After seeing the intriguing video for the equally excellent first single, "L.E.S. Artistes," I immediately pre-ordered this debut from Santogold and patiently waited for its release. When I finally heard it, I must admit that I was a bit disappointed. Almost all of the songs on this self-titled disc can abe neatly split up into two simple categories: there are the experimental, out-of-the-box tracks that are very much like what M.I.A. does, and then there are 80's-esque pop/rock songs that sound exactly like something Gwen Stefani would do. Quite honestly, there is not much more in between, meaning that this album mostly feels like it's full of impersonations and style-biting rather than new music by a new, fresh, talented, and creative artist. Santogold brushes off all the M.I.A. comparisons, and she accredits the similarity to working with some of the same producers (Switch and Diplo, mostly). But any discerning listener will hear that the similarities do not end at the production. Santogold snatches M.I.A.'s unique delivery with the slightly nasal, sorta-rapping-sorta-not thing. Although both excellent songs, the slinky and dark production on both "My Superman" and "Starstruck" are almost identical to that of Maya's "$20" off her last album, Kala. At the end of the latter, there is a continuous chant of "ay! ay! ay!" that is extremely reminiscent of the ending of "The Turn," also from Kala. And just don't get me started on "Creator." I could go on. Most of the rock songs are very stale, and--surprise!--they sound very dated. And when these tracks are good (the summery and breezy "Lights Out," which is the song featured on the new Bud Light Lime commercials), her unbearably whiny voice ruins the moment. The best songs on this collection are the genuinely unique "L.E.S. Artistes," the deliciously childish "Shove It," "My Superman," "Starstruck," the tick-tocking "Unstoppable" and the remix "You'll Find A Way". (The original rock version sound very off; the vocals and background don't match properly, in my opinion.) Overall, this is still a decent debut album with some very enjoyable tracks, and some others that aren't so great. The only problem is that she needs to sepaprate her identity from her inspiration; next time I want something that is one-hundred-percent Santogold. Not 80's pop/rock. Not Gwen Stefani. Not M.I.A. Just Santogold.

is pretty cute and creative. This cd is pretty different to M.I.A. their voices are different i don't see the comparison to be honest.

Unstoppable, Say Aha, Creator are stand outs to me

I've been getting more into indie-type music lately, and Santogold's debut is excellent. It starts out with two more mainstream, radio-accessible tracks (L.E.S. Artistes and You'll Find a Way) which are completely awesome. Then afterwards the tracks get more into that counterculture flavor that I love. In short, really good catchy infectious groovy stuff! Recommended.

i love her style, so original, its like reggae, rock, pop combined plus more
i'm always listening to her cd when i go to work

Album is very good throughout, pop synth with a reggae feel on some tracks. Most reviewers have said her voice reminds them of Gwen Stefani, it took a few listen before it came to me, it really sounds more like Dale Bozzio, the lead singer of Missing Persons (if some of you can remember that far back or have caught them on Remember the 80's. Definitely an album to purchase. PS Santogold was name of really bad gold plated jewelry you could buy on late nite tv.