I loved this album! I expect nothing less from Tricky, but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this album quite as much as I did. Everything about it seems well-thought out and rich with layers of unique instruments. There is nothing else like this out on the market.

The rhythm of “Overcome” is spellbinding. Martina’s soft vocals contrast with the strength of the back grounding beat. The effect is very distinct in a positive way.

“Black Steel” is an example of a highly repetitive song that works. The verse and the well-crafted vocal work on the part of Martina. Not to mention the Public Enemy concept is a fiery subject in the first place. This song has the ability to be provocative while still maintaining its likeability as a song.

“Hell is Round the Corner” is poetic in its languidness. The beat in the background is subtle and the lyrics are simply interesting to listen to, even if you aren’t analyzing them. It’s nice just to hear Tricky talk, his voice exudes this sense of urban poetry, like he has something to say and his lyrics make that delivery, meet that expectation.

Goldfrapp adds something new and interesting to the track “Pumpkin”. Her dreamy voice fits well in the world of Tricky and his breathtaking lyrics. The instrument (I‘m guessing it‘s a guitar, I‘m never quite sure) serving as a transfer between Goldfrapp and Tricky’s voices is unexpected, but fits in the song well.

“Aftermath” is a beautiful track with amazing lyrics. I always enjoy songs about couples more from Tricky because they are much more creative than the manufactured ballads that often come out of the music industry. Tricky’s are always raw, often dark, brewing with passion, and above all, realism.

“Abbaon Fat Tracks” is an interesting song about a prostitute that is nonchalant yet shocking in its blunt vulgarity. In that way the lyrics are very true to its speaker.

“Brand New, You‘re Retro” is the most interesting track audibly. The lyrics and more importantly the music itself is complex and multi-layered.

“Suffocated Love” shows Martina at her best vocally. In the other tracks she kind of talk-sings, but in this song she seems to actually use some lung capacity. Again, Martina and Tricky manage to make this track very sexy.

Frankly, I have zero complaints about this album. I loved it. It is interesting to listen to, the beats are amazing, the lyrics are thoughtful, and it is just all-around a thoroughly enjoyable listen. I recommend it to anyone.

Very, very good album.

you and me, what does that mean?
always, what does that mean?
forever, what does that mean?
it means we’ll manage
i’ll master your language and in the meantime i’ll create my own
by my own