Mezzanine - Massive Attack

When Massive Attack dropped their debut album, Blue Lines, in 1991 they made headlines with an original sound utilizing paths of hip-hop, reggae and electronic music that caused several other musicians/bands to follow in their footsteps (i.e. Portishead, Tricky). To this day, many fans and critics still consider Blue Lines to be Massive Attack's most commercially successful release. I, however, tend to disagree with that opinion. When the band tried to replicate another Blue Lines, Protection, it was of course a very similar released, however, it contained less hip-hop influences and more electronically focused songs with somewhat drawn out instrumentals and downtempo rhythms. It wasn't as successful as Blue Lines, but it took the band into new directions making way for one of the best albums of the late 1990s - Mezzanine. 

Like I stated before, while Blue Lines was an excellent album, it was not Massive Attack's best work, it wasn't until 1998 rolled around that changed everything. By the time Massive Attack released the much anticipated Mezzanine, they had built quite the reputation for being one of the best "trip-hop" groups the world has ever known - sure Portishead had an equally powerful impact on the critic dubbed genre, but they weren't all encompassing like the boys from Massive Attack. When it dropped, they made headlines yet again.

It was a huge success in the UK and other parts of Europe, however, it was not as well received in the United States - peaking at number 60 of the Billboard 200. Critics and fans alike praised the band for taking on new musical territories. Unlike, their last two releases, Mezzanine was heavily influenced by ambient sound samples and dark undercurrents as conveyed through songs like "Black Milk" or "Angel." Other songs like "Teardrop" are calming tracks with surreal lyrics, crisp acoustic guitar playing, electronic textures and crackling vinyl sampling, culminating with Elizabeth Fraser's soft vocals - it's one my personal favorites on the album. "Risingson" is a darkly layered track with Robert del Naja rapping with playful  lyrics - "toy like people make me boy like, they're invisible as they trip they slip they physical." 

Overall, Mezzanine is Massive Attack's most prized claim to fame for its departure from typical fan/critic expectations and into versatile/eclectic variations of the band's sound. It's always refreshing to see a musical group to challenge itself and its listeners by breaking genre molds and diving into uncharted territories. If you have never heard of Massive Attack, Mezzanine is a great place to get acquainted with the boys of Massive Attack. 

Check out these tracks:

1. Teardrop

2. Risingson

3. Man Next Door

4. Exchange 

5. Group Four