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i totally loved 'blue lines'. i've been a huge fan of everything but the girl since the mid 80s. and by adding tracey thorn's vocals into an already potent mix that created 'blue lines', this album was on constant repeat in my cd player.

though strengthened by thorn and collaborator ben watt's contribution on the title track and 'better things', this sophomore effort is lyrically weaker than the debut. but the hypnotic beats from 'blue lines' carried over into this one. even alanis morisette said that 'protection' was incredibly soothing and strangely uplifting when she heard it at the vma after party.

the great thing about this album is it starts by grabbing you and doesn't let go until the second last track.

'protection' wraps thorn's vocals around you, feeling strong yet vulnerable at the same time. the beat elevates your senses and you feel lightened somehow.

'karmacoma' hits you from the first beat, tricky and 3d hypnotises you with their 'rapping' (for want a better word); 'three' breaks this stupor, with vocalist nicolette tip-toeing playfully around 'her favourite number'. orgasmic!

'weather storm' surprises you with a simple bass track and elegently haunting piano work by craig armstrong, raining down on your emotions after the last 3 tracks.

'spying glass' goes back to the dark playfulness of 'three', again to incredible effect.

track 6 'better things' finds thorn back on vocals, accusational and angry... blending perfectly into the instrumental confection built around her voice.

'eurochild' has 3d and tricky again talking around very textured beats.

and 'sly' is just incredible... nicolette taking us on her journey... wondering... 'heat miser' let's the beats and armstrong's piano speak to us again, though in contrast to 'weather storm', 'heat miser' spirals like the burning incense in a temple, just rises higher and higher until it just dissipates... and that would've been a perfect end to a perfect album. but they had to add a live version of 'light my fire' (yes that's jim morrison/ doors classic), which totally spoilt my experience of the album. that's the only reason it's 4 stars and not 5 :)


C'mon baby light my fire   April 6, 2002
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I love Massive Attack. Their music is dark and foreboding. "Blue Lines" introduced the world to Tricky as well as established itself as a timeless classic. "Mezzanine" really brought trip hop to the forefront on the US music scene. In between "Blue Lines" and "Mezzanine" is "Protection". "Protection" is an underlooked and underrated album filled with some of my personal favorite songs from the talented UK trip hop group. I loved the title track from the moment I first saw the music video for the song on MTV pre-TRL. "Protection" is simply classic Tracey Thorn. Her vocals just makes me melt. There is something about her voice that I find comforting and reassuring. She does an outstanding job on this song. I immediately fell in love with "Karmacoma" within a matter of seconds. I love hearing the group's reggae influences ring out through the entire song. "Weather Storm" is a gorgeous instrumental. I could hear Craig Armstrong's influence throughout the entire track. Just a beautiful song that will haunt me for years to come. The production of this album is as raw as "Blue Lines" and "Mezzanine", maybe even more so (in my opinion). Their cover of The Door's "Light My Fire" is quite compelling and unique. Is it better than the original? I diddn't think so but it is just as good. After listening to "Protection", I have to say this album has to be my personal favorite of the three Massive Attack albums that I own (at least until the new album comes out).


The best   February 25, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I love Mezzanine, but for sheer range of emotions, music, etc, Protection beats it hands down.

What Protection lacks in the dark, macabre sound of Mezzanine, it makes up for with darkly mellow tracks like Protection and Three, evil grooves like Eurochild, and the unbelievable instrumental Weather Storm (my absolute favorite track of theirs).

There are a few weak moments on the CD. The live version of Light My Fire is to be avoided (fortunately, it is the last track), and Spying Glass doesn't really do it for me.

Otherwise, this is a brilliant album with a vast range of sounds. Highly recommended for fans of Massive Attack, Tricky, etc...