MAYA is Sri Lankan-via-Britain M.I.A.'s third full-length album and a tour de force, without a doubt. I know, I'm a little late. It came out this summer and when I finally heard it, I couldn't stop playing the whole album on repeat. I was wary when I first heard the single "Born Free," as it was a little too hardcore for my liking (and her, in my opinion.) Where was the dancey single I was used to getting from her, a la "Galang" and "Sunshowers," etc?
Then I heard "XXXO."
Arular and Kala were more world music-y, with jungle beats, drums, and vocals, and Maya is dark, London underground club music, if you will. Songs like "Steppin Up" and "Meds and Feds" are industrial and almost grungy, contrasting with the more pop-y "Internet Connection" and my love "XXXO." Like I said, the only song I dislike is "Born Free," it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I mean, the beats alone on this album are sick. This M.I.A. is slightly less militant, though she was described on NPR's All Songs Considered Summer Music Preview as becoming more uncompromising the more popular she gets. Who can argue with that? When I listen to this album which is so different from her previous work, I love that I'm still getting that sassy Maya we all know and love.. in addition to a perfect soundtrack to dance to.
Now I just need to go dancing.
M.I.A. - "XXXO"
M.I.A. - "Steppin Up"
M.I.A. - "Teqkilla"
M.I.A. - "Internet Connection"
Image courtesy Last.fm, courtesy somewhere else, I'm sure.
