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Heligoland
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Heligoland Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

  • Summary: The legendary trip-hop trip, Massive Attack releases its fifth studio album Heligoland featuring an all star cast of guest vocals from Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey and Tunde Adebimpe. The duo also collaborated with DFA's Tim Goldsworthy on selected tracks.

Top Track

Paradise Circus
It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm We can roll ourselves over 'cause we're uncomfortable Oh well, the devil makes us sin But we like it when... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. 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.
  2. Paste Magazine
    85
    Instead of reintroducing the genre’s founding dub steps and club sensibilities, contributions from Massive Attack’s musical descendants (Blur/Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn, Portishead’s Adrian Utley) lend quieter atmospherics that amplify the emotion of the band’s mainstay whispers.
  3. Clash Music
    80
    Returning from a six-year long wilderness of soundtrack work and greatest hits, ‘Heligoland’ sees the duo back at the top of their game.
  4. The New York Times
    70
    “Heligoland” comes across as an anthology rather than an album. It’s a dour collection of concepts and strategies — some successful — as Massive Attack ponders what to do after trip-hop.
  5. XLR8r
    65
    The album's dusty beats, pointed electronics, and cinematic feel are pleasantly familiar, at best they recall the band's past glory rather than pushing forward their legacy.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Then, six songs into a characterless album, one on which ambience takes precedence over tunes, 3D and Daddy G unveil three stunning numbers that compare with anything in their back catalogue.
  7. NOW Magazine
    40
    When you listen to these gloomy trip-hop jams after their best work of the 90s, the results are underwhelming.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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 indyWhen 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
  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 quiteHeligoland 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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 theirThe 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
  6. 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.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")… Expand
  7. 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',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.… Expand
  8. 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 writingBoring , 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.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2010

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