Protection [Import]

While "Protection" might not be as good as their first album "Blue lines" and a bit overshadowed by other albums it's far from a bad apple in any way, actually one of my favorites with a distance. It's a bit unever though, some songs are close to perfection but some feels forgettable by now. The first song, the title track "Protection" is sang by Tracy Thorn from "Everything But the Girl" it's this albums best song and was a hit back them aswell. Tracy's haunting lyrics and voice fits the hip hop beats and samples perfect. The hook is also memorably good. "Karmacoma" is the normal Horacy Andy trip hop with rapping. "Three" is rather odd, decent song sang by Nicolette but could have been better. "Weather Storm" is a song to remember since it's slow jazz, completely diffrent from the rest of the songs here, it really showed the many influents Massive got. "Spying Glass" is reggae. "Better Things" is another Tracy Thorn song, it sound like a train, it has good beats and beautiful sound. Defenitely one of the highlight to not miss out. "Eurochild" is yet another rap song. "Sly" is with Nicolette, beautiful sound. "Heat Miser" is another highlight, it starts with fast piano playing and the sound of someone breathing deep. It got this mysterious feeling, great for a horror movie. Those kind of song is partly what makes Massive so pleasant. The album closes with a live remake of the Doors "Light My Fire" quite allright actually. Overall this is a very good album, forgotten by many but it has many highlight's worth taking a look at. A very good variety of sound and genre's and many songs with the great mysterious Massive sound. Recommended for anyone that likes something diffrent.

"Protection" is another classic Massive Attack album that breaks the mold in what trip-hop/dub music is. Not as strong as their debut "Blue Lines" or the phenomenal "Mezzanine", "Protection" still impresses with its sinsiter grooves, nigh-disturbing lyrics and poignant vocals.

I'm really surprised to see Mezzanine got a better average rating than this one as Protection undoubtedly is one of the most important electronic releases of the 90's. True it's not as conceptual as "Blue lines" but it's certainly not a uneven album either as i've read it many times... All the tracks, without exception, are good ( actually most are excellent ) and in my view it wouldn't be exagerated to say that Protection stands as a best-of triphop all by itself. And no, "Heat miser" is not the best track here, and yes i do like the cover of "light my fire" which sounds cool an ends this resolutely dark album on a brighter note.
If you're seeking a soundtrack for your cold urban winters Protection is just unmissable.