Putting a finger on Tricky's appeal is not easy. The Bristol, England native is an egomaniac with an acute lack of musical ability (in the traditional sense, anyhow) and his approach to songwriting is unconventional as it gets. His works are dark and almost impenetrable, with his voice mumbling nonsense above a din of digital burps and buzzes.

But Tricky is also a one-of-a-kind artist, an electronic sage with impeccable taste and a totally fresh persona. Though he did a fine job of revealing his capabilities on the more accessible debut Maxinquaye, Tricky presents his weird brand of funk best on Pre-Millennium Tension, a personal masterpiece and one of the decade's most unique efforts.

Not unlike other big-name acts from Bristol (Portishead, Massive Attack), Tricky specializes in electronic soundscapes. He blends distinct vocals, deep bass lines and drum machines to create a world of paranoia and solitude. On a first listen, one might mistake Tricky for some sort of black, Nine Inch Nails knock-off from England. But he is clearly a much cleverer performer with far broader scope and much more substance.

"Me and you. What does that mean? Love. What does that mean? " the singer's raspy voice asks on "Christiansands," the album's first single. Tricky is a cruel bastard, the sort of sexy fellow that likes to play his bitter aggressions out on those around him. But his magnetic personality, which reveals itself here and pervades the entire album, is impossible to ignore.

The seductive energy of a song like "Makes Me Wanna Die" is powerful force. Singer Martina's sweet voice glides over Tricky's smooth production. The keyboards resonate gently as the drum taps lightly. Heads begin to nod and the listener is soon transported to Tricky's underwater world.

Things don't stay soft for very long though. This record is infused with turmoil and anger; it has a restless feeling not often found on any Portishead album. Tricky creates a mood of pure madness on tunes such as "My Evil is Strong" and attacks his peers (as well as his followers) on "Tricky Kid," with bulging attitude and anger.

At times, he seems to be taking shots at former Massive Attack bandmates with the raunchy bravado of American rappers like LL Cool J and Eazy E. On "Tricky Kid," a strange voice cackles in support of the singer as he proclaims himself a "superstar."

"Everybody wants be like me," he says with a slither. "Everybody wants to be naked and famous."

Needless to say, Tricky is not for the Everyday Joe. His characters are lonely, frustrated souls, while his music is gray and often unapproachable. But his style is distinct, and it carries him a long way. Take the time to listen to Pre-Millennium Tension in your room with the lights off and let the album possess you for 45 minutes. It may not be pretty, but it will be a lasting sonic experience. And for many of us, that's all we need.