Kala

Review

Common Sense Media says

Sassy feminism mixed with some 4-letter words.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Maya Arulpragasm (aka M.I.A.) delights in throwing the usual four-letter words around in these rich, multilayered sound tapestries. There are also references to violence, product brand names, sexual encounters, and drugs and alcohol, delivered with such a sense of gleeful, self-empowering fun (not to mention no-nonsense feminism) that many may choose to overlook (or not even catch) the explicit content just this once.

  • Positive messages0
    This singer is all about being strong and not taking any grief from anyone.
  • Violence3
    A couple of references to guns and war, but nothing too graphic: "When you go Rwanda Congo/Take me on ya genocide tour/Take me on a truck to Darfur/Take me where you would go."
  • Sex3
    "So they selfish little roamers/Jumpin' girl to girl/Make us meat like burgers," "I was born out of dirt like I'm porn in a skirt," and "Indian tribesmen gamble spades/Indian chicks, they get men laid."
  • Language3
    M.I.A. likes to use four-letter words, mostly "s--t."
  • Consumerism3
    Honda, Hummer, Cadillac, Versace, Heineken, Hershey, and Ray-Ban are all mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    M.I.A. likes to talk about substances, but usually not in an abusive manner: "How many tequilas in the place/How many beers are in the case?" and "And I don't mean us in the bush making meth/Boys if you catch meth you catch your death."
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What's the story?

On KALA, Maya Arulpragasam (aka M.I.A.) touches on street crime, religion, war, and all aspects of the party life. She's gleefully explicit and matter-of-factly feminist; raunchy and vulnerable. Her adventurous, "play-with-the-big-boys" attitude might be uncomfortable for some parents, but many families may find that this intense young artist delivers a welcome breath of fresh air -- despite her explicit (and sometimes violent) lyrics.

Is it any good?

 

Maya Arulpragasam's sophomore outing offers a layered tapestry of sound and rhythm. Recorded in several cities and continents, the album takes you on a rich, energetic world tour of international dance beats, while M.I.A skillfully weaves her lead vocals around lyrics that are poetic, imaginative, and visceral.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the concept of being multicultural, or "global." Maya is the daughter of British-based Sri Lankan refugees, and the album was recorded in India, Trinidad, Australia, London, New York, and Baltimore. What makes this CD sound "international"? Do you think that being raised in a different culture affects songwriting, musical arrangements, and social and political priorities? Can you guess which tracks were recorded in which cities or countries?

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
Something fresh and different!
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Helped me decide (3) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind (1)
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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
Mostly Clean Fun
Some bad stuff but I would consider it clean. You really can't hear what the exact lyrics are, so bad lyrics aren't a problem. The beats and sound effects are really cool and ethnic.
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Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (1)
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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:M.I.A.
Release date:August 21, 2007
Label:Interscope Records
Genre:Dancehall/Reggae
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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