- Words Laviea Thomas
In celebration of M.I.A.'s brand-new album ‘MATA’, we take you on a nostalgic voyage across the artist's top 10 underrated tracks.
"BELIEVER"
M.I.A. was dropping industrial experimental-pop tunes way before it became mainstream, and what better track than “BELIEVER” to kick off. A hypnotic composition, thudding drums and M.I.A.'s ride-along lyrics carry this single.
"Jump In"
Taken off her 2016 deluxe ‘AIM’ album, “Jump In” is a seriously underrated M.I.A. track. The simplistic and minimal lyrical dynamic is staple M.I.A. vocals, riding a steady wave this looping track is such an addictive listen.
"Lights"
Taken off her ‘Matangi’ album, this track falls into the shadows of M.I.A.’s acclaimed hit release “Bad Girls”, but shines in its own way. M.I.A.’s work will always be coated in a mix of vibrant textures, as proven by this single.
"aTENTion"
Another track from her ‘Matangi’ album, this cut (despite the Spotify plays) is definitely on par with her bigger hits. Its mesh of spoken word delivery, autotuned adlibs, and drum and bass fused hook is what makes it such an immediately infectious listen.
"10 Dollar"
Rewinding time to reminisce on her debut studio album ‘Arular’, “10 Dollar” is another M.I.A. track that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. A master of re-working hip-hop with gentle electronica and hints of drum and bass - this cut sees M.I.A. demo a glimpse of the talent she’d later be vigorously praised for.
"CAPS LOCK"
Another release from her ‘{/\/\ /\ Y /\ (Deluxe Edition)}’ album, “CAPS LOCK” is a much more subtle and nonchalant release. Praised for her hyper-charged hits, “CAPS LOCK” is one of a few soft hits that shows off M.I.A.'s undeniable versatility.
"Bad Man" feat Vybez Cartel and M.I.A.
No stranger to collaborations M.I.A. has worked with acclaimed artists from Kendrick Lamar, to N.E.R.D, Major Lazer and more. Featuring on the 2005 Missy Elliott tune “Bad Man”, this hard-hitting cut was way ahead of its time.
"Sunshowers"
Coated in the pulsating beats of bongo drums, this tune is another great release from the artists 2005 debut studio album ‘Arular’. Released the same year she collaborated with Missy Elliott, M.I.A. is an artist whose talent was quickly scouted by esteemed music industry figures from the get go.
"Bring the Noize"
“Bring the Noize” is a stomping single and perfect track for a house party. Produced by English sound engineer Switch and French musician Surkin, its thudding rhythm and adrenaline driven pace cannot go unnoticed.
"The Turn"
Taken off her second studio album ‘Kala’, “The Turn” is a kaleidoscopic release piercing hypnotic sounds. Whilst tamer than the remainder of the album, this sultry single is another effective example of the artist's impressive versatility.