It isn't often that a genre-bending, defying, and even genre creating record comes along. And when one does, it's historical importance only strengthens through the years. And such is the case with Trip-Hop masters Massive Attack's 1991 debut LP Blue Lines. A record that, nearly twenty years later, stands the test of time with it's singular sound.
Massive Attack's Influential Trip-Hop Sound
It's a sound which would go on to be dubbed Trip-Hop (as mentioned before) in the years to come. A genre which, while admittedly drawing upon elements of a diverse array of styles and genres, remains purely it's own. Not to mention one that equals much more than it's various parts. Just some of which include narcotic rhythms, vaguely psychedelic textures, and utterly hypnotic instrumental flourishes.
All of which would go on to be pushed to the absolute limit by fellow class-acts Portishead and Tricky. Especially so when considering such essential works as the former's film-noir-sounding Dummy and the latter's darkly seductive Maxinquaye. And yet, as powerful and fascinating as those LPs were and are, there is no denying the debt they owe to Massive Attack.
And in particular, their aforementioned debut Blue Lines. An album that manages to break new musical ground in unparalleled leaps and bounds. And all in the space of a mere nine songs and a modest forty-five minute running-time. As well as with an, if anything, understated and cool air about itself and it's music.
Blue Lines' Enticingly Diverse Muisc and Lyrics
Music which manages to go from the cool and almost menacing "Safe From Harm" to the sexy and grooving "Lately". In between which stand such standouts as the orchestral and grandly sweeping "Unfinished Symphony" and the warmly soulful and nearly-funky "Be Thankful For What You've Got". And that's not all.
Easily matching the stylistic diversity of the music itself are the act's lyrics, which cover everything from the nature of love to major social ills. As well, there simply is no denying the thought-provoking and haunting quality to much of the album's words. Particularly those found on the aforementioned "Unfinished Symphony", one line of which goes "Like a soul without a mind, in a body without a heart, I'm missing every part".
In Closing
And yet, as thoughtful as much of the album's lyrics are, they never come off as overly so. Maybe it is because they're so well balanced against the LP's slick and striking yet subtle and deliberate sounds. Speaking more generally, maybe it is because of how seamlessly it all holds together. In the end though, as with the most influential records, there isn't any getting to the bottom of Blue Lines.
Jacob Goguen - Jacob Goguen is a professional journalist with an extensive background in the arts. He has acted in short films, as well as with Young ...
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