Matangi (album)
| Matangi | ||||
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| Studio album by M.I.A. | ||||
| Released | 1 November 2013 | |||
| Recorded | 2010–13 | |||
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| Length | 57:16 | |||
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| M.I.A. chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Matangi | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| Entertainment Weekly | B+ |
| The Guardian | |
| The Independent | |
| The Irish Times | |
| NME | 8/10 |
| Pitchfork | 6.5/10 |
| Rolling Stone |  |
| The Times | |
| USA Today | |
Matangi is the fourth studio album by English recording artist M.I.A., released on 1 November 2013 on her own label, N.E.E.T. Recordings, through Interscope Records. Songwriting and production for the album were primarily handled by M.I.A. and long-time collaborator Switch, with additional contributions from Hit-Boy, Doc McKinney, Danja, Surkin and The Partysquad. The album's title is a variant of M.I.A.'s real first name and also references the Hindu goddess Matangi. Themes relating to Hinduism, including reincarnation and karma, feature in the lyrics, and the music blends western and eastern styles. The album was recorded in various locations around the world and allegedly featured input from founder Julian Assange.
The first single to be taken from the album, "Bad Girls", was released nearly two years before the album and became one of M.I.A.'s most successful singles. Three other songs from the album were released as singles in the run-up to its eventual release. The album received highly positive reviews from critics with many citing it as a return to form compared to its predecessor. Despite the positive critical reception, its first-week sales were significantly lower than those of M.I.A.'s previous album, and its chart peak was lower in all major markets. Matangi did however, top the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
M.I.A. released her third album Maya in 2010, which did not garner the wide acclaim of her previous two works and sold poorly compared to her previous album Kala. Following this, the artist experienced a period during which she struggled to find motivation to make music. She eventually found initial inspiration for the creation of a new album in reading about her namesake, the Hindu goddess Matangi, following which she travelled to India to research concepts for the album. She ultimately made a conscious decision to steer away from politicised lyrics.
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