Since their first album, Massive Attack is constantly impressive ; this is massive
Back in the day, Massive Attack on the turntable : a huge blast, an enormous pleasure to listen. My first « souvenir »with this band was with the track Unfinished Sympathy, on their 1st album, which still gives me goosebumps, and if someone don’t fell anything listening to it, then he/she must have no ears, and no heart ! Issued from The Wild Bunch collectiv, theses DJ’s from Bristols in the mid 80s, 3-D, Mushroom et Daddy G, r (Robert Del Naja, Andrew Vowles & Grant Marshall) made out a new style : trip-hop. A shake of electro, hip-hop, jazz, dub, movies music, same time embryonic and accomplished. You can check their fb page and one of the greatest voice Tracey Thorn. Protection is a great album, and if you did not yet heard Mad Professor remixes, you can check them !
Few words about the record
Let’s get a look on what some medias said about the album, back in the day…
Pitchfork: Protection marks a subtle evolution for Massive Attack, demonstrating a more mature and nuanced approach to their trip-hop sound. With Tracey Thorn’s haunting vocals on the title track and texturally rich production, the album remains a timeless benchmark for the genre.
Rolling Stone: Massive Attack continues to redefine the musical landscape with Protection. The album fuses influences from reggae, dub and soul, creating an immersive and captivating sonic universe. The collaborations add a unique depth to each track.
The Guardian: With this album, Massive Attack prove they’re not just another Bristol electro band. Protection is a masterpiece of musical elegance, where sophisticated production gives way to raw, heartfelt emotion.
AllMusic: Protection is a work that shows the band at the height of their creativity. Tracks like ‘Weather Storm’ and ‘Spying Glass’ reveal a harmonious blend of electronic and organic sounds that captivate the listener from start to finish.
NME: The album may not achieve the immediate impact of Blue Lines, but it explores more introspective territory. Tracey Thorn particularly shines on the lead track, bringing a powerful melancholic touch that anchors the album in a strong emotional register.