100th Window
by Massive Attack
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Feb 11, 2003
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Blender
    60
    All the surfaces are exquisitely tasteful, all the string arrangements achingly melancholic. But there are no tunes. [#14, p.138]
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  2. Billboard
    60
    100th Window meanders along, emotion-less and soul-less—albeit with haunting Middle Eastern flourishes.
  3. Playlouder
    60
    For those who looked forward to the new genre-leading direction in downbeat dance that would come with the next Massive Attack album... well, let's just say the major challenge you'll face with '100th Window' is deciding whether there is a hidden track or that 'Antistar' is really a 22-minute song with an excessively long silent bit in the middle.
  5. The Wire
    60
    It's all elegantly executed and often beguiling, but just too clean and predictable to be really involving. [#228, p.62]
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  6. E! Online
    50
    Less immediate than their brilliantly untouchable 1998 album Mezzanine, this project is unsettling, uneasy and, okay, sometimes unbearably depressing.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    A series of often stillborn soundscapes. [14 Feb 2003, p.72]
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  8. Q Magazine
    40
    Everything comes dripping in portent and seems too in love with its own seriousness to excite any emotions. [Mar 2003, p.106]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 68
  3. Negative: 1 out of 68
  1. SteveS
    Feb 14, 2003
    8
    Having read about the album and owning all the others before hand, my expectations were high. Thankfully, what is essentially a solo album Having read about the album and owning all the others before hand, my expectations were high. Thankfully, what is essentially a solo album turns out to be rather enjoyable. Whilst not quite as anthmic as you'd expect, it does have some nice tunes, albiet a bit dark. Some of the tunes sound as if they're about to kick in, but then never quite peak as you expect them to. Very good all round CD.… Full Review »
  2. Jackson777
    Oct 8, 2021
    10
    A great production from an incredible duo. The most meaningful thing on this album is "Special Cases" which is brilliant, both lyrically andA great production from an incredible duo. The most meaningful thing on this album is "Special Cases" which is brilliant, both lyrically and visually (there's a music video for it). The production for each song is elegant and sensitive as well.… Full Review »
  3. Acid3P
    Jul 2, 2021
    9
    Mezzanine for the 21st century. More straightforward (can you even use that word with Massive Attack?) and even more disturbing than itsMezzanine for the 21st century. More straightforward (can you even use that word with Massive Attack?) and even more disturbing than its predecessor. Massive Attack bet on a consistent rhythm and atmosphere that flows through the whole album. However, they remain strongest in their appreciation for the surprising twist in the songs. There are several right off the bat: Future Proof, Everywhen, Butterfly Caught, and my favorite, A Prayer For England.… Full Review »
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