Massive Attack ‎– Protection

When the bassline and kick drum start off in Protection, I get the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Tracey Thorn has never sounded better than on that track, it's an absolute, certified masterpiece in my opinion, and I've got effing high standards!!!!

I love this album ,it's one of those albums that EVERYONE who considers themselves "into" music should own...I hate that phrase, but it's a fact, this album is that good. It's like medicine, hear it and it heals you, it's music for the soul going beyond background chatter to fill a room at a dinner party, this draws you in like a drug.

The incredible thing is that IMO Massive Attck made numerous other great albums in Blue Lines and Mezzanine which whilst not being as great as this in my opinion are truly brilliant albums in their own right. What a talented group of musicians, what a shame that the trio have broken up and seem beyond reconcilliation.

Another Massive Attack classic that was unfairly criticised upon it's release. This is probably Massive's most beautiful and etheral album. The use of Craig Armstrong's sweeping and emotional orchestral backgrounds, together with Tracy Thorns lush voice make for an utterly stunning chill out album, that has more than stood the test of time. It's also been incredibly influential in the genre of electronic downtempo/chill out, with artists such as Nitin Sahwney, Morcheeba, Everything But The Girl etc citing it as an influence. A very imaginative album as well, that takes in electronica, trip hop, gorgeous ethnic & world influences and beautiful classical arrangements. And not forgetting the fabulous contributions by the reggae legend Horace Andy and his sweet but haunting voice. Fantastic and a timeless classic. Hail the Massive!

In my humble opinion this is the best album Massive Attack has made until now. Although Blue Lines, Mezzanine and 100th Window are extremely good too (No Protection is also excellent, by the way), this one is the top.

Really, I can't say this about any other cd I own (nor will I ever, I honestly believe), but I will about this one: this might well be the best album ever recorded. I know, in the review guidelines it says not to just state "Great record!", but I just did.

What I find a shame is that this album was Mushroom's child, whereas Blue Lines was Daddy G's and both Mezzanine and 100th Window were (are) 3D's. And guess what? Yes, Mushroom left the trio last year. So no more Protection. What struck me, also, was that on the gig I went to last sunday (in Amsterdam) they didn't even play one song from this album; only from the first and the last two. Maybe Mushroom wouldn't let them? Is there really so much hate between 3D and Mushroom, as Daddy G once said? That would really be a shame. I can only hope Mushroom will start making music of his own, just to see if he can pull another Protection.

(Hey, I can hope, can't I?!... :-)