Mala
by Devendra Banhart
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 12, 2013
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Mar 28, 2013
    60
    It isn’t his most groundbreaking work, but he’s earned the right to relax, and there are far worse albums you could spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 11, 2013
    60
    A nightmarish listen, but in a good way.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 7, 2013
    60
    Almost everything here is pretty good when you sit down and concentrate on it, but there little that jumps up and demands your attention.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 7, 2013
    60
    Herein lies the central problem with Devendra Banhart’s latest record; there are moments to savour, but for each of these there’s at least one frustrating or disappointing moment to counteract it.
  6. PopMatters
    Mar 12, 2013
    50
    So with equal amounts killer and filler doled out, Mala is a cake that comes across as half-baked.
  7. Alternative Press
    Mar 7, 2013
    50
    The collection is loosely held together by vintage production, making many tracks feel like distant AM radio transmissions. [Apr 2013, p.86]
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  8. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 8, 2013
    40
    It shifts desultorily from style to style, with songs barely hanging around long enough to state their case.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. OneArmedBandit
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    Mala is what "In Rainbows" is to "OK Computer" glorifying Radiohead fans. In other words, it's a polarising, mature, humorous and bold albumMala is what "In Rainbows" is to "OK Computer" glorifying Radiohead fans. In other words, it's a polarising, mature, humorous and bold album with its own emotional and sonic palette. What makes this album especially significant is Devandra's ability to give explicit nods to his 'defining' sound from previous albums while exploring new landscapes with tracks like Für Hildegard von Bingen, A Gain, Taurobolium etc. Overall, a highly recommended listen.… Full Review »
  2. jyo_tirmaya
    Mar 15, 2013
    9
    This is a very enjoyable smooth and moody album that the always unique Devendra Banhart has made. He's been at it now for 10+ years, and whoThis is a very enjoyable smooth and moody album that the always unique Devendra Banhart has made. He's been at it now for 10+ years, and who would've thought that this, arguably his best work, would take all of this time to evolve. I thought he'd already done his best work, but he's proved me wrong. Recommended!… Full Review »
  3. normankant
    Jun 13, 2015
    6
    Whispered vocals open Mala and this stillness will last throughout the whole record. Devendra Banhart was known for making great psych folkWhispered vocals open Mala and this stillness will last throughout the whole record. Devendra Banhart was known for making great psych folk songs and this album is a cheat sheet of who he is. It's just a soft journey into a surreal world coming from a Marc Chagall's piece of art. There are the usual elements of the songwriter: hypnotic mood, freak attitude and a tolerable songwriting.
    Banhart's style is very similar to Vincent Gallo's "When", a record released by Warp Records in 2001.    … Full Review »
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