Maya
M.I.A. · 2010
53 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic collage of global sounds and provocative lyrics punctuated by M.I.A.'s signature blend of hip-hop and electronic beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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Born Free — This track stands out for its intense energy and poignant social commentary, reflecting on themes of oppression and identity while pushing musical boundaries.
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XXXO — Blending catchy pop hooks with sharp lyrics about relationships in the digital age, this song encapsulates M.I.A.'s unique ability to merge commercial appeal with critical insight.
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Teqkilla — With its heavy beats and rapid-fire verses, this track showcases M.I.A.'s innovative approach to rhythm and sound, representing her roots in both hip-hop and world music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
M.I.A. blends diverse sounds and provocative lyrics, resulting in a distinct yet uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word piece that sets a confrontational tone, followed by tracks that shift rapidly in tempo and style.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, often layering multiple samples and beats within a single song, creating a chaotic soundscape.
- The lyrics frequently address political themes and personal narratives, often delivered in a fragmented manner that mirrors the production style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- wave-like pacing experience
- provocative and engaging themes
- short punchy interludes
- immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 7, 2010, 'Maya' is M.I.A.'s third studio album, following her critically acclaimed breakthrough, 'Kala'. At this point in her career, she was well-established as a genre-defying artist known for her politically charged themes and eclectic sound, but also facing scrutiny for her outspoken nature and controversial public persona.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Santigold· Grimes· Die Antwoord
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Born Free
The vivid imagery of violence against a group is presented without hesitation, creating a stark visual narrative that confronts listeners directly.
This bold choice to depict brutality challenges the audience's comfort levels and forces engagement with the harsh realities of societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Message 0:58
- 2 Steppin Up 4:01
- 3 XXXO 2:54
- 4 Teqkilla 6:19
- 5 Lovalot 2:50
- 6 Story to Be Told 3:32
- 7 It Takes a Muscle 3:00
- 8 It Iz What It Iz 3:29
- 9 Born Free 4:07
- 10 Meds and Feds 3:08
- 11 Tell Me Why 4:10
- 12 Space 3:08
- 13 Internet Connection 2:50
- 14 Illygirl 2:14
- 15 Believer 3:14
- 16 Caps Lock 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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