Daveportivo's Cultural Evaluation Facility

So after the potential red herring in the form of "Ol Dat I See" it would appear that M.I.A's true first single and the legitimate first taste of her forthcoming album has arrived in the form of "Born Free". Those expecting the lush joyous sounds of Kala may well be in for a shock. "Born Free" is the closest to a punk or new wave record as M.I.A is ever likely to deliver. A pulsating grinding central riff that masks a cacophony of pounding drums and it's only after multiple listens that the track's true bombast is revealed. Taken in it's entirety "Born Free" is an unstoppable pulsating force, perpetually rumbling, a four minute blast of sheer energy. Vocally, M.I.A finds herself caught somewhere between distain, disgust and flippancy as she throws away irresistible lines. Her delivery contains that perfect marriage between rage and apathy recalling Mark E. Smith and the early work of The Fall. The result is a carefree shout along anthem, as M.I.A beautifully drones; "I Don't Wanna Live For Tommraa, I Live My Life Today, I'll Throw This Shit In Your Face, Because I Got Something To Say". It's an absolute thrill ride and a festival anthem waiting to happen. Lyrically it's a astute as ever and appears to the walk the line between sarcasm and empathy perfectly; with a first verse that encapsulates the attitude of so many (myself included) in the wake of the economic crisis:

Taken in it's entirety "Born Free" is an absolute riot and combined with a truly staggering and beautifully directed video, M.I.A has made quite the statement. It's ballsy, dramatic and loud as hell, just like the best punk music. As a track it couldn't be further from "Ol Dat I See" and predicting the sound of her forth coming third album remains an impossibility. One thing is for certain; this musical albatross's wings won't be clipped anytime soon.