Ma

Released in 2019, Ma represents a significant shift in Devendra Banhart's discography toward a more refined and emotionally direct style. The title, which means 'mother' in many languages and refers to the Japanese concept of 'space' or 'gap,' serves as the thematic anchor for the record. Recorded primarily at Noah Georgeson's studio, the album moves away from the 'freak folk' label that defined Banhart's early 2000s output, opting instead for a sophisticated blend of chamber pop, folk, and subtle Tropicalia. The album is notable for its multilingual approach, featuring tracks in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting Banhart's Venezuelan heritage and global outlook. Critically, it was praised for its maturity and the elegance of its arrangements, with many noting it as his most cohesive work in over a decade. It stands as a tribute to maternal figures and a meditation on the cycle of life.