M.I.A.| Matangi | N.E.E.T./Interscope | 2013
It has been over three years since M.I.A. has released an album, and the back-story for Matangi is almost as enciting as the musician's work on this release. After delaying Matangi's release for being "too positive", she threatened to take the album from Interscope and release it herself. (Luckily, she has the backing of the record giant, at least this time.) Though one could understandably be concerned for an artist who has openly courted controversy (i.e. flipping off viewers during the Super Bowl halftime show) to suddenly possess a sunny deposition.
Can you believe that "Bad Girls" was released almost two years ago?!
The singles released over the past eighteen months are here, but the deep cuts are also worth the wait. Her collaboration with The Weeknd in "Exodus"/"Sexdous" are some of the album's finest highlights, an instant R&B radio hit waiting to happen. Musically, the album is all over the place. "Bring The Noize" has those fast-paced verses that suddenly sound like they are going in reverse. There is a roll call of countries in "Matangi" over clattering percussions. There is chanting, a boxing bell, personal lyrics about her struggles, and more. Even though she doesn't have Top 40 radio in mind, the frantic yet familiar "Come Walk With Me" would be refreshing to hear on the FM dial in moderation.
M.I.A., who named this album after the goddess of music, Matangi, does not wish to concentrate her energies or concerns on what else is going on in the music industry. Noting that this is her "spiritual album", Matangi is a vastly compelling piece of pop music that only reinforces that she is at the top of her game, no matter how long she is away.
Grade: A-
Recommended tracks: "Exodus" (feat The Weeknd), "Come Walk With Me", "Bring The Noize", "Lights"
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