Tricky

Patti Smith opened her legendary Horses album with the line: "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine." Tricky's debut on his newly minted False Idols imprint leads off with the same lyrics, the deadpan delivery nearly echoing Smith's. Only time will tell whether False Idols will become equally legendary, yet it's arguably the trip-hop innovator's best work since Maxinquaye. While it's undeniable that the soul of Tricky's seminal debut is reflected here, the songs presented are deeper, more mature and self-reflective — dark shadows hide behind every beat. Fittingly, artists from False Idols' budding roster lend guest vocals to several songs, including the luscious whisper of Londoner Francesca Belmonte on the aforementioned "Somebody's Sins" and Fifi Rong's lovely warble over the skittering beat of "If Only I knew." On False Idols, Tricky steps forward with a renewed confidence, proving himself equal parts mentor and maestro.