AUDIOPHILE 11.6
M.I.A. – Matangi “Matangi,” M.I.A.’s fourth studio album, is one that’s almost impossible to view without the context of M.I.A.’s past career, her host of contentious public interactions and outspoken attitude. The album is just about as sporadic and bumpy as the past few years of her career, but somehow still impossibly cool. “Matangi” is rife with dance tracks that changes gears without warning, going from trap to reggae and from sitar-based to electronic, percussion-heavy rhythms. M.I.A. drops spitfire verses, some that make you wonder why she is so revered, and others that remind you exactly why she is. One song that encapsulates this attitude is “Lights,” which definitely has elements of pop genius, but changes, and has you pulling a disbelieving brows-furrowed, headshake. Undoubtedly, “Matangi” is the best stuff M.I.A. has released in years. Much like the artist, the album is irritating and awesome, confusing and unique, and fans will be relieved and stoked to throw this on at the first chance possible. RIYL: Dizzee Rascal, The Weeknd, Major Lazer -Clare Teeling, WVAU staff