'/\/\ /\ Y /\' by M.I.A.

This album review is based on the deluxe edition of the album.


Track-by-track
1. 'The Message' - 2/5
2. 'Steppin' Up' - 2/5
3. 'XXXO' - 4/5
4. 'Teqkilla' - 1/5
5. 'Lovalot' - 3/5
6. 'Story to Be Told' - 3/5
7. 'It Takes a Muscle' - 2/5
8. 'It Iz What It Iz' - 2/5
9. 'Born Free' - 4/5
10. 'Meds and Feds' - 3/5
11. 'Tell Me Why' - 3/5
12. 'Space' - 3/5

[2.5/5 for rating average] - [2.66~ rounded to closest .5]
[2.5/5 for listening experience]

Deluxe Edition bonus tracks
13. 'Internet Connection' - 1/5
14. 'Illygirl' - 2/5
15. 'Believer' - 2/5
16. 'Caps Lock' - 1/5

[1.5/5 for rating average]
[1.5/5 for listening experience]

/\/\ /\ Y /\ by M.I.A.
Rating Given: 2.5/5 Stars - Rating Given for Bonus Tracks: 1.5/5


Mathangi 'Maya' Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A., is constantly testing boundaries in music. Her acclaimed single 'Paper Planes' brought her from obscurity to fame, and many people may wonder what her most recent offering, /\/\ /\ Y /\, has to offer. This new album showcases even more of a genre-blending ability, but is hindered by some unnecessary repetition.

The album is fairly unorganized and jarringly divided between danceable electropop/rap and edgy, guitar-ladden rebellion anthems. While nothing is as engaging as 'XXXO' in the dance-vibes aspect, 'Story to Be Told' flirts with tones resembling a movement-begging English electronic genre called Garage. On the opposite side, 'Born Free' is a driving hate-anthem that could be drawn from for any circumstance one may experience contempt for. Impressive sampling of the song 'Ghost Rider' by Suicide transforms a protest into an invitation to war. 'Meds and Feds' has fairly basic lyrics and vocals, but again demonstrates an edgy style in its use of guitars.

There are some tracks, 'Teqkilla' and 'It Takes a Muscle' especially, that take a good concept and mutate it into monotony. The former track is well-overdrawn at 6 minutes and 20 seconds, and is too limited to be worth the wait. The latter song is a seemingly pleasant combination of funk and reggae, but annoying vocal effects and a dragging tempo led this idea down into a nightmare.

Even through the chaos that this album embodies, some passion is allowed to surface. 'XXXO' features the line "You want me be somebody who I'm really not (sic)," while 'Tell Me Why' desires to learn "If life is such a game, how come people all act the same? (sic)"

The deluxe edition of this album features four bonus tracks, but are not really deservedly enticing. These songs seem to take some of the less-effective pieces of the proper album, and make them even more unapproachable. 'Illygirl,' which is pronounced 'illegal' with the proper accent, falls short of being as clever as the song may sound... and really would be more creative if the phrase 'illy girl' weren't so nonsensical. The rest of the tracks were just overly processed and not really indicative of Maya's talent as a vocalist.

I would say that this album is definitely an interesting listen. It is recommended most for fans of electronic music, or just one who is interested in an unconventional release. /\/\ /\ Y /\ takes a versatile approach to what is sometimes seen as a highly repetitive genre, but unfortunately falls into the same habits. Tracks range from impressive to bothersome, and the album experiences peaks and troughs rather than feeling fluid. Also, the deluxe edition's bonus tracks would appeal mostly to completists; not even a partial fan of M.I.A.'s music. These factors add up to an album that is recommended, but is not crucial.