M.I.A. — Kala

Having seen most of Kala performed live before hearing it on disc, I think my expectations for the disc were a tad high. The big difference between the two performances is the energy level. Over the course of the first half of the album, M.I.A. isn't as tuneful or direct as she was on Arular, particularly on opener "Bamboo Banga" and "Hussel." Combined with some shrill, repetitive production, Kala was looking like a bit of a bust from the outset. Then "20 Dollar" kicks in and, with its "Where Is My Mind?" copped chorus and New Order bass line, announces a major shift in direction. Sure enough, the entire second half is full of winners, highlighted by the Diplo-produced "Paper Planes," a Clash-sampling, soaring track that's one of this year's best. Dave "Switch" Taylor handles most of the rest of the production with M.I.A., and they've combined to produce a solid grower, odd when you consider how quickly Arular went for the throat. Yes, even the first half of the record gets better with each repeated listen — the beats sound more inspired with every spin. Hopefully, people give the album the time it needs and M.I.A. will come out as one of the year's big stars.

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