User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Blue Lines: 2012 Mix/Master Image
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 65 Ratings

  • Summary: The groundbreaking 1991 debut album for British trip-hop duo Massive Attack is reissued and remastered.
Buy Now
Buy on
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Dec 6, 2012
    100
    Now, 21 years on, beautifully remastered, Blue Lines still sounds unique.
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 29, 2012
    100
    Blue Lines doesn't need [extras]. It was a classic in the truest sense, and unimprovable template that sound like it was recorded yesterday--or tomorrow. [Dec 2012, p.118]
  3. Mojo
    Nov 29, 2012
    100
    Blue Lines still goes above and beyond. [Dec 2012, p.102]
  4. Nov 30, 2012
    90
    Frankly [add-ons would] just be a distraction from the underlying theme that becomes clear once you get absorbed into the music, which is that Blue Lines is still Blue Lines, and most of the world is still trying to catch up to it.
  5. Magnet
    Jan 4, 2013
    90
    A ground-breaking debut, an original game-changer, a true, flawless, 24-carat triumph. [No. 94, p.60]
  6. Dec 11, 2012
    90
    No bonus tracks, no live filler--no reason to mess around when the perfection was in the pacing.
  7. Nov 29, 2012
    70
    This 2012 Remix/Remaster version of the album, with its rich mastering, is the one to own.... But it is not Massive Attack's masterpiece. Though some would disagree, that honor goes to 1994 follow-up Protection.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Jan 16, 2013
    10
    Super awesome. A remake at its best. Although Massive Attack has a lot to catch up over Heligoland, this album, which is one of the best inSuper awesome. A remake at its best. Although Massive Attack has a lot to catch up over Heligoland, this album, which is one of the best in decades, has never been better! Expand
  2. Oct 8, 2018
    10
    An album that stills sounds very modern and refreshing, even 27 years after its release! Recommend.
  3. Apr 16, 2013
    10
    When i start to listen to this album i thought this will be a massive hit the samples and the beats are beautiful and i cannot forgot thatWhen i start to listen to this album i thought this will be a massive hit the samples and the beats are beautiful and i cannot forgot that song unfinished sympathy such a 90s classic.... Collapse
  4. Dec 12, 2012
    10
    One of the great albums of the past 25 years unquestionably. Hugely influential. I think this is their best one, with Mezzanine also worthy ofOne of the great albums of the past 25 years unquestionably. Hugely influential. I think this is their best one, with Mezzanine also worthy of a mention. Can we please stop calling it 'trip-hop' though? The artist themselves (along with fellow innovaters from the mid 1990s Portishead) constantly state their dislike of this labelling of their music. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. Expand
  5. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    One of the greatest debuts of all time with one of the greatest openings of all time. The fact that this is approaching 30 years old isOne of the greatest debuts of all time with one of the greatest openings of all time. The fact that this is approaching 30 years old is breathtaking. My only qualm is with "Be thankful for what you've got", just an unnecessary cover of a certified banger, but it's a small bump in an otherwise amazing album. Expand
  6. Dec 10, 2012
    9
    The Trip-Hop at its greatest. Original, beautiful and catchy, these are the elements that make a successful album. 20 years later he is stillThe Trip-Hop at its greatest. Original, beautiful and catchy, these are the elements that make a successful album. 20 years later he is still innovative and feels even talk about it. Expand
  7. Dec 6, 2012
    8
    I am not nostalgic on this one. Massive Attack is simply my most listened to artist for the past twenty years never very long without a play.I am not nostalgic on this one. Massive Attack is simply my most listened to artist for the past twenty years never very long without a play. Is this album a masterpiece? Damn right it is! Is this mix an improvement? No, no it's not unfortunately. I found the album to be a casualty of the loudness wars. I am really missing out of the high cracks of the highs here and the punch of the drums when you really crank it up. I just leaves me feeling a bit muddy in the head. Do yourself a favor, go grab the original and crank it up! Expand

See all 9 User Reviews