Maxinquaye (Reincarnated)

the take

If it wasn’t for a season three episode of New York Undercover, I probably would’ve never discovered “Hell Is Around the Corner,” let alone checked out Tricky’s debut Maxinquaye. At first, it didn’t click. I wasn’t impressed on my initial listen. It wasn’t until after hearing Portishead’s Dummy that I started to understand trip hop more, which helped me fully appreciate Maxinquaye. The two albums differ, but they share similar roots. Revisiting it now, this is a masterpiece that still holds up nearly thirty years later. The album carries a dark yet calming atmosphere throughout, perfectly matched by the vocals from Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird. Contributions from Ragga on “You Don’t” and Alison Goldfrapp on “Pumpkin” add even more texture. The songwriting and delivery never overpower the production—they sit right within it. I could do without some of the more sexual lyrics, which can feel a bit uncomfortable, but that’s a minor issue compared to everything else working here. “Hell Is Around the Corner” is still the standout, but tracks like “Pumpkin,” “Strugglin’,” and “Aftermath” are just as strong. Honestly, the whole album is so consistent it’s hard to pick favorites. As for the “Reincarnated” bonus tracks, I like how they bring new life to the originals. I still prefer the OG versions, but the reworks and B-sides offer solid variation. It’s a long deluxe, but worth it if you already enjoy the album. Took me about 15 years—but yeah, I finally get it now.