I’ve been largely unimpressed with M.I.A.‘s recent singles but there’s something I really like about “XXXO,” which has yet to chart here in the U.S. Honestly, I think the last M.I.A. song I really enjoyed listening to was 2008’s Paper Planes and that was by and large because of the tremendous DFA Remix. Admittedly, like many who watched M.I.A.’s disturbing video for “Born Free” I wasn’t sure what to expect from her next release but “XXXO” is very listenable. The video is also CONSIDERABLY more watchable in that there’s no senseless slaughters happening during any part of the video. Yes, I’m easy. That’s all it takes for me to really like a video. Not a lot of sensless death. While I know there was a deep meaning behind the video, sometimes less is more. The “XXXO” video definitely is less and I’m fine with that. M.I.A. looks GORGEOUS, the background is minimal and the FX are kind of cool. The video’s got a very dreamy look and feel which works with the beats and M.I.A.’s vocals. While the song has yet to chart in the U.S. it has been doing better in Europe, reaching #3 on the airplay charts in Denmark and #26 on the UK Singles chart. Remixes have been done by Blaqstarr, Fulton Yard/WaltBoogie, SBTRKT and Riton. There’s also an official remix with Jay-Z.
