Massive Attack – Heligoland

I'm not seeing how so many have rated this so highly... Perhaps it's the case of being the first album of theirs that folks have connected with (as is often the case, the first impression remains viewed disproportionately well). This just pales in comparison to their previous work, IMO, and the album's tepid reception reflects that pretty accurately. Sure, there are some standouts, but a lot of it is far too meandering and seems almost disengaged. Not one I return to much when their earlier masterpieces can be selected instead. Fortunately, their more recent work ("Ritual Spirit" EP) is a step up, so I'm a bit more hopeful about their return than I was 5 years ago.

Alongside with 'Mezzanine' my favourite recording from MA so far. I'm totally addicted to 'Psyche'!

Nearly 20 years ago I met up with a friend and when went out to pick up his friend at his house before a night on the town and his clothing line after party. Lounging in his los Angeles apartment I first heard Unfinshed Symphony by Massive Attack. I went over to his stereo and must have played the track about 5 times until he told me to let the cd play. Blue Lines cd. Shortly after Protection came out and Massive Attack was my new favorite more mainstream artists. After Mezzanine and the turn of the century so many artists pulled me different ways I nearly forgot about Massive Attack enough so to even not get 100th Window due to mixed reviews. Then in 2004 I got their DVD of videos thinking this would be the final collection retrospect of Massive Attack and I could close the book on their good but relatively short catalog. When word spread they had a new album out and that it was worth checking into I definitely wanted to pick it up but was in no hurry.

3 weeks ago at a used cd shop I picked it up and last week I had a 3 hour drive memorial weekend during sunset from Pennsylvania down to Virginia. This was my opportunity to have a memorable experience with the first listening like I like to do with new music.

Track one started off as a good note but I wasn't turned on to the vocals I was hearing. To me it sounded and reminded me of Zero 7 - Simple Things. Which I like but it's very a.m sounding and it's a cd I play to someone who has no background on electronic music. 2 things save this song from being average. 3:40 an ad-lib s the melody planting it firmly into the electronic genre. Which then leads to an amazing melodic breakdown with wonderful vocal over the top. Stunning part and brings a huge smile to my face. Nearing my 6th listen through the cd my favorite moment. IMO the song should fade out there. However it does break and go back to sounding like the first couple minutes without ramping back up. Leaving it feeling like it was bad decision.

Song 2 adds a beat that reminds me almost of a 1997 period Autechre song. Quickly a baseline and then vocal tells you this may be the most driving rock song Massive Attack have done. Successful I feel but not really my style of music. definitely good though out of respect.

Song 3 brings the hip hop beat. Spooky, twisted number. Vocals and melody sounds a bit like a dark nursery rhyme. The first glimpse that you know who you are listening to. Recognizable. Ok track I think.

Song 4 sounds like a Mezzanine b-side track. Driving rhythm, underlying urban trip hop rock combination and powerful aggressiveness. Pretty good track but again not my favorite Massive Attack sounding style. I tend to like the more gentle moments of Massive Attack. If you like Inertia Creeps this will be along the same lines.

Track 5 changes up the direction of the cd and cuts a little bit of the seriousness that was building. This is an interesting change of pace for the cd. It's catchy in an avant garde way. I enjoy the last 20 seconds that round out the direction of the song cutting the frantic psychopathic guitar notes that were repeating though most of the track.

Track 6 brings back the Zero 7 vocals like in the first. This tracks vocal however is much better than the first track. This song has a very cool beat underneath the song. very dub by and electro sounding. Orchestra over the top takes the track to dramatic heights. A complete track and so far the most complete sounding on the cd. This song needs to be remixed. You could take it so many ways. Very good stuff here. And of any song on the cd has grown on me the most after listens.

#7 immediately I liked. Not sure what to point out why. It's just a good track. Probably the most single like radio friendly one on here. Almost like Angel off Mezzanie. Very excellent and soft on the ears. I appreciate the sonic attack on the ears sometimes but here is where I like Massive Attack

#8 continues the more mellowed vibes. This one also stands out well through first listen. Memorable stuff. Really fine combo and balance of rock and electronic. Cd really hitting a stride now. Another very good one here

#9 is another immediate winner. Probobly my favorite on this cd. Moving and catchy. This song is really really good and could really be a soundtrack to a movie. Inspirational. Timeless. Perhaps oe f their best.

#10 concludes the cd with the longest track. Perhaps the most daring. Starting with a dated organ main melody that is almost as confusing as it is really catchy. Mezzanine meets the vocal style in Daydreaming and you get the idea. Awesome rhythm and wonderful evolving of the background melody really makes this the most hypnotic song on the cd. Another one that is really growing on e as a winner. 4:30 the song really hits the sweet spot and the track clears up the confusion leaving the basics of rhythm working to the vocal. Lastly a bit of a acid breaks out underneath building the organ back up to the conclusion. Did Luke Vibert do this acid line? Lol. Reminds me of Wagon Christ

If this cd is ed for anything it says that Massive Attack are not done. In fact have allot to give. What's also worth noting is that IMO Massive Attack might be the best and most seasoned in combining rock and electronic music.

My best find of this year might be rediscovering what I already knew

As the move into their 40's it's fantastic to know they are as creative as ever.

Not going to be able to agree with you all here. I did like Atlas Air. I also liked Girl I Love you but the out of tune horns at the end ruins it for me. I found the rest of the album rather boring. However if your into the chill side of massive attack I would recommend. I like their more driving tunes and there's not much of that here.