Protection
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 ofTrickyandPortishead, who were colleagues. But not so after the release ofProtection, which sported a massive hit and was just as critically acclaimed as their first album. (The hit was the title track, for whichEverything 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 (includingHorace Andy,Nicolette, and Tricky) who give them a number of flavors and moods with which to work.Protectionis an understated album with a rich palette; it reveals more of itself on repeated listens, growing better--and deeper--each time.--Randy Silver