"Teardrop" | MASSIVE ATTACK musical breakdown

[@callumw9067]

Teardrop used to be used in the industry to test audio production equipment in the 2000's. Thankyou for the breakdown, I love this tune so much.

[@Cristalskulle]

Do you know why that was ?

[@aglees2b]

I always thought that Angel was very similar for sub testing. An absolute beast for low resolution

[@matthijsclaessen8152]

Yeh. Not only is it a great song, but it sounds awesome as well! Those smooth deep bass notes gives me an almost unnameable sense of ‘safe danger’ that’s palpable, wholesome and enticing at the same time.

[@NeonBeeCat]

​@@Cristalskullemy guess is because it's a well mixed song.

[@Cristalskulle]

@@NeonBeeCat it is for sure but I'm guesing there's another reason

[@DeeNimmin]

Mezzanine is a masterpiece. Fantastic breakdown.

[@AKAtAGG]

It's one of the greatest albums ever recorded. So good.

[@smkh2890]

Yes, it's a great groove. and ixi is a good analyst.

[@ThaoLe-pi4hk]

Facts

[@Lol_Pig]

Mezzanine.....just an iconic album. It was an entire vibe

[@KoBez44]

Along Heligoland a true timeless masterpiece

[@angelobruschini4899]

Dave the cleaner wrote the piano chords one evening, the long notes was me using feedback on a Cello guitar and using the studio monitors from different positions... All is not as it seems, remember when this was made years ago we did not have the computer power we have now. !

[@byronmarais]

Insane this comment only has five likes. If this is Angelo Bruschini then this is a part of music history…

[@lukaprincic8325]

"Angelo Bruschini (1960/1961 - 2023) was an English guitarist who played with Massive Attack and other Bristol bands. He died of lung cancer on 23 October 2023"

[@RichRobinson]

Well, that solves that riddle. 😂 RIP

[@professoryaffle]

I was at university when the song came out. I walked into the Student Union bar as the video for Teardrop came on playing on the TV’s dotted around the walls and the WHOLE PLACE ground to a halt. Everyone just stopped what they were doing and stared at it. Unforgettable moment.

[@iximusic]

woah!

[@professoryaffle]

@@iximusic whoa indeed. I loved this analysis btw (and your others). You have the ability to take away that unfortunate feeling you get when you get older where you lose some of the visceral nature of music and you bring back the emotion. Thanks for that. I only just found out that Elizabeth Fraser had a relationship with Buckley. That’s a combination of voices!

[@tronlady1]

Goosebumps reading this!

[@Zerulian_XIV]

I had a similar experience - shortly after I graduated college this song dropped and they played the song with its video at a club I frequented. Normally the dance floor was very packed and lively. For this video everyone just stopped and stared at it, as if an angel had spontaneously appeared. It was magic.

[@exerciserelax8719]

The vocals on this song are so magical. And a good example of what's lost if everything is autotuned. Those "between the cracks" notes really contribute to the ambiguous, expressive, and mystical quality of the song, like an ancient folk melody.

[@iximusic]

Really good point!

[@tuomashelin555]

I saw Massive Attack in a concert in Pori Jazz Festival, Finland. I think it was in at the end of July 2008. If you know about the Finnish summer, the daylight is very long lasting. The band had to delay beginning the concert, because they had a very impressive light and media show that needed darkness. Anywhooo, the concert started and it was incredible and to top it all, just before Massive Attack started playing "Teardrop", the setting sun went behind a curtain of clouds and it started to rain a little - a warm summer rain. Like little tears falling from the sky above. The sun was showing sympathy to the song and the story behind the lyrics.

[@iximusic]

That must have been unforgettable!

[@OurSpaceshipEarth]

Just reminded me of when my uncle died it rained for a week and a half here. The funeral [procession] was soo long caused shutdown straight through the middle of the city for long enough for the news to show up [to cover it].. Where's this Mandella effect when you need it.. He was only 33 but for years after his death people from all over the world would be sending him mail. I've travelled and made good friends all over Canada and no one's ever written me a letter. Let malone many letters for years after my passing. I'm sadly serious when I say one can still see the chaotic ripple effects of the loss of such a respected successful keystone figure of the city's underground right at his peak.

[@freemansteinslab]

This is one of the reasons why I love the city of Bristol...it gave us Massive Attack and Portishead

[@helenchelmicka3028]

Cheers drive 😋

[@TheValueOfN]

Tricky too

[@annettecorbett9842]

And Martina Topley Bird. I was in musical heaven for the whole time these guys were a big thing

[@there_is_no_switch]

Didn't Portishead technically give us Portishead?

[@levivalentinovideos]

COYR!

[@uphillracer]

Massive Attack are genius to me because they make a lot out of very little. They choose their few ingredients so wisely and create MAGIC with them.

[@amplethought]

I love how passionate you are. I feel the same way about this song and pretty much anything Beth Hirsch sings. But I cry for a LOT of songs. I don’t think I’m an empath- and I’m not depressed- and I can’t read music- but I CAN FEEL it.

[@CircRhyth1981]

❤

[@neonom1024]

Another Massive Attack & Tool connection: Tricky, a sometime member of Massive Attack, was in Tool's "Parabola" video.

[@sodestroyed8364]

wow

[@familiarsting4108]

Whattttt that’s crazy

[@righteouswhippingstick]

I love Tricky. I have been spreading his grooves since 1997.

[@gigachad192]

What other connections are there between them?

[@atrus3823]

Tricky also opened for Tool in 2001, at least at their Vancouver show.

[@atraveleronthesea9806]

Mezzanine is a great album all around. Risingson is one of my favorites followed close by Angel.

[@iximusic]

So good!

[@DeeNimmin]

It’s still one of my all time favorite albums. A masterpiece from start to finish.

[@TheMarotron]

Totally agree, Risingson was my introduction to Massive Attack, my favourite track on the album definitely. the bass line was the killer.

[@TheMarotron]

“💋 …fantastic genre” part was a masterpiece, instant subscribe.

[@Lunarplex]

Same!

[@Antonio_Ortiz]

This song was my first exposure to Trip-Hop when I was 10-years-old back in the 90's. It's impact has never aged for me.

[@night_speed]

I bought this album on vinyl in the 90s and for a long time never knew the crackly texture was part of the song and not just my dusty turntable. I miss this era of music. I think without bands like this and Portishead and Tricky and trip hop in general the whole lo-fi thing wouldn't be as popular now. My favorite album from this time is Becoming X by Sneaker Pimps. The entire album is great beginning to end and i prefer the original release from 96. Subsequent releases used different versions of a few songs particularly Post Modern Sleaze which took out a cigarette reference and was one of my favorite lyrics in that song.

[@sulecen]

Totally agree the roots of lo-fi is trip hop!

[@avedic]

Oh yes! Becoming X is stellar. Great mix of trip hop and shoegaze. Such a thoroughly 90s album lol. Every song is great, but i def prefer the alternate mixes on the two singles Spin Spin Sugar and 6 Underground. "a one two...a one two..."

[@night_speed]

@@avedic yes you're totally right. There is that darker mix of Spin Spin Sugar that's way better than the more pop version but you have to admit the original lyrics to Post Modern Sleaze are much better. 'All through the night. She's chokin' on Marlboro Lights'. Also, how great are the lyrics for Roll On? 'When you're breathing through your elbows, down on me'. A lot of people prefer their second album, Bloodsport? I think. But unfortunately Kelly's vocals are what does it for me. Same with *SALEM* and Heather's voice. I'm a sucker for breathy female vocals.

[@night_speed]

@@henriquematias1986 tis the circle of life. Every generation grows up and sells their childhood to the current youth. In the 90s all the baby boomers sold us Woodstock 94 and 99, The Beatles 1 and psychedelic colors for our iMacs. Not to get all 'yellow king' on you but if you think about it, to be nostalgic of the 90s is to also be nostalgic of the 60s and 70s. Dazed and Confused, That 70s Show. Time is a flat circle.

[@blatherskite3009]

Yes, Becoming X (the original release with the DJ-killer circuit-board artwork) is a work of genius. I tend to "rediscover" it every few years and the production still blows me away today :) The modified re-release version was an abomination. I guess the aim was to make it more "commercial" and radio-friendly when the album suddenly got popular. Big mistake :(

[@themidgardguy9796]

I have consumed your analysis like a delicious treat. Teardrop holds an emotional place for me. It was the first time music told me how to feel and i complied willingly.

[@grahamberrie2462]

Just a great comment

[@IvanoForgione]

"you can feel the majorness wash over you", yes. Yes I can. Spectacular wording.

[@joemann2178]

Remember this song from the year when I finished Uni, I studied in Bristol where Massive Attack are from. The Aurora version rekindled this beautiful song for me.

[@iximusic]

That version is truly amazing. I watch/listen to it regularly!

[@Hakucho64]

Came here to tell you about it, but you already know. Bless that JJJ.

[@ThisCreepingLife]

I've been a hardcore Massive Attack fan for years, and every time i listen to their songs i always find something new in them. Their music is so incredible

[@isajmody2344]

If God explains my life half as well as you dissect songs, I may have some resolve when I shuffle off this mortal coil. You are almost a heart surgeon explaining why someone's heart is broke into pieces listening to music. Once again, bravo and belissima!

[@benharvey2881]

This Mortal Coil is another amazing British group associated with Liz Fraser! Check out "Song to the Siren" with her on vocals - another absolute heartbreaker!

[@isajmody2344]

@@benharvey2881 I didn't even know. Wow!

[@770yd1n5pac3]

Indeed This Mortal Coil was a 4AD side project - It’ll end in tears is a phenomenal album for the time (1984); re Cocteau Twins - Cherry-Coloured Funk as killer track and BBC/Peel Sessions album is also good. Who am I kidding, it all is!

[@crackbaby4444]

And your way of commenting on that made me feel like I was reading a poem

[@TheValueOfN]

@@crackbaby4444 That's similar to what I was about to write.

[@friedpicklezzz]

18:23 what I love about this part is that at this exact moment there is finally relief. The singer sustaining that word really brings it home, after a long build-up. Goosebumps.

[@xpkareem]

The first time I heard this album it was in a bar, I interrogated the bartender until she told me the album name and I went out and bought it on CD the next day (we still bought CD's back then). I listened to it for at least a month straight on repeat, really opened up a whole new universe of music for me. Amazing album.

[@Spacehog1981]

The fact that you play the original songs throughout really makes these videos work. Such a shame that you cannot monetize them! You deserve Patreon support though, these videos are amazing!

[@justincordray]

Wouldn't be mad if you did a breakdown of this whole album

[@cito1974tv]

Right?!

[@kambinoxwins]

Seeing the beetle from 'Mezzanine' in my notifications made my day as I've been listening to it heavy recently. THEN I saw it was a breakdown from your channel and I was elated. Thank you SO much for this! I adore your channel. Keep it up!

[@jonstapp6179]

Ho-lee-shee-YIT. You’re onto Mezzanine, one of my all time favorite albums ever. Awesome analysis of Teardrop, Ixi. It’s funny, you name dropped several of my favorites from this album at the end of your video: Angel, Dissolved Girl, Risingson, and Inertia Creeps. I saw Massive Attack live in around 2006ish; it was my and my wife’s first official date (we had hung out a few times prior), and I fell in love with her so hard at that show. So Massive Attack will always have a special place in my heart.

[@DJKuroh]

This song is in my top 5 of "changed my life as a budding musician" songs for sure.

[@jamesbarron5590]

Yes!! Huge fan of all of your NIN breakdowns and Massive Attack would be my next fave! Liking it and I haven’t even heard/watched this yet.

[@sintheal]

A missed trip hop classic in my book is a group named Daughter Darling. The song broken bridge is my favorite.

[@kaicanyonellis]

Listening to this song now. Not hard to see why it's your favorite!

[@mikebailey783]

Every time I hear Teardrop it sends shivers up my spine; such an arrestingly beautiful tune. Mezzanine was an absolute tour de force, and I don't think it left my CD player for months when it came out. This was a very enjoyable analysis, thank you. As for being MA's most famous song... I think that might actually be Unfinished Sympathy (!) - fancy doing a breakdown of that'n?

[@tobielang5730]

Having grown up with this tune as the backdrop to my youth, and over the last two years throughout lockdowns attempted to learn the piano, finding this channel today I must say has been a wonderful find to end the year. So many of your breakdowns are of tunes I loved but don't often listen to anymore. So to revisit them through your medium is going to be glorious!! wonderful analysis and such a great channel!!

[@iximusic]

Happy New Year! Glad I could help 🎹

[@woolfy101]

The crackle, the vocals, chords and well, everything really as I already had Liz on my wall. This goes right down my spine.

[@markmitera4521]

Trip Hop is my all time favorite genre. Massive Attack was my first experience in the genre, as well. I recommend a deep dive into their work. Thievery Corporation, Morcheeba, DJ Shadow are other greats. Welcome to the most beautiful music in the world. Your analysis is amazing. Sub'd and checking out more videos!!

[@beclamide]

I knew it was an incredibly well written song but it really takes watching a deconstruction by a music theory expert to make you fully appreciate how perfect a song it is.

[@TheValueOfN]

That's what I was just thinking.

[@iximusic]

Hope you enjoyed the video! 1) Apparently the lyric site I used is wrong, it's "fearless on my breath", sorry! 2) The black lipstick and white shirt is to match the album cover and 3) Aurora has an awe-inspiring cover of Teardrop I'd like to recommend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYG3immilLWLa80. I particularly love her vocals between verses! 🖤 BLOOPS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4nUlZiVbKdoeqs

[@dajje100]

I'd say that this version is one of those few times that the cover might actually be better than the original for me.

[@christophermcginnis2790]

You should try giving a listen to "The Box - Full/Extended Version" by Orbital. It has great vocals from Alison Goldfrap and Grant Fulton as well as some great harpsichord.

[@kohhna]

The Mad Professor Mezzanine remix tapes are on Spotify now too. That stuff is insanely good.

[@esdhin]

Jose Gonzalez did a cover a while ago that is great too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2VYpJ_bdd4mtU

[@duroxkilo]

@@dajje100 don't say that :} it is indeed exceptionally good

[@Wayne_Robinson]

Great video! This song was my introduction to Massive Attack years ago. Despite my love of the song, I never bothered to analyze it. You clearly expressed the harmonically ambiguous aspects that makes it so intriguing. There's so much complexity inside this otherwise quiet and superficially simple piece.

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

This was fantastic. I cry over musical analysis and why the emotions are so orchestrated by the harmony too. 🥰

[@jaykong1128]

BETA!

[@TheValueOfN]

I was close.

[@steveteare3865]

This was so enjoyable. Truly revealing analysis and so expressively communicated! Loved it!

[@leoself9858]

First time watching you, you’re really cool & clearly a very knowledgable talented musician. Teardrop is a Gorgeous song, a delicious melting pot of the band members different musical backgrounds. Great instrumentation chord progression major/minor resolution. Record crackle heart beat bass & the main arpeggio. But Liz Frasers vocals & lyrics made me really fall in love with this song. (Watch Cocteau twins Carolyns fingers) Didn’t know the Jeff Buckley factoid. 👍🏻

[@kaicanyonellis]

One of my favorite moments in Trip Hop history: Tricky was on the Late Show with Craig Kilborne performing "Evolution Revolution Love". Afterwards, Kilborne is interviewing him and says, "So you're the inventor of trip hop! What exactly is trip hop?" And Tricky just shrugs and says, "I have no idea" 😂

[@RyanStone143]

I just realized "Tricky" was in The Fifth Element. lol

[@kaicanyonellis]

@@RyanStone143 Yes!!! And so good!!! Despite having zero ability to project his voice. He's the real life version of the quiet girl from Pitch Perfect 😂 but he says so much through body language and facial expressions.

[@cooptrol]

one of the first videos uploaded to youtube: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3_LfmR_hMSGj6c

[@Hairyfoot_Studio]

Great breakdown. I've loved this album and song since it was fist released, so many years ago now. I did not know Elizabeth Fraser recorded this on the same day Jeff Buckley died. It makes so much sense now hearing the lament in her voice. Your singing voice sounds so much like her, I had goosebumps listening to you. Thank you

[@equinox1304]

I’ve never heard of that show House but I’m a fan of Massive Attack, so super happy you’re breaking this gem down. Thank you!

[@familiarsting4108]

House is a medical procedural drama. It’s badass. Check it out.

[@equinox1304]

@@familiarsting4108 cool I’ll have to get on that!

[@andrewkatz3845]

@@familiarsting4108 Its worth pointing out that Hugh Laurie, as well as being superb actor, is also an incredibly accomplished musician. He does play the piano a few times in the show.

[@duroxkilo]

@@familiarsting4108 like any (too) long shows, the characters and situations get overplayed towards the end in a soap opera style :} great writing and acting for such a long running series...

[@davidesparon1487]

Wow. I just dropped there... I wasn't actually prepared.. This is a sensational analysis, and it literally helped me find out why this song mesmerizes me like that... THANKS !

[@reykjavik666]

That was so incredibly thorough. From the sampled break and Elizabeth’s lyrics, to the chords and harmonic DNA, and to the improv at the end. Beautifully done.

[@skyhighdiamonds910]

I've seen this song performed live, few words can describe the experience, just beautiful. Great song and tune breakdown, thank you.

[@Barravian]

This was a lovely walk through one of my favorite songs. Thank you.

[@iximusic]

My pleasure!

[@kohhna]

Yeeeees! Trip hop was one of the best music genres to come out of the 90s, it was huge for a while then it just disappeared. Please do Glory Box some time xo

[@ansmfella]

Your music breakdown feels nearly as inspired as this masterpiece itself! Brilliantly and concisely explained. Love how you explain theory in congruence with its visceral feeling. So very important. Blessed thank you

[@WiredTalkWithBigG]

Discovered your channel while trying to find the correct chords for towards the end of this song, subscribed instantly when I watched and listened to how you break down the song and explain the relationships between the chords. Have now added a whole slew of your videos to my watchlist to binge on, brilliant channel full of passion and love for music! 😀😀

[@randyegibson]

I rarely comment on videos, but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed this one. Teardrop is one of my favorite songs, and the minor to major resolution that you discuss around 19:15 is possibly my favorite few seconds of music ever. I love the song even more after hearing your detailed breakdown. Thank you so much. (edit to add) Also, when I first heard it, I thought it was "feathers on my breath" as well. :-)

[@gingataff]

One of the most amazing songs and vocal performances ever.

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

Being GenX, I remember enjoying the original version of the song w/friends lonnnnnng before the "House" version. And even decades later, R.I.P. Jeff B. You meant so much to us even if you were not "Ministry", or Sisters of Mercy or Peter Murphy or Siouxsie Sioux. May you hit every note perfectly as you sing beyond-the-limits-of-corporeal-form, wherever your soul now resides, J.B.

[@parkerswaxmuseum3746]

Don't forget the Elton John stint...;)

[@normajoe]

Why the dig on Ministry, Sisters, Murphy, and Sioux? They’ve got fuck all to do with Jeff Buckley.

[@M-demo]

Thanks for posting. Really great break down of Massive Attack. Elizabeth Fraser is an absolutely brilliant singer and songwriter. My favorite Pearly dewdrops and Song to the Siren. Thanks again.

[@DustyCustard]

I'm hoping this is going to be a gateway to analysis of the Cocteau's Cherry Coloured Funk. x

[@endaquealy]

+10! 😄👍

[@uphillracer]

Its stunning to know it’s about the death of a friend, but sounds so life-affirming. Shows insight into the universe to me. The whole song with the heartbeat and neverstarting harpsichord is so much about LIFE

[@grahamberrie2462]

Great comment

[@brandond.johnson167]

I've always loved this song. Your breakdown is excellent, actually breathtaking. I didn't know the drum was a sample from Layers, an album I've loved from my college years. Your analyses of the chords and vocals is enlightening. Thank you, so very much.

[@adamgranger5725]

Massive Attack (along with Leftfield, Sneaker Pimps and Faithless) really shaped my appreciation for the ambient electronic genre in the 90s... Mezzenine got me through some really lonely introspective times in my life. Haunting music and a classic that has stood the test of time... Subscribed to this channel for this reason as I had the same reaction when I heard it first. Please do some more of their tracks... particularly my second favorite of theirs : Paradise Circus.

[@smitcher]

Agree about Leftfield, Sneaker Pimps and Faithless and also the brilliant Paradise Circus, I'd like to see an analysis of that one too!

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

lmao the lipstick choice while discussing this particular song (a massive fave of 90's goths) is perrrrrrfect! 💪

[@iximusic]

I'm glad you appreciated that :) I try to match the song or album or the ineffable "vibe" in some way!

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

@@iximusic You did so perfectly! Though I "guess-timate" with a Sisters of Mercy song, the shade would be more in the violet-side of the colour-spectrum! (yes, I am a retired illustrator whom equates musical notes to hues, lol).

[@seussman71]

You made my heart so happy. This is one of my all-time favorite songs and I absolutely LOVED your breakdown. Thank you.

[@wellurban]

What a wonderful combination of analysis and appreciation! You perfectly pinpointed those heartbreaking moments that take an already beautiful track to another level of emotional impact. I’ve always preferred Blue Lines and Protection to Mezzanine, but you had me in tears when the song reached its climax, and that really helped me understand why this is so many people’s favourite Massive Attack song. I’d also never really noticed the 3 against 4 harmonic rhythm before, but I can now how important that is in generating the atmosphere.

[@miameramusic]

This song has no flaws. I see no flaws in this song whatsoever. Excellent break down of a modern day classic.

[@alkatorsh07]

I listened to your Radiohead video on understanding the time sig. and then the harmonies in that song as well. Needless to say I now have 10+ tabs queued of your videos on all my favourite bands! :') Really, really click with how you explain, the vocabulary, visuals on the piano, the passion and enthusiasm. Such awesome content and juicy music theory. Found a new fan here

[@James7995]

Those haunting line “You’re stumbling in dark, you’re stumbling in the dark” like she’s calling out to Jeff.. It’s just heartbreaking

[@joebright862]

*You're stumbling a little

[@JohnKerans]

Newton Faulkner did a fantastic acoustic cover, playing the percussion line with fingers and palm on the body of his guitar

[@bradp3386]

His was the first version of Teardrop that I heard outside of House. He has a beautiful voice.

[@joblow71]

I’ve always loved this song. Thanks for your analysis, it’s amazing what Massive Attack were doing here.

[@panbeing]

i've been binge watching a lot of your videos because nine inch nails, a perfect circle, massive attack are some of my favourite songs from my younger years. and i don't really know much about music but the way you explain the feelings of the songs while showing what you mean on piano is really helpful!! you are doing a really great job, i love these videos :)

[@julianplacencia]

I've listened to this song about a thousand times in the last 20 years and you've just completely changed it for me. So much meaning and depth in those chords and melodies that we usually take for granted. Thank you for sharing all of this.

[@Windowpane88]

I cannot believe how many times I've returned to watching this video over the past year. Whenever someone asks me for the greatest song of all time, I usually say that 'Teardrop' has meant a lot to me since way back, then I reference them to your video (Because you've explained it better than anyone so far). Loving the channel, the passion and the music. Is there a possibility to hear something from Portishead in the future, by any chance? Keep up the good work, you're absolutely amazing! Greetings from Sweden!

[@iximusic]

Happy the video made an impact! It really is one of the greatest songs! I did a Portishead listening party on my Patreon for Dummy: www.patreon.com/posts/portishead-party-62816321 Not expecting you to sign up just for that but it's there in case you ever decide to check out my Patreon! :)

[@larse.437]

I remember buying Mezzanine years ago. At that time, the album was a few years old and I never heard of Massive Attack before. I just bought the CD, because I was curious and wanted to listen to something different (never regret that decision, it was the first step to many artists I love today). First: Angel. And I must have thought "I already heard this track, this is not new to me." Then Risingson - with Inertia Creeps my favorite track for a long time....but then: Teardrop. And I remembered it very well. In my youth I saw the music video of it with the baby...the video, but especially the song blows my mind to this day. It was a great experience, watching your video and learning something new. There is so much more to explore, that you didn't talked about. It's just an amazing piece; the whole album. Thank you!

[@fivewattworld]

Great video on an important song. Just found you and subscribed.

[@steven_gd]

Lol I just found this channel too. But I’ve been watching your channel for ages

[@iximusic]

Thank you so much! I will have to check out your channel :)

[@defensivewag]

Stumbled onto this, it highlights some of the reasons for the emotional tension that I always feel hearing and listening. Wonderful analysis, really enjoyed this thank you.

[@karlthunderaxe]

so glad you named black milk as one of your favourite tracks from the album, it's my current favourite. please consider doing a video on it next!

[@russelrw]

Absolutely f***ing fantastic! We have very similar taste! What a beautiful song. I've always wondered why this is so stunning but yes, modal interchange! Makes so much more sense to me now. Thanks.

[@playcompile]

I used to reconstruct songs to learn from them in a mod tracker and I couldn't do this one. I noticed so many things about how unpredictable and complicated the arrangement was so I gave up in the end. You've done an amazing deconstruction here and the depth you go into is incredible. Awesome job with this!

[@iximusic]

Reconstructing a song sounds like an engaging way to learn how to produce & learn your tools. I've seen people do it but haven't tried it myself!

[@Nmwv-16v]

@20:25 that’s in Kiss From A Rose - Seal too. 😊

[@Quarker]

I'd absolutely love to see you do more Massive Attack, I think you'd really love the piano bits on Protection!

[@Comet72]

Yes, Protection is the perfect song for a breakdown like this!

[@JensLarsen]

Great breakdown and great choice of song! :)

[@JensLarsen]

You take on the melody is so spot on.

[@iximusic]

Thank you for watching, it's always been an interesting one for me!

[@blviking56]

@@iximusic can you do more massive attack please 🙏🏼

[@iximusic]

Yes at some point!

[@raoullf]

I had so mixed feelings and emotions during this... I don't even know how to name it, this video of yours. Basically, you explained perfection, both in a technical way and in an emotional one. I now understand what composing a brilliant song is all about and how another single note, or chord, could have had a different (less than perfect) result. That brought my love for this song to a new level, so thank you...

[@aaronalbores3999]

Thank you for this very satisfying explanation on why i cry almost every time i listen to this song. It's gorgeous for my ears and my soul, and it also revives so many memories. I loved this video

[@sh0k0nes]

Great analysis! Would love to see u tackle Portishead-Roads.

[@AbbyJasmine-xu1kg]

Still moves me the same way as when I first heard it. I didn’t know about the sample or that she had heard about Jeff. It’s ageless

[@Jacaro13Viewer]

I don't play Piano, and I still have been enjoying your explanation with all your passion and felling. Thank you, now you have a new subscriber from Spain. I send you hugs, lady. See U next time

[@2silkworm]

love you analysis! One of my favorite songs ever. Have been enjoying it for more than 23 years and I never got tired of it.

[@DanRyanCarter]

Your videos are so good, I always tear up at some point in them 🖤

[@johnghadimi]

This was INCREDIBLY satisfying. Your analysis and the backstory made this song even more beautiful and devastating. Thank you for being so awesome 😃😃🎹

[@tobiasthiel5291]

I love (besides everything else) how you used visuals in this video. Not only to support your explanations, but also to showcase the cover art of the album, because visual art is an integral part of massive attack.

[@cesarperez-cardenas97]

I never noticed how ambiguos the riff and chords were. Goes to show you how INGENIOUS the piece is. The very airy/floaty sus/5 chords with the melodic singing. A modern masterpiece. And great, lovely video!!!!!!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@niallgoddard02]

Goddamn ixi, you have done it again ❤️. This is a tune I have listened to many times, over years. So many little nuances you pick out which I never even noticed before, it's like falling in love again. That Gsus2 I had never even noticed, and the Flat 6 (I think you called it?). When really isolated like this gives me some really strong sense of Trent (Circa - With Teeth 2005 - Somewhere it belongs etc). Just... Beautiful. Bravo ixi. Incredible work as always.

[@PetrPara-i6z]

"You're stumbling in the dark" line feels something like Blade Runner's Tears in the rain monologue

[@jackiedaytona7681]

Be sure to check out "All Flowers In Time" which is a duet between Buckley and Fraser. Unbelievable especially since they recorded it in Jeff's living room in Memphis. On my Rushmore of songs in my life.

[@SelenaSea]

🌻☀️💛

[@CodiMorphett]

Oh my gosh, someone talking about music in a way that I've been seeking for ages now!

[@graybeard2569]

I really liked teardrop before coming to this video, but you made me see there is so much more depth and craft than I had realized. Thank you, I can't wait to listen to it again.

[@thinkingape7655]

I came across this with one of my students. Beautiful explanations on so many musical concepts. Masterclass worthy. Thank you. 🙏

[@whodovoodoo2313]

One of my favourites. I didn't know the lyricist's/singer's background to this song and that makes it all the more poignant. Love the black lips in honour of the album cover!

[@ggstarwizzrd]

I absolutely adore this song, I'm so glad someone did a deep analysis on it.

[@smitcher]

Thanks ixi, that was brilliant analysis of arguably one of my favourite Massive Attack songs too. The other one though that I wonder if you know of which is also a theme tune (for Luther, a BBC show starring Idris Elba) is Paradise Circus. I love the clap rythym and the melody and the voice and would be great to hear your impressions of it.

[@AnonymousAccount514]

such a beautiful description.....i still remember the day i first heard this song.

[@PianoDentist]

I really like your observations and breakdown of this track. The track in someway reminds me of Escher's stairs, in a weird kind of way. The way the chord progression moves forward, albeit ambiguously, but ends back at the start and one wonders how we got there?

[@annettecorbett9842]

Totally! When she talked about the phrases in 3s I got a similar image. It's like one of those rotating spirals you hang in your window where you can't tell which direction it's spinning if you look at it for a while

[@NealSanche]

I'm probably not alone but the first time I heard this was leaking out of Neo's headphones in The Matrix, just before following the white rabbit. I had to find what that music was, and found Mezzanine. Thanks for this.

[@Krugljar]

He's actually listening to Dissolved Girl, another great song off Mezzanine

[@NealSanche]

@@Krugljar Yeah, you're right. Whoops. ;) Thanks for the correction.

[@paulwelding]

Recently found your channel, you breakdown music that makes my soul bleed with joy, Massive Attack & Radiohead! Please! It simply doesn’t get any better, please keep them coming. Big love x 🥰

[@pjohns92]

First time coming to your channel, thanks for covering one of my favourite childhood songs. You also have some unique vocabulary when you refernce the music's theory which is refreshing and reinforces my engagement in your lesson throughout. Looking forward to enjoying more of your work,, GG