Massive Attack - 100th Window

List Price: $11.94
Our Price: $4.96
You Save: $6.98 (58%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $1.92 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more new music releases

Music CD Cover

Free Music Notes for 100th Window

Free Music Review: unexpected, and fulfilling, turn
Hit: 5 Stars

If there are two reasons why I recommend this superior group is that 1) their music tends to reflect the times when their tracks are released and 2) each album represents a different, original variation and direction on a genre that they originally staked out, trip hop.

In the case of 100th Window, all the above still applies. This release brings a more ambient texture to their signature sound. I confess to being initially perplexed when I first played it. I thought that they were trying to breathe life into the New Age minimalistic synth movement that arguably peaked a decade ago. "Future Proof" and "A Prayer for England" were the only positive early impressions.

But when I began to contrast the message in the lyrics and sound to what they were saying and doing 5 years ago with Mezzanine, and coupled this with reflecting on all that's happened in the world itself (dot.com implosion, 09/11/01, Gujarat massacre, Iraq), then every track reveals a quality that was previously hidden. It diminishes the enjoyment to argue which of the two better. There is no reason for such a comparison because Mezzanine and 100th Window are different listening experiences; like comparing Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holliday... some of us enjoy them both.

A few do prefer when groups/artists drift only slightly from a signature style. Others prefer that groups and artists take their listeners to another plane entirely, an unexpected and differing trip than previous voyages. If you are in the former camp, feel free to pass on this. If in the latter, you will be pleasantly rewarded.

The best artists do not fear taking risks; and that's what makes MA what they are: nonformulaic. More popularly speaking, think of the risky directions Madonna took first with Justify My Love and later with Ray of Light. She tried something beyond what had put her on top (Like a Virgin) and I respected her for that initiative. Ditto for Massive Attack with 100th Window.

I highly recommend this album if you love what Massive Attack and trip hop represent: something alternative and contemplative. Yes, the loss of other members is to be mourned. But this is a meditation on a tension-plagued world on the edge; find the book that inspires their choice for album title for a frame of reference. You can always go in other, safer directions with jazz, pop, classical, R&B. This one is an intense, sonically rich reality trip. And if there must be a continuity seen with Mezzanine, it is that this gem improves with each listen.

100th Window Poster

Dance & DJ Music CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock