Tricky — Blowback

I really hoped for a good Tricky album. His first 'Maxinquaye' is still one of my favourites but over the years Tricky moved away from trip-hop to a more poppy style. Progression is not a bad thing, but with 'Blowback' I have some problems.

Where did the good songs go? 'Revolution Evolution' is one of the few good tracks. Live vocalist Ed Kowalczyk can be heard as guestvocalist. Not only he, but also Alanis Morisette, Cindy Lauper and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers appear on 'Blowback'. Alanis can be heard on the first track 'Excess' where she does some background vocals, which are hardly worth mentioning. The RHCP´s star on 'Girls'. The whole track sounds as an electronic RHCP song, which isn´t really bad.

The songs without the guests usually have vocals from a guy named Hawkman. A big black bloke with a really deep voice. I guess some people might like that. Personally I don´t like it at all since it doesn´t fit with the music.

'#1 Da Woman' is a rock-song with John Frusciante on vocals. It´s totally different from all Tricky material, but I like this track because it's different and shows me another side of Tricky. The Cindy Lauper song 'Five Days' is okay. It has a dark mood and reminds me of Tricky´s past.

With a couple of exceptions, most tracks don´t give me a good feeling. They go one ear in, and the other out. I hope he will work alone next time, without any gueststars, who only appear on Blowback to push the sales. Tricky has talent, but he has to use it. Lock him up in a room for a year and he will bring you his best material.