Inspirational Technology

Review: Massive Attack 100th Window

Alright I'm in a review writing mood so I'll add a review for the album of the number 2 song on my top 25. Let's see what can we say about Massive Attack 100th Window? Well it's enjoyable, I've listened to it quite a few times, however it also doesn't stand out. In fact as I write this I can't mentally bring any tune from the album into my mind. The way I've been listening to the album is as something that is enjoyable without being too offensive and without dropping all the way to being just background music.

I guess this isn't a very ringing endorsement for the album but it isn't a horrible thing either. Even if the music doesn't stick, the album it self has made it into my rotation and is listened to quite a bit which means it is good.

Like previous Massive Attack efforts 100th Window is a downtempo album with electronic beats, mellow lyrics and a rich melodic backdrop of electronics and samples. It's music meant to be listened to when you're in a mellow mood. I suppose with the beats it's probably danceable in a slow vibe kind of way, but that's not really my thing. The songs are kind of orchestral in nature due to the samples used. This definitely isn't music that is meant to be played on the radio. I guess you could even describe it as being kind of new ageish, but with far more artistic merit. Hmm, that's a key word there, artistic. Yep, this album is artistic and that's why I enjoy it. What the music lacks in memorable riffs or lyrics it more then makes up for in depth. This makes it worth devoting time to explore, enjoy and just to vibe.

Previous efforts like Mezzazine and Blue Lines have had songs that were a little more memorable and have been high on my list of album picks for quite some time. I think 100th Window will make that list as well. Even if no single song stands out, the album as a whole is very enjoyable. It can take some time to appreciate it, but it's time that's worth it for any fan of downtempo electronic music.