at a glance...

Hometown: Bristol, England
Formed: 1982

Members:
Daddy G, 3D, Mushroom, Tricky -vocals, keyboards, samples and production
Shara Nelson -vocals
Horace Andy -vocals
Tony Bryan -vocals

Bands in the family :
Tricky, Smith & Mighty, The Wild Bunch, Portishead, Neneh Cherry, Howie B, Björk, Horace Andy

Notes:
In the early 80's, the pioneering force behind the Bristol sound was known as the Wild Bunch, an enormously popular DJ collective that dominated the local scene. As original members Mushroom and Daddy G joined with 3D, the Wild Bunch transformed into Massive Attack, and they picked up Nellee Hooper along the way. Their debut album, 1991's Blue Lines, blew away the UK critics, but did not initially achieve much commercial success, despite three fantastic singles including the phenomenal "Unfinished Sympathy." Coming back in 1994 with their compelling, sensuous sound, Massive Attack released Protection, which was remixed by the Mad Professor and released as No Protection. Despite the departure of Tricky, Massive Attack were able to surprise skeptics and survive extended touring and internal tensions, along with releasing an amazing third LP, Mezzanine, in 1998.

Links:
We Love Massive Attack

Massive Attack are just dead cool. Fusing hip-hop, funk, soul, dub, and reggae with a casually threatening rap style, Blue Lines is a devilishly enticing groove. But Blue Lines does not stick to trip hop's stereotype of creepy, dark music. Through the rich, warm, embracing vocals of Shara Nelson and Horace Andy, Massive Attack candidly bare their musical soul, and the results are absolutely breathtaking.

With a James Brown sample, super funked-out guitars, and an ultra-cool organ, the title track alone could stand up all by itself. Yet "Five Man Army," "Safe From Harm" and the mystical "Daydreaming" pulse with such subtle force that they only enhance the album's magnetic appeal. Between all of this lies the quiet intensity of "Lately," featuring powerful, evocative vocals from Shara Nelson. Horace Andy's sincerity graces the bluesy "One Love," and "Be Thankful For What You Got" takes you for a light Motown ride, but is honest and inspiring all the same. "Hymn of the Big Wheel" starts out ominously but swells beautifully with majestic synths and a breezy beat. And of course, "Unfinished Sympathy" is the most emotional track on the album. Nelson sounds painfully gorgeous as she sings over tender strings and piano: "Like a soul without a mind, in a body without a heart, I'm missing every part."

It's not difficult to understand why Blue Lines is often hailed as one of the most important LPs of the 90s -- but its place in history is really irrelevant. Massive Attack simply combined every type of music they love to create something all their own, and instead of hiding behind B-boy bravado, they were honest and revealing. Just listen to it now for what it is - a beautiful, emotional album.