Protection

Massive Attack | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 1995)
• Original Release Date: January 1, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B000000W6X
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,322 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Bristol's Massive Attack released a classic with their first album, Blue Lines, but only those who were paying careful attention noticed; soon, they were overshadowed by the likes of Tricky and Portishead, who were colleagues. 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 made the act's name, and also 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 flavors 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

Product Description

Cinamatic 1994 album features "Sly" ; "Karmacoma" and "Protection". Cameos by Tracey Thorn and Tricky.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Slow-burn groove. August 12, 2000

By Adam Carroll

Format:Audio CD

Massive Attack corral together assorted vocalists and guest artists to form their 1994 effort Protection, and the mix of styles makes this album really shine. The CD starts off with the noted single "Protection," featuring the rich voice of Tracey Thorn. Other songs incorporate the vocals of Tricky, Nicolette, and Horace Andy (as well as Massive's own 3-d). While the vocalists' differing styles lend themselves to different types of songs, a laid-back tempo and strong bass - guaranteed to satisfy the rhythm lover in you - unify the 10 songs on Protection. The two instrumental pieces, the jazzy "Weather Storm" and the mysterious "Heat Miser," reinforce this theme. Bottom line: Protection is a solid, powerful, aptly titled release. Curl up on a winter's night and let this album warm you.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sophomore Jinx? September 26, 2002

By Gillian L. Rosheuvel

Format:Audio CD

This album is often derided as the only misstep in the distinguished career of Massive Attack. True, it is not as immediate as "Blue Lines" or as coherent as "Mezzanine", but "Protection" has an allure all its own. That the songs don't seem to fit together is part of the album's charm and appeal. Tracy Thorn kicks off the festivities with the epic title track, giving voice to one of the most poignant and evocative love (or is it anti-love) songs ever recorded. As is always the case with MA, the production is stellar and a harbinger of things to come (Thorn also turns up on the pleasant, but bland "Better Things"). 3-D and a pre-solo career Tricky share rapping duties on the harrowing "Karmacoma", a stark, head nodding blend of rap and reggae. Billie Holliday sound alike, Nicolette takes over vocals on "Three", seamlessly navigating the song's watery groove. Scottish composer/producer Craig Armstrong makes the first of three appearances on this album with "Weather Storm". It's not MA's strongest track, but it succeeds in creating a late night, quiet storm vibe. Elsewhere, Armstrong, conducts the strings on the amazing "Sly" (a Jungian tale sung with appropriate mysticism and mystery by Nicolette); and tickles the ivories on the new agish "Heat Miser". Tricky and 3-D return to the mic on the sleek, city song "Eurochild". MA regular Horace Andy appears on the sinewy "Spying Glass" (a reworking of his own tune "Spy Glass"), and the album closing live cover of the Doors' "Light My Fire". In both instances, his vocal stylings are a perfect compliment to MA's reggae-oriented dance jams. Following up a masterpiece like "Blue Lines" was always going to be tricky (no pun intended); but with the all-over-the-map "Protection", MA managed to move forward without sacrificing any of their originality or spirit.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars C'mon baby light my fire April 5, 2002

By Erica Anderson

Format:Audio CD

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).