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

/\/\ /\ Y /\

M.I.A.

Released: 2010

Maya (stylised as /\/\ /\ Y /\) is the third studio album by English-Sri Lankan recording artist M.I.A., released on 7 July 2010 on her own label, N.E.E.T. Recordings, through XL Recordings and Interscope Records. Songwriting and production for the album were primarily handled by M.I.A., Blaqstarr and Rusko. M.I.A.'s long-time associates Diplo, Switch and her brother Sugu Arulpragasam also worked on the album, which was mainly composed and recorded at M.I.A.'s house in Los Angeles. The album's tracks centre on the theme of information politics and are intended to evoke what M.I.A. called a "digital ruckus". Elements of industrial music were incorporated into M.I.A.'s sound for the first time. A deluxe edition was released simultaneously, featuring four bonus tracks. Critics' opinions of the album were generally favourable although divided, with both its musical style and lyrical content each attracting praise and criticism. In its first week of release, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 21, becoming her highest-charting album in the UK. It also became her highest-charting album in the US, reaching number nine on the Billboard 200, and debuted in the top ten in Finland, Norway, Greece and Canada. M.I.A. promoted the album by releasing a series of tracks online, including "XXXO", "It Takes a Muscle" and "Born Free", which was accompanied by a short film-music video, which generated controversy due to its graphic imagery. She also performed at music festivals in the US and Europe to coincide with the album's release. During her promotion of the album, she became embroiled in a dispute with Lynn Hirschberg of The New York Times.

Track List

1The Message0:57
2Steppin Up4:01
3XXXO2:54
4Teqkilla6:19
5Lovalot2:50
6Story to Be Told3:32
7It Takes a Muscle3:00
8It Iz What It Iz3:29
9Born Free4:07
10Meds and Feds3:08
11Tell Me Why4:10
12Space3:08
13Caps Lock3:58
14Believer3:14
15Internet Connection2:50
16Illygirl2:13

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