Heligoland
by Massive Attack
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 98
  3. Negative: 2 out of 98

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  1. Maxll
    Aug 4, 2023
    9
    I love this album. Not only is it good but it also shows a band can still sound amazing after 2 decades of releasing music.
  2. Okdverk
    Jul 30, 2016
    10
    Heligoland was the first album by Massive Attack that I have heard, and after going through all of their releases and giving each one quite some time I feel like it's their best one at this point, and one of my favorite albums in general. It just feels so good listening to it. The feel and the textures of the instruments, the melodies are just gorgeous. Songs are simple down to theirHeligoland was the first album by Massive Attack that I have heard, and after going through all of their releases and giving each one quite some time I feel like it's their best one at this point, and one of my favorite albums in general. It just feels so good listening to it. The feel and the textures of the instruments, the melodies are just gorgeous. Songs are simple down to their cores, but still have a thick atmosphere and enough layers for you to discover on each listen. I was quite surprised when I discovered some new elements in "Splitting The Atom" after a year of having it in my player and sometimes having it stuck on repeat for days.
    The thing is: I can't see any negative side of this LP, hence it's a 10 for me.
    The best way I can describe this LP is it's just like a warm blanket and a cup of coffee that you comfort yourself with at these cold and lonely winter evenings.    … Expand
  3. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    8
    Very British. Grey clouds made more beautiful than any Carribean sunrise. Sometimes a bit repetitive, but never less than compelling. ("Paradise Circus"; "Pray for Rain")
  4. Ricko
    May 21, 2012
    8
    The latest album from the Massive Attack crew is full of good stuff, even if very little of it is as groundbreaking or as impressive as their best work. Some very interesting collaborations, most of which work really well. Alot of the record has a typical Massive Attack sound which in many ways is the only disappointing thing about the record. Damon Albarns appearance on the trackThe latest album from the Massive Attack crew is full of good stuff, even if very little of it is as groundbreaking or as impressive as their best work. Some very interesting collaborations, most of which work really well. Alot of the record has a typical Massive Attack sound which in many ways is the only disappointing thing about the record. Damon Albarns appearance on the track "Saturday Come Slow" is the highlight for me - a fantastic track and really lifts the album to another level.… Expand
  5. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    7
    I understand fully the mediocre reviews, whilst Heligoland is average in consistency and in lack of innovation tracks like 'Paradise Circus', 'Girl I Love You' and arguably 'Saturday Come Slow' stand tall with the tracks of their career. As long as this group continue to make incredible songs they will remain miles above their peers.
  6. sonidobanda
    Sep 9, 2010
    10
    When works such as this come out, the gradual mental sclerosis of the NME and such comes through more and more each year. The rise fo the indy critic has allowed us to distance ourselves from the noise and negativity of their talk, and particualry their self subtext of them being the ONLY reputed voice (I recall the Guardian critics giving their "definitive veredict" on Glasto and such,When works such as this come out, the gradual mental sclerosis of the NME and such comes through more and more each year. The rise fo the indy critic has allowed us to distance ourselves from the noise and negativity of their talk, and particualry their self subtext of them being the ONLY reputed voice (I recall the Guardian critics giving their "definitive veredict" on Glasto and such, zzz... So yes. To me Heligoland is a brilliant album, a return to form after the disperse previous album, an expansion into younger and more international minds and sensibilities. Sometimes one feels listening to a Pina Bausch dance soundtrack, sometimes it's just plain Massive 2010, sometimes it's raw, but above all, it's A DARING PIECE OF WORK. So great to listen to their new ideas, breaking their mold, trying new sonic textures... I definitely feel those "important" writers in the UK really need to go out and see the world, becuase Heligoland has a feeling that really touches the zeitgeist. I suppose the Euro-Adult-centered reviewer or listener will miss out. The rest of the planet could be in awe of the sheer genius and collaborative spirit of this crucial work.… Expand
  7. mpshea28
    Sep 5, 2010
    4
    Boring , depressing music. Even the Damon Albarn and TV on the Radio songs are kind of blah.....Gilr I love you is ok though. I am writing this sentence because I have to make it 150 characters long.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Although much of Heligoland suggests that Massive Attack might finally have burned out, the glowing embers of what they once had can still be glimpsed providing a light in the dark.
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  2. The Guardian
    80
    If the clusters of gloomy chords and ominous breakbeat that opens Pray for Rain suggests that Marshall's return hasn't lifted Massive Attack's musical mood, it's certainly done something to their sound, as evidenced by the ­juddering, dubby bassline of Paradise Circus, which is more beautiful than any song apparently named after a roundabout in central Birmingham has a right to be.
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  3. BBC Music
    90
    So while an army of griping fans and sniping critics will argue that Heligoland doesn’t match their early triumphs, or break as much new ground, there will be younger listeners who hear it as something entirely new and recognize it for the gloomily, beguiling beauty it is.
    Read full review
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