This album incorporates a variety of musical styles, such as new wave, punk, electro, reggae and dub, with the aim of defying boundaries and genre classification.

[1] When working on the album, Santigold aimed to defy boundaries and genre classifications, and the expectations from a black woman to sing R&B.

[6] Jon Pareles of the NY Times noted that there was also a "reggae-ska side" in songs like "Say Aha" and "Shove It".

[8] The album was noted for its eclectic sound and blend of various musical genres, including new wave, electro, indie rock, dub, post-punk, reggae, grime, ska, and hip hop,[18][21][22][9][23] and was positively compared to various acts, such as M.I.A., Pixies, Blondie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Grace Jones, Debbie Harry, Goldfrapp, The Go-Go's, Joe Strummer, and the Slits.

[24][16] Will Hermes of Rolling Stone called it "a visionary album" and "one of the year's most unique debuts", and stated that despite being influenced by other acts, Santigold "ultimately sounds like her own damn movement.

"[17] Writing for NME, Priya Elan felt the album "reveals a glittery crazy-paved path towards a brave new musical future", and commended it for stylistically veering from one track to another while still remaining a cohesive body of work.

[15] AllMusic critic Marisa Brown called Santogold an album "that looks outward at the pan-continental landscape while staying firmly adherent to and respectful of its deeply American roots; this is the emerging—and hopeful—face of the new millennium, and an altogether shining accomplishment.

"[9] The Village Voice wrote, "With her eponymous debut's deft mix of dap, punk, rock, pop, house, reggae, and hip-hop, she won't completely live down associations with the famous Sri Lankan (whom she also counts as a friend), but the result emerges as much more than a mere imitation.