M.I.A. - Kala

M.I.A. named her globe-trotting, second album after her mother and said her mother’s struggles in life are a major theme of the recording. This record includes the break-out mega-hit 'Paper Planes', 'Boyz' and more. Kala also features the artists Switch, Timbaland, Diplo, Afrikan Boy and The Wilcannia Mob aiding and abetting.

M.I.A. initially planned to work with American producer Timbaland for the bulk of the album, but was unable to gain a long-term work visa to enter the US. She hence recorded the album at numerous locations around the world, including India, Angola, Trinidad, Liberia, Jamaica and Australia.

Kala incorporates prominent influences from South Asian music, featuring samples of Bollywood and Tamil cinema. The album draws on various styles, from funk carioca to African folk. The songs are about political themes related to the Third World, including illegal immigration, poverty and capitalism.

Whoever said 'difficult second album' didn't bank on MIA's skills. Sliced up cuts of world funk all pressed into perfect pop music. From club bangers to Bollywood disco jams it's all here. Perfect.