User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Matangi
by
Matangi Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 247 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the British singer/rapper features a guest appearance from The Weekend as well as production from Danja, Doc McKinney, Hit-Boy, Illangelo, The Partysquad, and Switch.
Buy Now
Buy on

Top Track

Bad Girls
Live fast, die young Bad girls do it well Live fast, die young Bad girls do it well Live fast, die young Bad girls do it well Live fast, die... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Nov 10, 2013
    100
    There are overworked beatscapes and confounding lyrics, sure--but also multiple sublime, fully formed songs.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 8, 2013
    85
    Her child-like rhymes may seem like she’s only toying with playground politics but she knows exactly where her strengths are; Matangi is a tribute to those talents and it’s an unmitigated thrill. Dissident, deviant, “mili-tent”; Cookie cutter pop star she is not, but a true great she absolutely is.
  3. Spin
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    Like its creator, Matangi is flawed, frustrating, and occasionally confusing, but it's also intermittently brilliant and completely unique.
  4. Mojo
    Dec 18, 2013
    80
    The snotty attitude of MIA's incendiary globalist skipping rhymes has never been better balanced with first-rate pop hooks. [Jan 2014, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 7, 2013
    78
    Matangi, her fourth disc as M.I.A., succeeds in recovering lost ground from 2010 slump Maya thanks to the fire in its belly.
  6. The Quietus
    Nov 21, 2013
    70
    Matangi sounds like a mess on first, second and third listen--and it doesn't help that the album's worst missteps, the lumbering Britpop-worthy ballad 'Come Walk With Me' and the squeaky irritant 'aTENTion', weigh down its first half. But when it coheres, it's a thrill.
  7. 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.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Raymoiful
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    Matangi is consistent, unique and passionate album full of interesting ideas. I like the production noisy, aggressive, industrial andMatangi is consistent, unique and passionate album full of interesting ideas. I like the production noisy, aggressive, industrial and dance-pop beats mixed with Tamil music and Middle Eastern influences work again very well for her. Her willingness to blend and explore various genres and styles is admirable. Matangi is certainly not M.I.A.'s best effort, but it is a very satisfying album on the first listen-through. Give it a try.… Expand
  2. AntonioJilian
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    one of my favorite albums of all time, the production on every track is fantastic and so ahead of its time, every track is addicting and im inone of my favorite albums of all time, the production on every track is fantastic and so ahead of its time, every track is addicting and im in love with the diversity and the aesthetic of this record, FLY PIRATE FOR LIFE PURR THIS CHANGED MY LIFE… Expand
  4. 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    … Expand
  5. MrMagpie91
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    This woman just can't do wrong. Matangi is another example of how talented M.I.A. is. It's an excellent and remarkably eclectic album which isThis woman just can't do wrong. Matangi is another example of how talented M.I.A. is. It's an excellent and remarkably eclectic album which is also a lot of fun. Standout tracks are probably 'Matangi', 'Warriors', 'Exodus', 'Double Bubble Trouble' & 'Bring the Noize'. Can't wait to hear what she comes up next!… Expand
  6. davd123
    Jan 26, 2018
    8
    This was the first M.I.A's album I have listened and it didn't disappointed me. A great dance and experimental album.
  7. vern
    Nov 6, 2013
    8
    Though not flawless, Matangi is somewhat of a return to form for M.I.A. Using plenty of unconventional song structure, bizarre glitch effects,Though not flawless, Matangi is somewhat of a return to form for M.I.A. Using plenty of unconventional song structure, bizarre glitch effects, and subterranean bass, it walks a line between the ambitious (but barely-listenable) MAYA and her more accessible earlier work (Arular and Kala), resulting in an instantly challenging and ultimately entertaining album. Some highlights include MATANGI, Warriors, and Bad Girls… Expand
  8. hotsnakes
    Nov 7, 2013
    5
    What a let down. Bad Girls is by far the best song and that's been out almost two years. This album is a disappointment, like every otherWhat a let down. Bad Girls is by far the best song and that's been out almost two years. This album is a disappointment, like every other album after Arular and Kala. That won't stop the blogs from raving about it though.… Expand

See all 40 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 Ozarker - Israel Nash
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Lahai - Sampha
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
All Current Music »