Album Review: M.I.A. - Matangi

MIA-MATANGI

Score 3 out of 10

This is a symphony of samples slapped together and laid under what could be perceived as lyrics, although the jury is still out. It is hard to take M.I.A. seriously as a vocalist since some kind of production element always seems to be doctoring her up. When it does appear she is really attempting to sing it comes off as high pitched, whiny, strained and ultimately hideous.  The album is a full of ridiculous sounds effects and music beds that feel as if they were lifted from some obscure 8-bit video game. In a day where music can be seen as both an art and a commodity, this is neither and probably should have been left in the storage bin, at the studio.  – Carl Anthony