Comparison answer surface M.I.A. discography

Arular vs Kala

Arular currently leads Kala in Chorus's M.I.A. critic-consensus view.

Arular sits at 85/100 across 21 reviews, while Kala sits at 84/100 across 31 reviews. Kala has the deeper review sample right now. Consensus is tighter around Kala, which suggests critics are landing in a narrower range. Use this comparison to see where the stronger critic favorite sits against the adjacent discography benchmark.

Score Gap
1
points on Chorus's 0-100 scale
Review Gap
10
reviews separating the current samples
Tighter Consensus
Kala
lower spread means critics are clustering more tightly
Arular by M.I.A.
Established consensus Higher score

Arular

M.I.A.

ChoruScore
85
Reviews
21
Confidence 89%
Sources 21
Range 70-100
Spread 7.8
Chorus Call
Strong critical consensus

M.I.A.'s Arular arrives as a combustible debut that stitches guerrilla politics to irresistible dancefloor hooks, and critics largely agree it succeeds. Across 21 professional reviews the record earned an 85.38/100 consensus score, with commentators repeatedly naming “Galang”, “Bucky Done Gun” and “Sunshowers” among th

Primary Praise

The best song is “Pull Up the People” because it is politically charged and springs the album to life.

Primary Criticism

“Sunshowers” is the best track for its spare, booming beats and exotic sneer that feel unlike anything else.

Standout Tracks
Galang Sunshowers Bucky Done Gun
Source Spread
70 · Paste Magazine 100 · Spin
Kala by M.I.A.
Established consensus More reviews Tighter consensus

Kala

M.I.A.

ChoruScore
84
Reviews
31
Confidence 89%
Sources 30
Range 66-100
Spread 7.5
Chorus Call
Broadly positive consensus

M.I.A.'s Kala arrives as a defiant, globe-trotting statement that reimagines pop through percussion, politics and cultural collage. Across 31 professional reviews the record earned an 84.06/100 consensus score, and critics consistently point to songs like “Paper Planes”, “Bamboo Banga” and “20 Dollar” as the best track

Primary Praise

‘‘Paper Planes’’ is best for its perfect, immediate come-down and centrepiece status on the record.

Primary Criticism

The consensus suggests reviewers found the album bolder and more expansive than M.I.A.'s debut, trading radio polish for an uncompromising, outsider perspective.

Standout Tracks
Paper Planes Jimmy 20 Dollar
Source Spread
66 · Timeout 100 · The A.V. Club