Protection
Massive Attack
1994
Album Summary
Protection is the second studio album by English electronic music group Massive Attack, released on 26 September 1994 by Wild Bunch Records and Circa. DJ Mad Professor remixed the album in 1995 under the name No Protection.
WikipediaSounds like music that I would listen to while too high to do anything besides stare forward and think about my life
Cooooooool. Deep moody lounging. An overcast afternoon in Ibiza. The soundtrack that plays over a moody montage of parallel characters in an ensemble drama. Closing credits to a 2000s James Bond movie. I think I love this because its trip hop (whatever that is) without the chaos. It's smooth as hell, a bit disorienting (I really like the lyric "I know everyone I meet"), and sucks you into the vibe. It's a place I enjoyed spending an hour - introspective, somber, plenty of space, but also upbeat. The last track is the only thing that breaks their very serious dedication to maintaining this mood. Maybe a little more cosmic humor would make it perfect. Cooooooool A-
Tatsächlich gerade der Gewinner über Blue Lines. Protection kann mich in schwachen Momenten jederzeit zu Tränen rühren, im Grunde ist jeder Song danach gewagt und Karmacoma auch deshalb so eine gute Wahl, weil Tricky halt diese verschleppte Raubtiernummer mit genau der richtigen Dosis Schulterzucken abliefert die man DA DRAUSSEN als Rüstung drinnen braucht. Auch danach: tolle Atmosphäre zwischen Flug durch wolkigen Nieselsommer (Three), unbilligen Lounge-Sounds (Weather Storm) und dem direkten Anschluss an Unfinished Sympathy (Euro Child und Sly). Am schwierigsten waren für mich immer die beiden Horace-Andy-Nummern, hab ich bis heute auch nicht komplett verstanden, nehme die aber gern mit und der kleine Gag mit Light My Fire amüsiert auf jeden Fall! 4,5
Really like this record. It was fresh and interesting at the time, and still sounds great today. However, it should have ended after 'Heat Miser', as that would have felt like a pleasing and natural conclusion - the addition of the live version of 'Light My Fire' at the end disrupts the cohesiveness and doesn't sit well with the rest of the album.
Listened Before? N Pros: This was a great surprise! I've never listened to these people before at all. I'm usually not a fan of all electronic stuff, but they use the vocals so well over the top that it pulls it together very nicely. I think this is the best electronic music I've heard. Cons: Some songs drag a bit. Added to Library? N Songs Added to Playlist: Protection, Three
I remember Massive Attack being cool, but it's sounding pretty boring to me now. Don't really have anything else to say about it.
Was listening to this while working in the hot sun and wanted to fall asleep.
Puh, da sprach ich vor knapp einer Woche von Teufel und schon ist er da, aus dem Karmacoma erwacht und erinnert daran, welch krasses Tier sich dort reckt und streckt. Hier sitzt jeder Beat, der Bass rollt, wie Gorillaz ihn immer rollen lassen wollte, Elemente klassischer Musik ohne jeglichen Kitsch trotz unverhohlenen Pathos; es hat Kontemplation und es hat Pop, aber noch dieser sympathischen Art, die dich auch an seine Ernsthaftigkeit glauben lässt, ehe es auf „Mezzanine“ zum Headliner Pop wird und es sich für Massive Attack zunehmend schwieriger gestaltet, zu entscheiden: machen wir nun eine für uns typische oder eine von uns erwartete Platte. „Protection“ war da grad kurz vorm Brechen der Welle, wunderschön, groß, abgründig groß, warm aber auch etwas schauderhaft. Und auch wenn man vieles auswendig kennt, so bleibt es mir frisch und keineswegs ausgehöhlt und über-hört wie es so manchen Hits’ Schicksal geworden ist. Aus der Tiefe einer ehrlichen Verbeugung 5.0
A huge mix of a lot of different styles with no two songs sounding even remotely the same. The album starts so strong with ‘Protection’ having a bass that you can physically feel hitting your ears. This is the first Massive Attack album that I’ve listened to fully & I really enjoyed it
Maybe I’ve heard the first couple of tracks too many times, because they didn’t do much for me. But after that I sat back and enjoyed the rest. The songs are well-written and I like the different vocalists – I even went to see Nicolette in a club having only heard her on this album. Tricky is even ok for a track or two. MA are definitely at the top of the heap in terms of those who led electronic downtempo/trip hop movement. I would give them a 5 if not for the Horace Andy cover of Light My Fire. And the fact that when we saw them live the only singer they brought along was Horace Andy, we got Tracey & Nicolette on vinyl. I concluded that seeing DJ/Producers wasn’t worth it – but then I saw Thievery Corporation with 5 vocalists and Groove Armada with a full band and changed my mind.
Le parti migliori del disco sono quelle dove si sente l’influenza jamaicana ma comunque mi arriva ancora come acerbo il suono. Apparte karmacoma molti pezzi non hanno un’identità sufficientemente interessante però si sentono alcune trovate che porteranno ai più bei dischi successivi.
ЧТО: Второй студийный альбом бристольского трио пионеров трип-хопа. Важный релиз с точки зрения творческого пути Massive Attack, ознаменовавший начало перехода от чистой электроники к живым инструментам. Альбом на перепутье. Дебютный Blue lines - уверенный электронный проект, а великий (без преувеличения) третий альбом Mezzanine - построен на живом звуке. Protection - это перевалочный пункт, своеобразная запятая. Не слишком популярный альбом, хотя и принципиально важный в дискографии MA, как звено в цепи. КАКОЙ: Музыка Massive Attack не определяется жанровыми рамками. Все, что мы можем услышать, - звуковой коллаж из разнообразных сэмплов, живых инструментальных партий, вокала разных исполнителей и элементов если не всех, то уж точно половины жанров музыки на планете. Многие песни, включая титульную, обладают относительно медленным темпом и сообщают спокойствие и сдержанность, характерные в принципе для трип-хопа. Темп композиций в целом упал по сравнению с Blue lines. Интересные, но местами грубоватые сочетания электроники с акустикой. Фортепианные мелодии на Heat Miser, например. На Mezzanine это смешение достигнет апогея, идея будет доведена до необходимого выражения. Песня Karmacoma потягивает на шедевр. Такой наэлектризованный рэгги. Очень занятно. Кроме того, коллега MA по изобретению трип-хопа - Трики появляется на этой песне с речитативом. Вообще на альбоме крайне заметно регги-даб влияние. Стоит только вспомнить об альбоме ремиксов на Protection от Mad Professor (одного из самых больших даб-продюсеров не только Британии, но и мира). Однако не обходится здесь, конечно, и без трип-хопа (куда без него), и звучит он мощно, не даром Massive Attack - признанные пионеры жанра. Поразительно кинематографичная музыка. Sly могла бы легко стать саундтреком к фильму про Джеймса Бонда. Даже духовая секция на четвёртой минуте как у Джона Барри. Про скрипку я вообще молчу. Сильная песня. Эти ребята мастера саундтреков. В целом ощущение от музыки приятное, даже во рту сладкий привкус. И все-таки не могу не придраться. Надо признать, что иногда Protection звучит не слишком уверенно и убедительно из-за метания между электроникой и акустикой. Стыки выходят грубоватыми. Но трое отличных музыкантов способны отшлифовать все неровности и сгладить переходы, что они и доказали на следующем альбоме. О ЧЕМ: Текстовая составляющая не выступает здесь движущей силой песен; она ставит акценты, подчеркивает мысль. В случае Karmacoma текст - также наследие регги. Тема духовной свободы от границ и стереотипов вписывается в любовную историю: «Нам будет плохо вместе. Ты не торопись, иди погуляй и выдохни, потом поговорим спокойно» - говорит лирический герой. Основная тема - душевные проблемы в различных вариациях. Важную роль играет тема незащищенности, возникающей вследствие отчуждения и обособления от общества. Об этом свидетельствует даже название. ИТОГ: Такой альбом - всегда показатель упорной работы исполнителя: эмоциональной, умственной, физической в конце концов. Крепкий и интересный, важный для самих Massive Attack, начинающий робко использовать живые инструменты вместе сэмплов. Такая музыка должна выпускаться и жить, потому что заставляет отвлечься от самокопаний и задуматься о чем-то, помечтать, справиться со всем, что навалилось, и побыть в кои-то веки собой. ЛУЧШИЕ ПЕСНИ: Protection, Sly, Karmacoma
Two '94 trip hop albums in a row. Much preferred portishead out of the two and it was no where near as good as Blue Lines. I do like how the album artwork is a burnt out version of the flammable sign on the first album cover.
This isn’t that good. Again! - Why is this on the list? I want to punish the person who thought we needed another Massive Atrack album - at least the last album had one good song - this is mediocre throughout. 😕
Pretty dope. Pared down. Unpolished. I’ve always preferred Pink Floyd without Sid Barrett but solo I like him. He’s got a psych-folk-proto-punk thing going. I hear Donovan, The Iggy and the Stooges, Brian Eno. “No good trying” is some proto punk with thrumming guitar and great drumming. A couple of the more proto-punk songs were real bangers but nothing else stood out, kind of faded into hypnotic, cool background music. Better than expected. B-
I’m not sure how I feel about morisseys voice, but this album was perfectly fine. I don’t have much to say about it other than that it was completely acceptable in terms of sound and lyrics
I got 2 mins into the first song and already wanted to go back to bed. Not something i'd listen to.
Loved it, not heard this album before but really like Massive Attack., so wasn’t surprised.
has a unique sound, if i had to put it in a playlist itd probably be with gorilaz songs. some songs kinda remind me of indian songs ive heard? all in all its a good album.
Fabulous chilled album that makes me wish I'd been old enough to go to Ibiza when it came out.
Never listened to these guys before. I always assumed they were kind of metal-adjacent because of their name. Turns out they're actually Thievery Corporation-adjacent. Also turns out that I'm a Massive Massive Attack Fan. Adding to all my groove playlists.
Heat Miser is fantastic. Loved every second of it. The album was overall good.
perfect combination of samples and a great voice. drop the light my fire cover, but otherwise perfect
funky, trippy, and above all cool. a very good consistent album with a great sound and vibe
Classic lo fi moody grooves with some stellar tracks and vocals (Tracey Thorn in particular) Still wonderful after almost 30 years.
I hesitated over giving this album 5 stars - but not for too long. If an album is perfection then it's worth ranking it to the highest level. Protection was such a defining record when it was first released. It still tells us a lot about the mid 90's, without losing the edge over the pst 25 years or so. Sometimes I think it's the production that makes this album stand out; then I think it's the songs. Or maybe the vocals of Tracey Thorn alone? It's probably all three. Right place, right time. Still banging.
This was a really nice one. I enjoyed it more than the other Massive Attack album we've had (which I rated 4 stars). Much more of the mellow goodness and less of the hip-hop or reggae elements I don't much (and better executed when it was present). A great listen.
Songs I knew but didn't know were MA. So glad I was introduced to this.
Their best album, with the brillant Tricky still on board and with Travey Thorn. Maximquaye and Dummy in same year. Bliss.
I really like Massive Attack. This album is not on Mezzanine's level but it's close.
Yes, yes, yes. Fantastic album by Incredible band, not listened to this in a very long time and reminded how great it was
so good, brings back many vague memories of when it came out! Both Tricky and Tracey Thorn are incredible here, such a great set of tunes throughout. I think it's their best by far
Quality sounds from the Bristol boys, doesn't quite have the rawness of blue lines or the menace of mezzanine. Still songs like karmacoma and spy glass make it a triumph
I don't know how to put it, but in simple terms: Massive Attack gets it. Even Protection, one of their lesser known albums (at least compared to other parts in discography) is full of that specific, slightly melancholic atmosphere. Every song takes you to a different place, like by pressing play, you are teleported to a land of chill and rhythm. The melodies and beats are always fascinating to get lost in it, and every track could have easily be 5 minutes longer with the main beat going over and over again. The selftitled, opening song is the greatest example. Its already almost 8 minutes long, but it's never boring, it just drills its attention deeper and deeper into your mind. It's just a great album and my only wish is that their other record will be on this list as well.
Masterfully crafted beats, songs emote feeling that gives you a sense of relaxing contemplation, must listen
This album is Massive Attack at their finest, it does not suffer from second album syndrome.
This was my gateway album into Massive Attack. At the time it was especially the two tracks featuring Tracey Thorn that I kept playing. Although it may not be my favourite from them anymore, this is still a great album.
The ultimate triphop album? It is excellent throughout in every aspect, with nice samples, except for the Light My Fire cover at the end (ending with Heat Miser would have been perfect).
Brings back fond memories of early version chill out music, this is such a good album. The only negative is the inclusion of the live version of Light My Fire, kinda spoils the end of an awesome album.
Great album. To nit pic the final track a live cover of Light my Fire should of been left off.
Heat Miser is fantastic and Euro Child seems like it could have some inspiration for Gorillaz
In my head this was always considered a "lesser" Massive Attack album at the time (possibly misremembering...), but it's an exceptional album really. The Tracey Thorn features are the best for me, but it's all good. 5*
Best of their albums? Maybe. Hard to beat Safe from Harm. But maybe. Tracy Thorn - great.
Wow, I friggin love this. I'm familiar with massive attack by way of mezzanine and blue lines, and it's been at least 5 years since those were in my rotation, and I don't remember liking them as much as I like this right now. Every song is a fucking jam and beautifully recorded.
Blue Lines, Protection, Mezzanine. One of the greatest run of albums ever!
If it didnt have the cover of light my fire, this could potentially round up to a 5. As it stands, its still a really good album that builds a strong mood.
More of a 3.5. The instrumentals are great throughout but occasionally I dislike the vocalists (the "Light My Fire" cover is particularly bad). Love the Tracey Thorne cut, and didn't realize a band I liked had sampled from "Sly" (Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s "Wondering"). Favorite tracks: "Protection", "Weather Storm"
Bit of a late night record. Not as good as Mezzanine but pretty close.
Enjoyed this, good ambient music for working; good beats/vocals/instrumental juxtaposition. Enjoyed Weather Storm, Sly, Euro Child... Not House music tho.
Great album! So much variety. Each track sounds like a different band.
First 1001 album so nothing to compare. In its own right nice easy listening. Think it would be nice on driving somewhere on a winter's night.
Not my vote for best Massive Attack album, but an excellent album nevertheless.
good listen with some jams but overall the production value to Mezzanine is just so much better and that means alot to a band like this. Will listen again
Pretty solid album. Has different sounds with each song. I really enjoyed the song Karmacoma. Very relaxing and funky sounds which I enjoyed.
interactive buddy album very chill and atmospheric, I can see why people think very highly of this favorite tracks: protection, spying glass, sly
Not my usual fare but I enjoyed it for what it was. It is un-categorizable in genre, but still feels unified.
Great album overall, standouts for me are protection, heatmiser, better things. Not a fan of spying glass or light my fire though so 4 stars.
It's got a vibe. Good music for when you're unsure how you're feeling and want to cover all the bases.
Sono sempre stato un po' un fan dei Massive Attack e questo album, che non avevo mai sentito, non mi ha deluso. Su questo disco c'è la loro firma inconfondibile, il giusto equilibrio di atmosfera, raffinatezza e senso artistico del pezzo. Le interpretazioni vocali sono tutte molto particolari come sempre. La produzione è forse una delle cose che mi ha sempre impressionato di più dei loro dischi e pensare che questo disco sia stato prodotto nel 1994 mi sembra incredibile. Diciamo che come lati negativi forse è difficile non confrontarli con i Massive Attack successivi e notare che mancano di un livello di raffinatezza superiore che svilupperanno più avanti, certi pezzi sono anche forse non sviluppati al meglio e l'album forse fa sentire lievemente la sua durata. Comunque un po' meno di 4 ma merita il 4.