend of hip hop and world music, sonically expansive and irreverent. M.I.A. still makes music, but she’s never bettered this album.

This album is honestly incredible, both in the context of when it came out and now still today. I remember it being so intriguing, so blurring of genres and cultures and so good when it came out, and it still feels that fresh and unbelievable today. It's surprising that it didn't reach more people. M.I.A. is probably too political for mainstream success, but her lyrics and beats are up there with the best. Excellent album.

A jam-packed collage of sounds, textures, rhythms and influences. By rights it should irritate me greatly, but the album brings the disparate electronic noises together brilliantly and delivers banger after banger after banger. Although I didn't pick up on many of the lyrics (I look forward to a more active listen later), the energy of the album alone draws you in. Yes. I think this probably is a masterpiece. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: Paper Planes Date listened: 18/09/23

A spectacularly crazy and highly experimental record fusing pop, hip-hop, electronica, and world music. Every track is different in structure and musical style and yet carries the same mood and production techniques, always full of intense energy and speed. Disco, reggeaton, Bollywood... Just like Kanye, she can release innovative, catchy, and impactful tunes, and turn out to be a crazy delusionist in real life. Only downside is the middle section loses energy and focus, causing it to be too grating, but it comes back near the end. Favorites: Boyz, Jimmy, Paper Planes

A feast for the ears 9/10

Infectious, banging and annoying (in a good way). Pure brilliance. Listened to this a lot in 2007. Switch and Diplo really managed to create a global unique sound for MIA. They went on to create great things with Major Lazer. It’s the effortlessness both in MIAs rap and in the continuous experimentation with sounds and influences that makes this stand out.

2007 - Hip hop; Pop; Electronic

Stonkingly good!

Catchy, fun, and weird. Such a fun album

Wow, what a great album. Been a while since I listened to this album. I thoroughly enjoyed this session. Fave tracks are Boyz, 20 Dollar, XR2, and of course Paper Plans.

What a frickin’ sweet record. Catchy and in-your-face and rhythmic and fun and fancy and just gooooood. It reminds me of how I felt after Stankonia - just in awe at the beats and wild production. 9/10

A big improvement from M.I.A.'s debut. The Clash. The Pixies. Even Ottawan gets in the mix.

Never heard of M.I.A. before, but this was a pleasant surprise. Totally vibed with it.

Amazing album from start to finish

I initially didn’t understand why MIA was included on this list but, my preconceptions were quickly dispelled when I actually listened to the album. The album should get a five just for its novelty, I’ve never heard anything that sounds like it. But the album is more than just a cool sound, it’s solid all around.

i’ve always loved mia. this is clearly her best work, and it’s one of those albums where i wouldn’t change a single thing. perfect sound, perfect production, perfect lyrics.