What makes Mata by M.I.A. notable?

'Mata' has been noted for its bold production choices and thematic focus on sustainability and identity, contributing to ongoing conversations in the music industry about environmentalism. It debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard charts, highlighting M.I.A.'s continued relevance in pop culture despite her long break from releasing new music. Released on October 14, 2022, 'Mata' is M.I.A.'s first album since 'A.I.M.' (2016), marking a significant return after a six-year hiatus. This album arrives amid a global landscape increasingly receptive to her blend of activism and artistry, showcasing her unique voice at a time when political and social issues are more pressing than ever.

Mata works well if you're into short, dynamic listening bursts, steady, consistent energy levels and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Mata?

Mata has 13 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Mata

M.I.A. · 2022

33 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of experimental beats and eclectic sounds that challenge genre boundaries while retaining M.I.A.'s signature edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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100% Sustainable — This track stands out with its energetic beat and powerful lyrics advocating for environmental consciousness, encapsulating the album's core theme of sustainability.
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Energy Freq — Its pulsating rhythm and layered sound design create an immersive experience that showcases M.I.A.'s ability to fuse diverse musical styles seamlessly.
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Marigold — The closing track serves as a reflective anthem that combines personal introspection with broader cultural commentary, leaving listeners with a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

M.I.A. blends eclectic sounds with strong themes, though the album's cohesion is uneven.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts and genre changes, such as moving from electronic beats to acoustic elements within the same song.
The thematic focus on sustainability is reflected in both the lyrics and the production choices, which incorporate organic sounds alongside synthetic ones.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, dynamic listening bursts
steady, consistent energy levels
gradual builds and payoffs
engaging thematic explorations

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 14, 2022, 'Mata' is M.I.A.'s first album since 'A.I.M.' (2016), marking a significant return after a six-year hiatus. This album arrives amid a global landscape increasingly receptive to her blend of activism and artistry, showcasing her unique voice at a time when political and social issues are more pressing than ever.
Stylistic neighbors: Santigold· Grimes· Die Antwoord