M.I.A.
Matangi | Interscope
M.I.A.’s fourth album Matangi delivers the distinct style and socially aware music we expect from her. Compared to her previous albums, Matangi keeps you interested with its broad variation of electronic beats and samples. Although this album is short, each song and skit keeps you intrigued.
One of the strongest tracks is “Come Walk With Me,” a clever song about her cultural identity and how the critics view her, but the track is hidden as a love song.
Two songs from Matangi feature samples from Canadian alternative R&B artist The Weeknd, from his Thursday mixtape. The songs are nearly identical and don’t quite fit with the rest of the upbeat tracks on the album.
An album from M.I.A. wouldn’t be complete without a statement on pop culture. This album includes a jab at Drake’s YOLO tag with, “If you only live once, why we keep doing the same shit?”
Most of the lyrics boast a narcissistic “sorry, not sorry” attitude. There is no doubt M.I.A. is talented, but I only have a certain amount of patience for someone who boasts about themselves in a defensive manner.
M.I.A.’s music is not for everyone. This album is progressive, nothing like what she has done before, and it takes a few listens to grow a liking to. With Matangi, you have to be in a certain mood to fully appreciate its worth, but when you do, you’ll be happy you did.
—Jessica Eritou
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Soundtrack | Republic
The odds will definitely be in your favour when you listen to the Catching Fire soundtrack, the second album of the trilogy. While The Hunger Games soundtrack encompassed a predominantly haunting sound, including standout artists Arcade Fire and Taylor Swift, Catching Fire steps it up a notch. This soundtrack features a more rebellious and powerful sound than its predecessor, matching the second film’s tone perfectly.
With an all-star lineup including Coldplay, Christina Aguilera, and Imagine Dragons, the soundtrack will undoubtedly appeal to a wider fan base. Instead of featuring popular hits, the soundtrack is filled with original music and songs written solely for the movie. The soundtrack tells the story of Catching Fire through music: the love story between Katniss and Peeta, the rebellion, and the Capitol’s ruthlessness.
Though as a whole, the soundtrack is fantastic, there are a few standout songs. Ellie Goulding’s “Mirrors” is arguably the best on the album, with its futuristic sound reminiscent of the Capitol. Goulding proudly proclaims, “I was the girl who was on fire,” and meaningfully illustrates Katniss’s confusion about her identity and her relationship with Peeta. Lorde’s unique cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is dark and dramatic, which adds to the soundtrack’s commanding sound and highlights the Capitol’s power.
The album features many songs catered to Katniss and Peeta, but the Lumineers don’t forget about another prominent character with “Gale Song.” Their ode to Gale is a sad one and illustrates his loneliness while lamenting his relationship with Katniss.
This soundtrack will satisfy any Catching Fire fan—no matter what district they’re from.
—Rachel Lessard
