M.I.A. - Kala [2007]
M.I.A.’s (Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam) amazing debut album, Arular, garnered many dedicated fans. One of them just happened to be mega-producer Timbaland. He was so enthusiastic, in fact, that he wanted to work with her for her sophomore release. Of course Maya obliged and she even cried tears of happiness. But before she could begin collaborating with him, a little–okay, a big–obstacle came up; the Sri Lankan was not allowed to enter the United States for ten months due to visa troubles. Some artists would just quit right then and there, but that’s not how she operates. M.I.A. figured that if she couldn’t come into the US, then she would go and create her art everywhere else on the globe. And that’s what she did. Kala was recorded in many locations, including India, London, Australia, Africa and Trinidad.
Maya’s first album, named after her father, was raw and unapologetically fierce. M.I.A. herself admitted the album was rather “masculine.” However, Kala is, among other things, softer and more personal. It’s only right that she named it after her mother. Maya’s father doesn’t think mom deserves the privilege. (Supposedly, the two are very competitive). But I would have to disagree with Papa Arulpragasam. When he left his family to become a freedom fighter, his jobless wife had to support her children and provide for them. Not only is she deserving of the title for respect’s sake, but also because her struggle is represented in many of the songs. In tracks like “$20,” Maya sounds less like the rambunctious girl we met on her debut and more like a tired and slightly bitter mother who has seen the cruelty of the world, trying to find hope and meaning somewhere. But still… there’s strength! Power. (In the absolute best way possible, of course).
Full Album Tracks Listing
[MP3 Direct Download]
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1. Bamboo Banga.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
2. Bird Flu.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
3. Boyz.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
4. Jimmy.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
5. Hussel.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
6. Mango Pickle Down River.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
7. 20 Dollar.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
8. World Town.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
9. The Turn.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
10. XR2.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
11. Paper Planes.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
12. Come Around.mp3 [MP3Today.Info]
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