Sasha Frere-Jones on Massive Attack

"The band is more openly melodic than it’s allowed itself to be in years, and it has become almost unmatched at lovingly recording musicians, a strength that may come from their work with the producer Neil Davidge, a longtime collaborator. The album’s first track, 'Pray for Rain,' is probably what many Massive Attack fans have been waiting for — the fuzzy aesthetic of 'Mezzanine' is filled out by a complete melodic line and easily audible lyrics. That is not to say that 'Pray for Rain' is obvious. Tunde Adebimpe, of TV on the Radio, sings over only a placid rattle of tomtoms and a few piano chords. All that is left of hip-hop in this song is the looping. 'Pray for Rain' mentions people who are craning their necks to pray for rain, and people who can see through flames, though it’s never quite clear who these people are. The emphasis here is on a slow build and a lack of horizons. There is no chorus to speak of, but when the bridge comes it feels like a respite. These occasional gestures of traditional songwriting can be appreciated quickly, but enjoyed only with practice. … What lifts 'Heligoland' above '100th Window' … is the prominence of the female voice" ("Pop Music," New Yorker, 2/15-22/10).