What makes Teardrop by Massive Attack notable?

'Teardrop' is significant for its commercial success and critical acclaim, reaching top positions on various charts and receiving extensive airplay. The song became a staple of the trip hop genre and is notable for its innovative use of production techniques and emotive lyrical content, contributing to the broader cultural landscape of the late '90s music scene. By the time 'Teardrop' was released in 1998, Massive Attack had already established themselves as pioneers of the trip hop genre with their previous albums 'Blue Lines' and 'Protection'. This release came as their third studio album, following a five-year gap since 'Protection', marking a maturation in their sound and artistic vision.

How many songs are on Teardrop?

Teardrop has 4 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

Teardrop

Massive Attack · 1998

23 min · 4 tracks · electronica

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, merging trip hop's shadows with electronica's pulse.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Teardrop (LP version) — The LP version of 'Teardrop' features an unforgettable melody paired with Elizabeth Fraser’s ethereal vocals, making it the defining track that encapsulates the album's essence.
→
Euro Zero Zero — This track showcases Massive Attack's signature blend of intricate beats and atmospheric sounds, exemplifying their ability to create immersive soundscapes.
→
Teardrop (Scream Team remix) — The remix adds a fresh perspective to the original, emphasizing its rhythmic elements while retaining the haunting quality that made it iconic.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong composition and craft, blending vocals with innovative production, though cohesion dips with remixes.

What we noticed

The lead track features a prominent, haunting vocal line layered over a minimalist yet atmospheric instrumental backdrop.
The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo with electronic beats and synths, contrasting the mood of the first.
The remixes at the end reinterpret the original track, altering its structure while maintaining core elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Massive Attack as key figures in trip hop, gaining wider recognition.
Career context: By the time 'Teardrop' was released in 1998, Massive Attack had already established themselves as pioneers of the trip hop genre with their previous albums 'Blue Lines' and 'Protection'. This release came as their third studio album, following a five-year gap since 'Protection', marking a maturation in their sound and artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors: Portishead· Tricky· Morcheeba

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Teardrop (LP version) 5:31
2 Euro Zero Zero 4:24
3 Teardrop (Scream Team remix) 6:45
4 Teardrop (Mad Professor Mazaruni instrumental mix) 6:24

What to play next

Listen next

Mezzanine

1998

Go back to

No Protection

1995

Full Massive Attack discography Artists like Massive Attack

electronica trip hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata