Relish Spins

M.I.A.

MAYA

Label: Interscope Records

If you like: Jay-Z

Song to download: "XXXO"

Like her previous albums, M.I.A.'s third work, MAYA, is akin to a pop-art installation.

She takes street slang, sampled beats and plenty of attitude and craftily twists them into a multilayered, startling statement that serves biting social commentary. Even when you think you get the message, there's something else to be considered.

Since 2007's Kala, M.I.A. has become a mother and is engaged to her wealthy boyfriend. But that hasn't removed her from her role as fierce agitator needling those in power on MAYA (titled after her real first name).

"They told me this is a free country/ But now it feels like a chicken factory/ I feel cooped up I wanna bust free/ Got nothing to lose if you get me," chants M.I.A. on the winding "Lovealot," later promising "I won't turn my cheek like I'm Ghandi/ I fight the ones that fight me."

The relentless punk-style drumming on "Born Free" -- courtesy of a sample of Suicide's "Ghost Rider" -- is matched by a fired-up M.I.A., who sounds like she's belting into a backyard sound system: "You can try to find ways to be happier/you might end up somewhere in Ethiopia/ you can think big with your idea/ you ain't never gonna find Utopia."

While there are plenty of frenetic, whirring sounds on MAYA, her signature clanging rhythms eventually give way to the mellowed-out sounds of songs like the aptly titled, "Space." The song's lullaby-ish melody and echoing lyrics conjure images of an orbiting M.I.A., happily unplugged from Earth and its old news.

And M.I.A. is unexpectedly sweet on the down-tempo, reggae-influenced "It Takes a Muscle." It's a stark contrast to "Meds and Feds," in which the grit overpowers the groove, making it one the album's most difficult to digest.

Morgan McPherson

Destiny, Save Me

Label: Silver Chord Records

If you like: Tori Amos, Kate Bush

Song to download: "Ann-Jeanine"

Morgan McPherson, a singer-songwriter from Greensboro, has been playing piano since she was 3. Clearly, the instrument has become an extension of her personality, and she uses it quite effectively as a means of expression.

Assisted by bassist Ron May and drummer Strother Bullins, McPherson has put together an EP titled Destiny, Save Me. This is a collection of songs dripping with emotion. Although elements of bitterness and anger can be discerned from casual listening, the work is ultimately forward-looking and optimistic.

Lyrically, the songs reveal an inner turmoil. The title track deals with anxiety. Others examine betrayal ("Fragile Little Me"), jealousy ("Monster in the Closet) and insanity ("Healed"). Despite all the gloom, or perhaps because of it, McPherson lets the angels of her better nature prevail.

The EP, available at www.silverchordrecords.com, comes with a DVD that features a documentary and other extras.

Kelis

Fleshtone

Label: A&M Records

If you like: Great beats, so-so lyrics

Song to download: "4th of July (Fireworks)"

It's a little easy to get lost in the music on Kelis' latest album, Fleshtone -- her husky vocals swept into an array of intoxicating beats. The hypnotic effect is enough for listeners to overlook her lyrics, but that's OK. Fleshtone is all about feeling, and a track like "22nd Century" features the sort of driving beat that makes it perfect dance-club fare.

This is not the big-haired woman who stormed on the music scene in 1998 screaming "I hate you so much right now!" And all traces of 2003's hip-hop flavored pop hit "Milkshake" have dissipated.

Now 30, Kelis' music is decidedly different, and her new album is fully committed to the new style. She urges listeners to find the truth within on "Emancipate," and delivers a message of unconditional love to her son, Knight, whose father is rapper Nas, on the sunny "Song for the Baby." Kelis sings about a love that can't be matched on the colorful and, ahem, explosive "4th of July (Fireworks)."

Rick Ross

Teflon Don

Label: Maybach Music Group/Def Jam

If you like: Jay-Z

Song to download: "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)"

On Rick Ross' latest album Teflon Don, the burly, bearded Miami rapper continues to live up to his catch phrase, "I'm a bawwsss!"

Ross might not be the most lyrical rapper, but his shoot-from-the-hip approach makes his fourth album an entertaining one. Ross provides a disc filled with quality tunes that'll leave listeners satisfied. Despite having so many collaborations -- from Trey Songz to Diddy -- Ross is the top boss on this record.

Ross holds his own against some of hip-hop's best, such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. But on the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League-produced "Maybach Music III" featuring T.I., Jadakiss and Erykah Badu, Ross is clearly outdone by T.I., who might have the best verse on the album.

Some of the tracks that'll make you want to press repeat are his first single "Super High," featuring Ne-Yo, "Free Mason," featuring Jay-Z and John Legend, and the easy-riding "Aston Martin Music," featuring Drake and Chrisette Michelle.