3 + 3 is the eleventh album released by the Isley Brothers for the Epic label under their T-Neck imprint on August 7, 1973. In 2020, the album was ranked at 464 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
I wish *I* were a brother of the Isley Brothers so that we could all play and slay together. Just classic track after classic track and total guitar mastery. What's not to love? I think if I were being honest, I would give this a 4.5. It's not quite a perfect album to me. But it's much better than a lot of the 4's I've given out on this list, so a 5 it shall be.
Wooooaaaaahhhhhh listen to this music. Very funky, lots of soul. Great for a sunny morning drive. The kind of music that puts you in a good mindset for a day. The guitar work in some of the songs absolutely rip.
Some absolute bangers on this one. The organs, synth, electric Guitar, and bongos are all perfectly utilized. Loved it
Life’s too short to not appreciate great albums. 10
The problem with early funk is that it's still close enough to its roots that it has the stank of disco on it. The bits of this that were funky were really funky. But there were so many bits that were cheesy, gross disco to keep it from being a good album. Not enough to tank it completely, though. The funk keeps it afloat. But only barely.
Some great motifs, i can see why it is oft sampled, but is less than the sum of its parts
3+3=3
Really hard for me to come at this album objectively as I've owned a copy for years, and I play it frequently. Very frequently. An astounding collection of music, originals combining with a deft choice of covers. Even when it's not their own material, the Isley's put their stamp on it - would anyone disagree with me that this is the definitive version of 'Summer Breeze'? What really gives 3+3 wallop is Ernie Isley's guitar, beamed in from outer space. It's truly a sound I could enjoy all day. When he's absolutely wailing in the latter part of 'That Lady Pts 1 and 2' I am in my happy place. What a life-affirming album!
Little known fact. This album came out in August 1973 and 72.4% of babies born between April and August 1974 were conceived while this record was playing. The Isleys expanded from a trio to a six-person unit for this one and embraced funk. There are great covers (Summer Breeze, Sunshine, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight) that transform the originals into soulful explorations. The self-penned Who's That Lady Pts 1 & 2 is a classic and, for me, has some of the best guitar work on a song that went Top Ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
This was an excellent first album to start off this listening adventure. The drums were tight the whole time, the bass was on point and there were three similar guitar solos with fuzz woven into the mix. I thought this album was produced well, I really enjoyed the panning on the last track in the beginning and the keyboard part later on in that same song was sick. The vocalist is brilliant and can hit these high notes that was drawn back and very enjoyable to hear. This album would be best making love to your partner down by the fireplace in a log cabin in the winter.
That Doobie Brothers cover was an especially fun gem in this already very fun album. Unfortunately, that one set of Swiffer commercials completely ruined the song That Lady for me.
started strong and the star meter slowly drained as it went on...
Приятная смесь фанка и соула, но не могу сказать, что запоминающаяся. Включайте в машине и смело поезжайте в закат. 5 из 10.
Excellent funk (with some ultra-smooth R&B too). Some songs have a bit of an edge but they somehow still sound laid back. A few of these tracks were sampled by hip-hop artists later, or have a certain sound that was copied, like the whiny synth at 3:35 on "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" that sounds like something off of Dr. Dre's "The Chronic."
That Lady! Who’s that lady? Love it. The rest of the album is strong. Smooth. Don’t let me be lonely tonight, Listen to the Music, Summer Breeze 3.5/5
I was really giving to this album, it’s like the bridge between Marvin Gay abd the Doobie Brothers, or a black version of the band. “The Lady,” despite being co-opted for a shampoo commercial with dogs singing “who’s that lady” that loves in my nightmares, is a a good song. But then, really quickly, this album careens from a solid album into a covers album. I can’t grade a covers album high no matter how good—except Santana Abraxas, but that’s the exception that proves the rule—it quickly dropped from verging on a 4 to verging on a 3. Good musicians, lots of fun arrangements, buttery smooth voice, but covers. 2.
I just like the track "Sunshine", it sounds cool, rest is too sappy sounding for me.
10/10- excellent. That Lady is a classic and the rest of the album did not disappoint.
The Isley Brothers absolutely kick ass always
Some great songs on here, will definitely listen again.
Sensational
Ernie Isley is nice with it
Cracker of an album
Brilliant album. Like a greatest hits record - but nah this is just our eleventh album. Phenomenal funk, toe tapping, major vibes, genius musicians.
230921 17:24 4.5
i love the isley brothers but god that album format 🤢
enjoyed it
This was so good! So groovy, funky, soulful. I enjoyed this album immensely. 5/5 stars.
Funk, rock, blues. Really deserve their on-going, eight decade career. Added.
Quality vibes.
Those guitar solos!
This was so fun! Love the extended version of That Lady with its wailing guitar solo and the other original songs especially You Walk Your Way and The Highways of My Life. And then there are a bunch of delightful covers that I wouldn't have expected to work but absolutely do. I loved the soulful Don't Let Me Be Lonely and Summer Breeze (more wailing guitar!) and the funky Listen to the Music and Sunshine. Terrific addition to my library. I'm really loving the records from the early 70s that have been showing up recently, new-to-me albums from familiar-to-me artists. Great fun.
I loved the smooth 70’s funky groove! I was smiling a lot while listening. Summer Breeze…come on, what a great version of the song!
Great album, sad that the only streaming version I found had a bunch of weird bonus tracks (I recommend only listening to the original track listing). That Lady and Summer Breeze are obvious highlights.
damn, these guys are so talented great album 10/10
Peak Soul, with intriguing shadings into rock. Hardly any filler, my only quibble being the lyrics mostly really aren’t very deep (the metaphors in Highways... bordering on mawkish). First rate overall.
Gostei muito, porém é repetitivo. Não conhecia a banda.
One of these perfect 70s soul albums that never grow old. Some great originals and some great covers. (Would be nice if "The Heat is On" is also on the list but I suppose it isn't.)
Groovy as hell. Undeniably great.
Ida jammed! Who’s that baby, indeed. Started getting hungry around Summer Breeze and was asleep before the guitar solo. Slept peacefully through the last song.
Who's that music, sexy music?! It's this album. I don't think it's part of the original album, but the interviews with the brothers are a cool addition. Fun to learn about all the influence they've had over the years - and continue to have
Not as good as I was expecting it to be - but admittedly I had very, very high expectations. More soul than funk. The talent is extraordinary, but I'd prefer their later stuff.
Elegantemente elegante
My first introduction to soul and I’m happy.
Fuckin' A! If there's any music that grooves harder than this album, I have NO IDEA what it is. Absolutely love it. 5/5
Just really good soul and funk
That's 6y
God DAMN
If this album doesn't get your toes tapping your dead.
Only recently gotten into to the Isley Bros but I had no idea that they wrote so many amazing songs. This was a pretty good album and had a lot of the big songs that I do know but I am not sure about it as an album. Monster musicians
I cannot believe how many songs I thought of that sampled from this album. Whole thing is a jam, this kicked ass. Easy 5.
This album came up today, and I thought, "This is gonna be a good day." Get ready, coworkers and neighbors. I'm gonna crank it.
This was great
Not in my wheelhouse. It's great tho!
The masters of funk at the top of their game, completely in control of every note. Both the originals and the covers sparkle with vibrancy.
cool
Trop bon. Du funk a letat pur. Tellement de sample on eteprit dans cet album les isley brother sont lws maitres dur iffs. 5***
Solid palette cleanser of an album, very great vibes on this one. It transitions between funky and soulful seamlessly and the guitar tones and wah-wah pedals are in full bloom here. Lots of covers which was surprising, but seems like these guys have a massive discography so they've earned a little songwriting break I'd say. Really enjoyed this, I can't imagine anyone listening to this and hating it.
Such a mood
Lots of songs that have been sampled in newer songs. What a legendary album to visit. So funky, you can’t help but dance!
Great mix of R&B slow jams and bangers. Still holds up incredibly well 50 years later
Classics
First listen. I love the Isley Brothers. Heard many of those songs many times but it was good to listen to that album.
Great soul album
Absolutely chocked full of bangers.
So underappreciated.
Smooth and dirty
psychedelic bad ass funk
I lenjoyed this. Great vocals and some really nice guitar solos too. Would listen again
Fantastic. I've obviously known of The Isley Brothers for ever, but had never really listened to them. Great stuff.
Really good, funking soulful dancefloor ballads. Elevated by the additional of little brother Ernie providing screaming guitar licks on the 2 phenomenal singles.
Stone cold soulful grooves. Could give it 5 for the definitive version of Summer Breeze, I don't want it to end. Although the original is pretty fine as well. That Lady, what it comes down to, not every song here is 5 star classic - but most of them are.
Phenomenal
The best soul meets the best rock and the whole thing is absolute magic from start to finish. Hendrix was in the band for a while and THIS IS STILL BETTER. That Lady and Summer Breeze are the hits and they're great, but everything else, save for maybe one schmaltzy ballad meets that standard. Can't believe I waited my whole life so far before getting around to this.
PHUNK
This is such a great record! All the grooves are so tight but they still feel raw. Drums and guitars sound awesome, love the fuzzed out Isley tone. A lot of great funk records have cheesy stupid ballads, but even the ballads are great on this one!
Such a great album. The covers of Summer Breeze, Listen to the Music, and Don’t Let Me Lonely are all better than the originals versions and I love those songs too. The lead guitar tones( That Lady) and playing are amazing. Highway of my Mind is a great song.
brilliant
previously listened to: no favorite song: don't let me be lonely tonight least favorite song: listen to the music pros: VOCALS!!!! they are so smooth and enjoyable. the overall vibe of this album is just so enjoyable and makes for an entertaining listen. cons: can be repetitive at times, production seems choppy at times would i listen to again: yes, its just a fun and easy listen
Certified classic
Superb album, a joy to have an excuse to listen to it uninterrupted.
Some absolute classics and some knockout covers on here. Who's That Lady has infinite airplay for a reason. And that Summer Breeze cover? Blissful. Peaceful. Unbothered. Unhurried. Amazing.
Very groovy, the interview parts where great to listen to as a "podcast"
Far more enjoyable than I’d expected and so many bangers on here that I knew well but could never have named the artist if you’d asked me.
Might request "That Lady" as my entrance music to something one day...
me ENCANTÓ música completamente disfrutable posta muy muy bueno 9/10
Never heard of em before. I hope it's funky. Delivered. "Listen to the music was the favorite"
Isley Brothers are top tier for me. I've listened to That Lady an insane number of times since I was little. The background vox still crack me up. Some great covers on this record. The energy is top tier. Perfect example of soul from this era.
My god, this album is phenomenal. The music is tight and exploratory and features sounds and textures that I hear in progressive rap. Side 1 of the album is more upbeat and feels more soul/R&B flavored. Side 2 takes a darker and more introspective turn, especially in the ironically named 'Sunshine (Go Away Today).' This music features interesting melodic intervals, incredible guitar work, and overall more funk and jazz influenced music. Overall, not being too familiar with the Isley Brothers' post 50s/60s work, I was blown away. They managed to do something that sounded and still sounds fresh, listenable, yet musically interesting. The really interesting thing is that it's almost as if they were influenced by their own music in previous decades.
Yet another soul/funk album that just absolutely fucks. The first track blew me away with its insane guitar work and I was completely on board the rest of the way; the next brightest spot is you walk your way. It pulls off slower songs and energetic, happy songs perfectly and is a perfect blend of funk and soul that is just so soothing to listen to. Also you know it's good when Kendrick Lamar samples one of your songs.
Before today, I'd heard of the Isley Brothers, notably their songs It's Your Thing, That Lady, Between the Sheets, and Shout. Every time I hear That Lady, I think of the Swiffer commercial where the broom falls in love with a flamingo, its hilarious. These guys started as a Quartet with the four oldest boys: Kelly, Rudolph, Ronnie, and Vernon singing gospel in their local church. Shortly after that, Vernon got struck by a car and killed, causing them to take a step back and reassess things. Some time later, younger brothers Ernie and Marvin, along with Rudolph's brother in law, Chris Jasper were brought on, making it a sextet. Ernie Isley is a fucking insane guitar player (notably the guitar solos in That Lady, and Summer Breeze). Turns out that Jimi Hendrix used to tour with the Isley Brothers early on, when Ernie was young, and before he joined the group. Ernie loved how Jimi played guitar, and learned a lot about how he plays from Jimi. After Jimi left, Ernie joined, and the rest is history. Marvin Isley's bass playing is so smooth and funky, especially on Sunshine (Go Away Today). Ronnie Isley's voice is so soulful and can go from gritty and raw to smooth and buttery. A few cover songs round out this album, and the Isley Brothers did an excellent job of making them their own. A few stand outs include the Doobie Brothers song Listen to the Music, and Seals and Crofts song Summer Breeze. Overall, a phenomenal record, and one I will definately be listening to again!! So much talent in one band, let alone in one family!! Favourite songs: "That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2", Listen to the Music, What It Comes Down To, Sunshine (Go Away Today), "Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2" Least favourite songs: I literally can't pick one, this album is gold! 5/5
The Isley Brothers are pure magic Starting that record with ‘Who’s That Lady’, a nice hit for them sets the tone Covers of 3 pop/rock songs shows their versatility A great party record all around, wish I still had those bell bottoms
Groove-tastic, fat beats, some cool stuff the Beasties stole and a great Doobie Brothers cover! 5 stars.
Love love love - soul groove funk sweetness
Thought this was great. Old school upbeat R&B. It’s the album that the track ‘Who’s that Lady’ is from.
Right off the bat it’s a rocking tune with a cool gutiar and funky drums. Vocals are great as I’m listening to the first song After listening for a minute I here the bass and it really mesh with the rest of the instruments
Has there ever been a band cooler than this, The Isleys in 1973 singing “That Lady?” Doubtful. You get the feeling, as with Parliament Funkadelic and some other black bands that dared to blur the lines between soul and rock, that the Isley Brothers never quite got the due they deserved. At least when compared to the glorified reputation of all those beloved white acts they influenced. But the sustained relevancy of this band through the contemporary age of hip-hop is undeniable and powerful. They’re just simply one of the greatest bands that ever was. And this might be their greatest album. I have some qualms perhaps with some of the covers. “Listen To The Music” for instance doesn’t do much for me that the Doobie’s version didn’t. I feel similarly about Jonathon Edwards’ “Sunshine (Go Away Today)” (though, in that case, the original doesn’t do anything for me either.) I do like their version of “Summer Breeze,” and quite a bit more than the original—they turn that cloying pop song into an super-groovy soul ballad complete with soaring/shredding guitar solos—but still weird to hear a Seals and Crofts song cropping up here. The James Taylor cut is less good as a cover but still pretty nice. I guess these just strike me as odd choices—that they cover all these soft pop hits of the early 70s and cut them against funk originals (well, almost) like “That Lady.” It speaks to the groups versatility. But also to their want for a top ten hit. I mean, even “That Lady” is a cover of their own earlier song, though it is much, much improved and wholly distinct. A masterpiece, really. Perhaps the closing track, a soft-poppy Isley’s original, puts these choices in context. But where some of the covers feel shallow, “The Highways of my Life” has much more depth and soul. It feels heartfelt and vital and its presence echoes as a closer. Beyond the extended version of “That Lady” (which has some sick jams the radio missed out on!), my favorite discovery here was “You Walk Your Way,” a groovy, bouncy jam, with a great organ riff that reminds me of listening to The Band in the springtime. And I love, love the synth solo in “What It Comes Down To.” Overall, I have some qualms with the covers that knock my rating of this album a bit, but I’m still going to round up to 5 because some of them do really work and I mean…come on! It’s the Isley Brothers! 5/5.
Perfection
1973: A great year for music A lot of classics from this album and songs I knew but didn't realize. Absolutely a vibe in and of itself. Interesting to learn that this is the album where the 3 brothers incorporated 3 other musicians for the first time, though now the name makes it seem obvious
Good stuff. Mr. Isley has a beautifully smooth voice, the instrumentation is on point, covers are excellent. Nothing bad here.