You Always Live Again

Y.A.L.A.

You always live again. This might be the new mantra of MIA's fourth studio album. Sounds like YOLO (You Only Live Once)? That's the point. MIA (Maya) still puts her two cents in about the slightly outdated, definitely overused phrase "YOLO!"

Is she a little late for that? Some might say yes, because of the delayed release of Matangi. But once you hear the song, you'll be happy you didn't YOLO yourself to death before it's release on November 5th. Y.A.L.A.'s catchy beats and chants will make you feel like you're running through the dirty streets of Bombay, barefoot and hyped up on whatever it is they smoke in India (yes, we all know Sri Lanka is not India, but they are neighbors).

Listen to "Y.A.L.A.":

While MIA maintains her signature cultural sounds of Sri Lanka, she follows the musical trends of today by incorporating more electronic pops and drags than before. Look back her 2008 major smash "Paper Planes," a perfect blend of traditional sounds (MIA's signature bells, vocal yips, and drums) and smooth beats. Compare it with the new release from Matangi, "Double Bubble Trouble," which maintains tradition, but also drops a sharp staccato-esque beat, something that can't be distinguished in her past work.

Unlike her album Maya (remember the controversial  "Born Free?"), MIA does not get as heavy with the lyrics and her messages. Although, you'll still find yourself shouting "Preach!" every once in a while. She does, however, get heavy with the beats.

I think it's safe to say that to "drop the bass" (a catch phrase used for electronica/dubstep music styles that have slowly integrated into modern dance and pop music), the music requires a certain sharpness. You can hear this similar style in "Matangi" as well. It sounds processed, like it was scrambled in the microwave. A bad thing? Definitely not! I've been told that only awesome things happen when you stick them in the microwave, especially this album. If you don't believe it, put a metal plate in your mom's microwave and watch the fireworks explode.

Listen to "Bring the Noize":

If it makes you want to hit the ground at the drop, it's relevant.

Check out some more of the favorites first:

Double Bubble Trouble

Bad Girls

Boom (Skit)

Exodus

To listen to more of Matangi, visit MIA's Matangi YouTube Channel.

Dig what you hear? Download the songs and/or album from iTunes here.