I think it's safe to say that Massive Attack will never duplicate the brilliance of their '98 trip hop masterpiece Mezzanine. But Robert Del Naja, the brains behind it all, has spent the last five years making a concerted effort to, at least, try. And to be honest, with 100th Window he comes pretty close.. Gone are the smoky vocal raps, and haunting Indian style string arrangements. But still well intact are his meticulously crafted background noise, and synthesized effects and Horace Andy's sweet vocals most notably on the majestic "Everywhen."

Del Naja's ace-in-the-hole has always been in the superb female vocalists he manages to enlist. On Protection it was Tracy Thorn (Everything But The Girl), on Mezzanine it was Elizabeth Frazier (Cocteau Twins), and on this new one he makes the most of the services of Sinead O'Connor? Before you cringe let me tell you that she is well on top of her game here--turning in vocal acrobatics, that are certainly the highlight of MA's latest assault. She flat out steals the show. Despite her diminished "Pope-ripping" status in the music world, this salty lass can still deliver the goods and on 100th Window she is given the opportunity to shine. All is forgiven as she sets this record ablaze with her ass-kicking chops. It may take a few listens to get the Mezzanine washed out of your ears, but stick with this one--you'll be glad you did.