As we wish, today, Robert Del Naja a.k.a.3D a ‘Happy Birthday,’ the time has come to list the ‘BESTS’ of his band : Massive Attack
Video Tracklist :
1 . Teardrop
2 . Unfinished Sympathy
3 . Angel
4 . Karmacoma
5 . Protection
6 . Live With Me
7 . Voodoo In My Blood (w/ Young Fathers)
8 . Risingson
9 . Inertia Creeps
10 . Ritual Spirit (w/ Azekel)
11 . Sly
12 . Safe From Harm
13 . The Spoils (w/ Hope Sandoval)
14 . Butterfly Caught
15 . Take It There (w/ Tricky & 3D)
16 . Special Cases
17 . Daydreaming
18 . Come Near Me (w/ Ghostpoet)
19 . False Flags
Audio : Teardrop . Angel . Inertia Creeps . Risingson . Unfinished Sympathy . Paradise Circus . Dissolved Girl . Black Milk . Exchange . Safe From Harm .
Origins and Formation of Wild Bunch
Massive Attack originates from Bristol, England, and plays a pioneering role in developing the trip hop genre.
The group emerges from the **Wild Bunch**, a sound system collective that includes **Nelly Hooper, DJ Milo Johnson, Clyde Williams, Greg Marshall (Daddy G), and Robert “3D” Del Naja**.
Wild Bunch invests in new vinyls, constantly seeking innovative sounds, and gains prominence through a residency at the Dug Out club in Bristol.
Their unique fusion of electronic and other musical styles leads to tours in Japan, but diverging ambitions cause the collective to dissolve.
DJ Milo relocates to New York, Nelly Hooper pursues a solo career, while 3D, Daddy G, and Mushroom stay in Bristol, forming Massive Attack.
Creation of Massive Attack and *Blue Lines*
The trio of 3D, Daddy G, and Mushroom create Massive Attack, driven by a desire to blend genres and craft music for the mind as much as the feet.
Their debut album, *Blue Lines*, showcases a fusion of samples, breakbeats, and rap with a distinctive British underground spirit.
The album includes iconic tracks like “Daydreaming” and “Unfinished Sympathy,” both cornerstones of the 1990s trip hop movement.
Evolution of Sound and Internal Tensions
Their sophomore album, *Protection*, achieves great success but exacerbates tensions within the group.
Each member explores distinct musical styles, with Mushroom leaning toward soul and hip hop, 3D embracing new wave and funk, and Daddy G drawing from reggae and deejaying.
Their individual perfectionism becomes both their strength and their greatest challenge, leading to creative conflicts.
*Mezzanine* and Creative Struggles
Their third album, *Mezzanine*, results from intense and contentious collaboration, with each member working in isolation.
Mushroom’s preference for soul clashes with 3D’s post-punk aesthetics, culminating in his departure over disputes, including the use of Elizabeth Fraser’s vocals on “Teardrop.”
Despite these struggles, *Mezzanine* emerges as a masterpiece, exploring dark human impulses through a genre-defying, sensory experience.
Post-*Mezzanine* Projects
Following *Mezzanine*, Daddy G takes a hiatus for family life, leaving 3D as the primary creative force, supported by producer Neil Davidge.
3D shifts away from sampling due to legal complications, leading to experimental collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn and Sinéad O’Connor.
In 2010, the release of *Heligoland* marks Daddy G’s return and reaffirms Massive Attack’s innovative legacy.
Visual Identity and Artistic Influence
Massive Attack prioritizes visuals as an integral part of their music, often using experimental videos to enhance their work.
They collaborate with independent filmmakers, granting them creative freedom to complement albums like *Heligoland*.
Drawing from hip hop, punk, and graffiti, the group crafts a striking and provocative aesthetic that aligns with their sound.
Collaborations and Sound
Massive Attack’s music blends sampling, downtempo beats, and diverse vocalists, including Shara Nelson, Tracey Thorn, Martina Topley-Bird, and Elizabeth Fraser.
Collaborations remain a core part of their identity, fostering innovation across music and visual art.
Their evolving sound incorporates acoustic instruments alongside digital production, ensuring each project feels distinct.
Philosophy and Legacy
Massive Attack remains rooted in Bristol’s underground culture, drawing from sound system, dub, punk, and hip hop traditions.
They value creative freedom, resisting public expectations while embracing political and social engagement.
Their influence extends beyond music, shaping cultural conversations through their songs, videos, and live performances.
Massive Attack exemplifies the power of artistic vision, combining passion and experimentation to create a lasting impact on music and beyond.
Photo Jorge Barahona