Matangi
by M.I.A.
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Nov 7, 2013
    60
    M.I.A. is good at circumventing dance music clichés, often through sheer polyrhythmic excess; it’s hard to stay still during effusive bangers like Y.A.L.A., Matangi and tribal-trap anthem Warriors. On the flip side, Matangi’s forays into left-field pop (Come Walk With Me, Lights) are blandly saccharine compared with // / Y /’s pure pop moments.
  2. AllMusic
    Nov 4, 2013
    60
    She makes listeners wait for her still-formidable skills with hooks and melodies, displaying them most stunningly on "Bad Girls," a sinewy, menacing track whose origins date back to 2007 sessions with Danja.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Nov 5, 2013
    50
    The problem is that the record sat on the shelf for so long... that anything that may have once seemed fresh on the record now seems more than a little tired.
  5. PopMatters
    Nov 4, 2013
    50
    That stalled growth speaks to where M.I.A. ends up on Matangi, since even the best moments on it feel a bit rote and too reminiscent of her finest hours on the first two albums, as if she hasn’t been able to advance her creativity much further.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed Album of 2013
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 247 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 228 out of 247
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 247
  3. Negative: 10 out of 247
  1. maxxing
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    One of the most exciting records I've heard in a long time. Thank you M.I.A. for sharing your art with us.

    My favorite tracks are Warriors,    One of the most exciting records I've heard in a long time. Thank you M.I.A. for sharing your art with us.

    My favorite tracks are Warriors, Boom, and aTENTion    … Full Review »
  2. andribz
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    Excelent Album!
    M.I.A always kick-ass.
    Looks like a Yeezus (Kanye West) performed by a Indian woman. Love Bad Girls, Bring the Noize,    Excelent Album!
    M.I.A always kick-ass.

    Looks like a Yeezus (Kanye West) performed by a Indian woman.

    Love Bad Girls, Bring the Noize, Y.A.L.A and Only 1 U.    … Full Review »
  3. danceordie
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Matangi is M.I.A. at her best. it's noise, it's eclectic, it's a mixture of several roots as she is. 'bad girls' the anthem of 2012 isMatangi is M.I.A. at her best. it's noise, it's eclectic, it's a mixture of several roots as she is. 'bad girls' the anthem of 2012 is probably the best song on the album but there are a lot of really good songs like 'come walk with me', 'Bring the Noize', or the perfect combo 'Exodus' 'Sexodus' both with samples by The Weeknd. Lyrics and melodies are a statement of art and creativity of M.I.A. It seems like MATANGI Goddess coming back with powa powa!… Full Review »
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