__I__n this day and age, the typical trajectory of a pop career goes something like this: The first album achieves cult status, the second climbs higher in the charts, past hits are then used in sports commercials, and the third album dooms the act to a career of overly commercial proportions.
Not if you're Massive Attack - you'll be running hell-bent for leather in the other direction. Mezzanine, the band's third studio album, explores emotions darker than the bubblegum it could have embraced. As such, it isn't likely to win new fans who prefer their music easily digestible.
Few groups hold production standards high enough to support several vocalists. This flexibility has been a hallmark of Massive Attack's career, from Shara Nelson's heavenly takes on songs like "Safe from Harm" to Tricky's sexy drawls on "Daydreaming" to the purity of Tracey Thorn's "Protection." Mezzanine also features stunning vocal guest performances, but get ready to be challenged on the musical front.
STREET CRED
Speech Recognition - To Go Dutch Hitmeister
When the Background Eclipses the Game
Antipop
