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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Bristol's Massive Attack released a classic with their first album, Blue Lines, but only those who were paying careful attention noticed for a while; then, after everybody caught on, they were overshadowed by the likes of colleagues Portishead, who were cooler. But not so after the release of Protection, which sported a massive hit and was just as critically acclaimed as their first album. (The hit was the title track, for which Everything but the Girl's Tracy Thorn lent her divine pipes--a move that presaged EBTG's move to the dance floor.) Eschewing the showmanship of their scene mates, Massive prefer subtler soundscapes and using a diverse range of vocalists (including Horace Andy, Nicolette, and Tricky) who give them a number of flavours and moods with which to work. Protection is an understated album with a rich palette; it reveals more of itself on repeated listens, growing better--and deeper--each time. --Randy Silver
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If I had this album on vinal rather than CD, the needle would have cut a groove so deep it would come through to the other side. I have played this album over and over and I have never tired of it. Simply put, it is a masterpiece. This album was one of the few I have listened to on the listening post at HMV before I bought it (I had only heard the one song, 'Unfinished Sympathy', prior to this album. Immediatelty I was transfixed by the enourmous bass lines of 'better things' and the angelic vocals of protection. 3 singers each with 2 songs apiece, and two instrumentals make this a varied, but coherent colaboration.
If I was to make one critisism, it is the dreadful cover of light my fire on the final track. What were they thinking of? I never let my CD play this song before I take it off.
This album has remained my favorite album of the 90's.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Carey Marks
Format:Audio CD
I remember well the period of the early nineties - and the sounds that were in my life then. Much of my leisure time was spent clubbing: fast-paced, loud, excitable and generally full-on. It was a good time and the music I heard when I was out was fantastic. But I often felt some "humanity" was missing. During those 'down times' I'd drop Protection onto my record player and slide back into a feeling of warmth, honesty and embracing lyrics. "Lyrics!" I thought, that's what's was missing! What was the point otherwise? It was simply music only of the 'thrill factor'. Of course I listened to other classics that my collection contained, but this was the sound at the time. And Massive Attack had seemed to tap into the zeitgeist.
There was a brooding sense of darkness in these sounds, an almost brutal honestly that sometimes alluded to some parts of life not being particularly beautiful, but they were still parts of our lives nonetheless. And the honest narrative only helped to fortify this truth.
Using an original approach to sampling whereby the samples actually meant something: ie: they had a reference point, the sound is cut-up, urban and powerful, and certainly not "dance music" as some have mistakenly presumed. But it's the vocals of Nicolette, the lovely Tracy Thorn and the unique Horace Andy that provide the backdrop to the unmatchable Massive sound. When these two are mixed there is an infectious draw that certainly resonates for me. But maybe that's because the music means something to me?
But the point is, it turned out that this music meant something to most people then. And that time has passed.
Thankfully we're entering another period whereby the music is beginning the mean something. If it has stayed like it was before for any longer I would have gone mad.
There was a brooding sense of darkness in these sounds, an almost brutal honestly that sometimes alluded to some parts of life not being particularly beautiful, but they were still parts of our lives nonetheless. And the honest narrative only helped to fortify this truth.
Using an original approach to sampling whereby the samples actually meant something: ie: they had a reference point, the sound is cut-up, urban and powerful, and certainly not "dance music" as some have mistakenly presumed. But it's the vocals of Nicolette, the lovely Tracy Thorn and the unique Horace Andy that provide the backdrop to the unmatchable Massive sound. When these two are mixed there is an infectious draw that certainly resonates for me. But maybe that's because the music means something to me?
But the point is, it turned out that this music meant something to most people then. And that time has passed.
Thankfully we're entering another period whereby the music is beginning the mean something. If it has stayed like it was before for any longer I would have gone mad.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Zebulebu
Format:Audio CD
The poppiest of the Massive Attack albums suffers none for its apparent desire to showcase the group's murky, dark sound to a wider audience. On this album, the three 'true' members of the group bring in a number of guest stars including long-time companion Tricky, Horace Andy, Tracy Thorn and Nicolette. This tactic paid dividened with debut album 'Blue Lines' - Shara Nelson's beautiful voice made 'Unfinished Sympathy' into a massive hit - and it paid off again in spades with this classic.
From the opening, quite beautiful title track to the last cut (a live, mega-dubby version of the Doors classic 'Light My Fire') this album is breathtaking in its impact. You'll find yourself listening to the whole album right through on more than one occasion and wondering where the hell the time went.
Perfect for relaxing to, going to sleep to or travelling to work, this album is, as stated earlier, much more commercial than the group's other work. But make no mistake, the dark undercurrent is still there. Witness the slithering bass of 'Karmacoma' - with Tricky's harsh, breathed vocals over the top. Or the dark majesty of 'Spying Glass' - guest vocals from reggae legend Horace Andy. Both are classic cuts.
But the true heights of the album are the two numbers with Nicolette providing vocals, namely 'Three' and 'Sly'. This woman has the most incredible voice - you just have to hear it to believe it. Reminiscent of a cross between Eartha Kitt, Shirley Bassey and Nina Simone, yet managing to sound completely original, her vocals are just breathtaking. Unfortunately, her solo album 'No Government' is a hit and miss affair, largely a mess of drum and bass with a smattering of good tracks. Still, the two tracks on here more than make up for the disappointment of that album.
One of those albums that should be in EVERY music fan's collection
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute classic
Had this years ago, recalled it to be good, fell in love with Teardrop off Mezzanine, bought Protection and yes, THE massive Attack album [SO much better than Mezzanine! Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. Jennings
5.0 out of 5 stars
Early Massive Attack
I love this album and had a copied version which is degrading, so wanted to replace it. I haven't yet received it but have had an email to say that it's on its way with the other... Read more
Published 2 months ago by JM Nicholas
2.0 out of 5 stars
Protection by Massive attack
It took longer than expected to arrive, and when it did it was not the version I thought I had bought
Published 6 months ago by carole
2.0 out of 5 stars
Should have been released on 2LPs
The reason I'm only giving this album two stars is because it is a review of the sound quality of the vinyl edition of the album, the music itself is worth four stars in my... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Rock 'N' Roll fan
5.0 out of 5 stars
none
i am very happy with this product, has arrived in good condition. I buyed it for collection and sound very very good.
Published on 27 Oct 2010 by julian
2.0 out of 5 stars
A little disappointing
To be honest, it's probably a matter of personal taste, but having loved 100th window and mezzanine for years, I was expecting a bit more from this band. Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2010 by Dave the Pirate
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good relaxing music
I downloaded this album after hearing a track on Jazz FM and I have to say I am very pleased, it is perfect chilling music for unwinding after a difficult day at work.
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by Mr. John Connell
5.0 out of 5 stars
'English upbringing background Caribbean'
When Massive Attack's Blue Lines first appeared in 1991 the music was completely ground breaking and the lyrics hauntingly simply and beautiful and so welcomed by the world ready... Read more
Published on 27 Nov 2009 by Deven Gadula
2.0 out of 5 stars
Coffee table hip hop!
This band are massively (oh, yes) over-rated!!!! This is about as 'street' as Cliff richard. Its all too self-consciously cool and polished, which leaves all the danger and... Read more
Published on 3 July 2009 by Mouthpiece
4.0 out of 5 stars
Typical massive attack
When I bought this cd, I didn't stop listening to it for ages! If you've only heard 'Protection' - the single, and want more of the same then this is the cd for you. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2003 by CHS
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