Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
A brooding trip-hop track from Massive Attack's 100th Window album featuring 3D's lead vocals and subtle backing from Damon Albarn as 2-D.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: contemplative, introspective, melancholy
Traditions: trip-hop
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 4/10 is within the normal pop-mix band. There is variation between verse and chorus, but it's the kind of variation most listeners encounter routinely.
Sudden changes: mild. There are one or two transitions worth knowing about, though they're musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.
Predictability is high — the song telegraphs what it will do next. A sensory-sensitive listener can usually guess where it's going without close attention.
Vocal style: soft vocals.
Where this sits in Massive Attack's catalog
We have 50 songs from Massive Attack in the library. Of those, 8 are rated Safe, 34 Moderate, and 8 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 4/10 sits below the artist average of 5.8, making it the #44 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
Other tracks from 100th Window
We have 9 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans moderate in sensory profile.
- Future Proof — safe DR 3
- What Your Soul Sings — intense DR 8
- Butterfly Caught — safe DR 4
- A Prayer for England — intense DR 7
- Antistar — moderate DR 3
- Name Taken — intense DR 7
- Special Cases — moderate DR 4
- Everywhen — moderate DR 6
2003 context
Released in 2003. We have 365 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.5/10. This track is quieter / less dynamic than the year average. Explore more from the 2000s.
Explore by mood and tradition
Why this rating
We rate this song Moderate because it falls between our Safe and Intense thresholds on at least one dimension. Moderate is the default for most well-produced music that has real arc but no surprise elements. Full rubric: methodology.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-13. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Small Time Shot Away"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Small Time Shot Away" by Massive Attack?
"Small Time Shot Away" by Massive Attack rates as Moderate intensity. Dynamic range 4/10, mild sudden changes, layered texture. Moderate is the default for well-produced music with real arc but no surprise elements.
How loud is "Small Time Shot Away" — what is its dynamic range?
"Small Time Shot Away" has a dynamic range of 4/10. Within normal pop-mix variation. Movement between verse and chorus but nothing dramatic.
Does "Small Time Shot Away" have sudden or surprising changes?
"Small Time Shot Away" has mild sudden changes — one or two transitions worth knowing about, but they are musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
What is "Small Time Shot Away" best for?
In our library "Small Time Shot Away" is recommended for: anxiety relief, deep listening, relaxation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Small Time Shot Away" released?
"Small Time Shot Away" is from 2003, on the album "100th Window". It appears in our 2000s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Small Time Shot Away"?
We tag "Small Time Shot Away" as contemplative, introspective, melancholy. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Small Time Shot Away"?
The vocal style is soft vocals.
Should I listen to "Small Time Shot Away"?
"Small Time Shot Away" is Moderate intensity — fine for most listeners, but with enough dynamic activity that it works best as active listening rather than background.
Songs with the same DNA
layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
Safer alternatives with a similar feel
These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.
What this song means to people
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