M.I.A.

Here's the thing: the much-hyped M.I.A. album is just okay. But what sounded fresh on her first and parts of second, now are sounding strained. As Rob Sheffield kind of alluded to, she likes things loud, sort of like the producers of those Public Enemy records in the 80's/90's, the Bomb Squad.

But after 3 albums everything she has to say has been said better on her other 2 albums. The critic's who worship her will still do so, but the rest of us will just move on. And hope she moves forward.