Hands up, we give up… After hearing the radio rip of the M.I.A.’s official first single, “XXXO,” yesterday we were highly disappointed especially after us not liking “Born Free” as much until later. Now that the CDQ of the single is out we’ll be posting just for the sake of it.

Blaqstarr creates a surprisingly radio friendly beat for M.I.A. but it still retains the visual artists’ flavors. The good thing is M.I.A. never conforms but this a difference in sound that is not so appealing. This album is really not kicking off right and with only a little over 10 tracks we hope this album doesn’t disappoint.

The album should be titled Option Love It or Hate It because M.I.A. is going to extremes with these first singles. “Born Free” was so left field that it definitely will not attract those who caught on after “Paper Planes” and now “XXXO” is a bit too much to the point and straight forward that the long time fans are left bored. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. Purchase single HERE and HERE.

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