Her first album, "Arular" was named after her father, her second "Kala", after her mother. Now, she has finally put her own name to her work, albeit in what looks like a mess of characters. Which is symbolic of this album really. M.I.A. has stated that she wants her new album to capture the "digital ruckus" that is today's world, which is exemplified in the album artwork. Where her first two albums sported memorable hooks, this is a snarling beast of a record, that isn't quite sure of where it stands. Is she an underground rebel? Or rising pop celebrity? Tracks like "Lovalot" make me think underground rebel, she name-drops terrorist organisations, Gandhi and Bob Marley, and makes stark comments on the Islamic practice of jihad. But then track "XXXO" has a chorus her Gaganess would be proud of.
The production lets some of the tracks down. Songs like "It Iz What It Iz" and "Story To Be Told" feel sparse and unfinished. But once again, this is conflicted by brilliant tracks such as Suicide sampling "Born Free", "Tell Me Why" and "Meds and Feds". It almost feels like M.I.A. is purposefully trying to create a sound that will drive away listeners, as she flirts with major pop success. Overall, a good record, but it never really feels like M.I.A. is giving us all she can. And knowing what she can do, it's slightly disappointing.
Tracklisting:
1. The Message
2. Steppin' Up
3. XXXO
4. Teqkilla
5. Lovalot
6. Story To Be Told
7. It Takes A Muscle
8. It Iz What It Iz
9. Born Free
10. Meds and Feds
11. Tell Me Why
12. Space
13. Internet Connection (Bonus Track)
14. Illygirl (Bonus Track)
15. Believer (Bonus Track)
16. Caps Lock (Bonus Track)
Rating: 7.9
Download: "Born Free", "Tell Me Why", "XXXO".
Watch the "provocative" video (which was banned from YouTube) for "Born Free" here...
Born Free - M.I.A from Bourgeois Ink on Vimeo.
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