Massive Attack - Angel
Talk about a kick-ass album opener! Having discovered Massive Attack upon the release of their second album Protection, and then eagerling purchasing Blue Lines to see where it all started, I was really excited about their third release - Mezzanine.
I didn't like it.
But I didn't dismiss it. The sound was different so it wasn't what I expected and it took me longer to get into it. And now it's my favorite album by the group. Blue Lines definitely gets props for how influential it is, but Mezzanine sets the bar.
Angel is the opening track featuring longtime collaborator Horace Andy. It's a harbinger of what's to come as its brooding bassline slowly rumbles into existence. It's all very simple at the start when Andy's vocals begin. It's sort of smooth how it almost lulls you in. You almost don't notice the stabbing guitar that building up in the background. Then it erupts. It's a hard edged sound for Massive Attack at this point. but it's a good evolution of their sound.
I recently had the opportunity to see them live. They haven't toured the states in 8 years. I was impressed how they had two drummers on stage with full drum kits. It really added to the attack of this song, accentuating the guitar and that bassline. Truly massive.