Mixed Race

A return to form for Tricky, if you consider the previous albums slightly disappointing. This collection is Tricky back to his enigmatic best. Heavy, breathy vocals played over a wonderfully interesting and diverse soundtrack.

Tricky's ninth solo album "Mixed Race" follows his unique formula of blending sounds and genres in a disturbing, dark and interesting manner. As usual, there are many twists and turns on the album - on this occasion, this works perfectly.

The Folk and Blues inspired opener "Every Day" is a very sombre and creative Trip-Hop track. "UK Jamaican" has a distinctive Ragga vibe with Techno beats, making it a catchy upbeat number. "Early Bird" has Jazz and Funk influences and is another great track. "Ghetto Stars" has an dark atmospheric feel to it with heavy beats, dreamy synthesiser sounds and punchy vocals. The intriguing "Hakim" has a North African flavour, most noticeable in the choice of acoustic guitar and vocals, combined with heavy Hip-Hop beats. The laid back "Come To Me" lends itself to the Funk/Jazz Trip-Hop mix so familiar to Tricky's fans. "Murder Weapon" is another perfect combination of Rock, Funk and Trip-Hop whilst "Time And Dance" uses hypnotic Dance beats and sounds effectively. "Really Real" has a modern day R&B feel to it with, once again, very interesting arrangements and beats. The final track "Bristol To London" is the loudest sounding track with a heavy bass and beats and closes the album on a positive note.

This album is most probably one of Tricky's best albums being so varied and interesting. He really manages to blend a huge amount of different musical styles which creates such a strong record. The only downfall to "Mixed Race" is that it is only 30 minutes long which is a shame as Tricky could have extended the listening pleasure by lengthening most of the songs as only 3 of them are over 3 minutes long. Nevertheless, it is still a worthy purchase.

Tricky is an original he is a true master at what he does. This has been evident in the long and varied career that all that have listened to him have had the privilege to be a part of. His snarly rap/talk style is one in a million and his early work which was a true representation of urban paranoia was really something else. He has gone from trip hop to hip hop to rock and back again but never lost his own style, if he were more prolific he would be the Mark E Smith of trip hop. This album I must say is an absolute joy and the different styles that he has on here are a far cry from early works like Maxinquaye but it amazingly works as a piece and the different styles fit together quite nicely. The two singles 'Ghetto Stars' and 'Murder Weapon' are really different in style but are brilliant in their own right. The first is a real emotional track with beautiful vocals by someone I am not familiar with (a bit along the lines of Martina Topley Bird to be honest) and is haunting, emotional and dark all at the same time. 'Murder Weapon' is a different ball park altogether with the chugging bass/guitar riff really taking the track from start to finish and the dark lyrics of murder and hiding the evidence. Other styles are explored from pop to french/african acoustic to disco and rap this is really eclectic stuff. Four stars for a real return to form after the sketchy 'Knowles West Boy' but not five as it is not the classic Maxinquye. BUY!

This may be Tricky's most accessible album to date. To many of his fans, that might seem like a criticism - it's not. It's been a while since an album has knocked me over on the first listen - Mixed Race does that.

Many tracks retain the smoky, dark beats and dangerous, mumbling delivery that are Tricky's trademarks, but there are also faster-tempo and more funky tracks as well.

What took me a little by surprise was the efficiency of the album. You are straight into a song, then out and straight into the next. It is a finely crafted project and not prone to over-elaboration or self-satisfied riffs.

I don't think that Tricky has ever been concerned with anything other than making music that he loves. In the past, there have been times when his brooding introspection and paranoia could alienate listeners. Mixed Race is accessible and enjoyable. It is still edgy and dark. And it is a very fine album.

Never boring is Tricky. Hard work - perhaps. But there is not one record that doesn't have something that screams perfection. Mixed Race is a collection of 10 short songs. Each one is a musical riff that leaves you wanting more. It's almost anti-Tricky which, in many ways, is very Tricky. On this record Tricky lurks in the background. But this short, sharp jab of a record is refreshing, honest and a great addition to an already great career. Oh, buy the single of Murder Weapon for a really good b-side.

Fewer tracks running at sorter-then-usual times! I sincerely wish MORE artists would do this. Tricky, as well as pushing the envelope musically, has created a wonderfully concise album of memorable and richly diverse tracks. His efforts in making Mixed Race a snappier, less 'time consuming' record absolutely works a treat. Spot on. No fillers either (rare).

Why Tricky isn't considered a national treasure ala someone like Paul Weller, I'll never know. Mixed Race proves what a talent he is. Lighter and 'poppier' in some respects than the more paranoid, skunked up albums we all know and admire (rather than love) it still stretches genres like hip-hop and 'trip-hop' (yuck) to breaking point in the pursuit of musical excellence. Smart and dynamic Mixed Race finds Tricky at the very top of his game. A lovely album. Give the man a knighthood.