3 + 3

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.

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.

3+3=3

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

Some absolute bangers on this one. The organs, synth, electric Guitar, and bongos are all perfectly utilized. Loved it

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!

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.

Was hooked from the get go when I recognised the intro to "That Lady" as the sampled used for "i" by Kendrick Lamar. I really enjoyed this, it had the right balance between soul, funk and even some disco for me. A great mix of songs that never really got boring and towards the end the excellent "Summer Breeze" closed the album out. Solid 4.

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.

Vocals and backing vocals are strong throughout. The R&B/Motown to Funk/Rock transition in this album is really interesting to me, and I feel those influences wound around each other constantly in a way that elevates the music to me. The mix of time tested R&B beats prevents any song from being outright bad for me. Standout tracks are That Lady pt. 1, Listen to the Music, Sunshine, and Summer Breeze. Probably a 3.5, rounding to 3.

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

started strong and the star meter slowly drained as it went on...

Very very good. Will be coming back to this one.

To pimp a Isley Brothers

Nicht unbedingt meine Musikrichtung, aber das ist mehr als ok!

Absolutely loved this from start to finish. The electric guitar is stellar throughout, and it's so groovy and funky. This is music that's right up my alley, and I'm excited to check out more of The Isley Brothers' discography!

smooth as silk, and even the lesser known tracks are class

Immediately from the first song on the album I knew i was in for a lesson in music history. That lady pt.1 and 2 came on and i immediately recognized the guitar line. Kendrick Lamar used the same line and overall composition for his song i off of To Pimp a Butterfly. As soon as i realized that I knew this one was gonna be something special. There's a lot of heart on this album right at the start with Don't let me be lonely tonight. It's a common sentiment among music throughout its history in America the last century especially entering the jazz and blues era. But the Isley Brothers put so much heart into everything from the vocals to the instrumentation that it feels fresh. Immediately the tone picks up in the next song with If You Were There. This album has many tonal shifts but they don't feel out of place. Everything blends together to make a really nice album.

After having a Stevie Wonder album last week, I have to say that this reminds me of that quite a lot but is just straight up better. I ran through this album once, then did a second playthrough and then it stuck to me quite well. I especially like 'Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2' which is a very nice song. I think this has been in quite a lot of travel commercials as well if I'm not mistaken. Had a hard time putting a score for this, but I think I'll give it a weak 4. I don't think there are any weak songs really, and the good ones are quite good actually.

Can't deny the groove, a few classics, but on a whole it didn't stand out to me

Give me the funk!!! There’s zero doubt these guys can jam. As I had said, every song on here is either a cover or has been covered. The unfortunate thing for me personally is that except for don’t let me be lonely, I like the other version of the song better. Which I was surprised by as their groove is right up my alley. Don’t hate me Mr Isley brothers for my 3

I loved listening to this album. The cover of "summer breeze" is great. I had never listened to this album, but will again.

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."

Приятная смесь фанка и соула, но не могу сказать, что запоминающаяся. Включайте в машине и смело поезжайте в закат. 5 из 10.

I just like the track "Sunshine", it sounds cool, rest is too sappy sounding for me.

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 first heard this album 9 months ago, and immediately became pregnant. The pregnancy was smooth, the contractions had a funky rhythm, and today I gave birth to our child who emerged wearing a velvet robe.

Man what’s there to say, classic r/b album. Velvety smooth instrumentation, and some funky hit songs create a nearly perfect album.

A summer soundtrack, if ever there was one. So smoooooth!

utterly brilliant! Fun but not lazy, really enjoyable music! I have a newfound appreciation for fonksy grooves - honestly kicking myself for not hearing this before!

Summer Breeze is a jam!

I really enjoyed this, I will definitely listen to this album in its entirety again.

Great! Has held up well!

"3 + 3" is the 11th album by American soul group the Isley Brothers. The Wiki-listed genres are pyschedelic soul, progressive soul and funk. Yeah, they cover all of them. The album was the first time the group included all family members (hence, the title name). The family band members are Ronald Isley (lead and backing vocals), Rudolph Isley (backing vocals), O'Kelley Isley Jr. (backing vocals), Ernie Isley (backing vocals, maracas, tom-toms, guitars), Marvin Isley (backing vocals, bass) and Chris Jasper (backing vocals, Hohner clavinet, synths, keyboards, piano, tambourine). Commercially, the album reached #8 in the US. A jangly rhythm guitar, handclaps and Ernie with that soft fuzz guitar begin "That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2." It's a reworking of their "Who's That Lady" in a funky style. And that funky style is delivered by the bass and drums. Ronald's great tenor voice and the backing vocals. If only she does what he says. They continue on with a soulful reinterpretation of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight." It's slower and led by the piano and an acoustic guitar. They bring the funk to the Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music." Thr guitar and organ supply the funk while the bass and drums lay down the groove. A soulful organ interlude. A wah-wah guitar intro opens "What It Comes Down To." This time it's a funky rhythm section. This song is more along the lines of a 60's pop song. Chris Jasper supplies a wonderful keyboard solo. And speaking of wonderful, the Brothers cover Seal & Crofts' "Summer Breeze." A ticking keyboard sound and piano. The fuzz guitar is playing the melody. A fantastic guitar solo as Ernie conjures Jimi up. This is the "Summer & Breeze" version to listen to. Santa must have made a visit to the randomizer who gifted me this. This is a fantastic album. Soulful, pyschedelic with the guitar and a solid mix of funk and soul. Great lead vocals by Ronald and backing vocals by everyone else. They make three covers their own. Apparently, this album was recorded at the same time and studio as Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" and that music must have rubbed off especially in the synths and organ. Maybe, it was both rubbing off each other. Ernie was a big Hendrix fan and his guitar is just wonderful and Jimi-like throughout this album. This is a must-hear for everyone. Just look at that album cover; these boys ain't foolin' around.

wer isch de lady fr fr. baaaaanger crazy solo. hani glaub schomol glost da album sie chönd uhuere tschutte. dont let me be lonely tonight huere horndogs echt aber de song isch geeeil. tönt uuhuere schön. BOAH DÖT WO ER DOWN ON MY KNEES SEIT UUFFF. sehr schön. if you were there isch chli langwiliger jo wah-clavinet cool aber naja. you walk your way isch wieder seehr geil klavier passt irgendwie zu ihne. und s isch so dämpft. super. nöd meeega spannend aber pleasant. listen to the music sehr cool wieder wah-clav funk time. aber baaanger wo hani da schomol ghört? huere geil. aha s isch en doobie brothers song. de bass und gitarre und so wo s glch spieled gönd extreeem hard. what it comes down to tööönt suuper. baaassss. rieeese solo. suuuper warm alles mmmmh. alles isch verzerrt? sunshine go away weeirds intro und denn riese banger? summer breeze isch jo insaaaaane geil fuuuuckk.

Another unexpected great discovery from this project. I've heard That Lady so many times I got kind of tired of it, but then loved what Kendrick did with it. I didn't know the album with that song was going to someday be in my regular rotation. His singing fills me with joy, I can't stop toe tapping, and I think I prefer their version of Listen to the Music. They really nailed Summer Breeze as well. Overall, what a delight.

Not my favourite of theirs but that doesn't mean much cos this still grooves so hard its so gooood

Funky, groovy, great singing. Shades of Chicago or Weather Report Summer Breeze was sampled by Griz for Summer '97 and this is the first time I have heard it. Love finding those nuggets on this list. If I had any doubts of giving this a 5 before this song, they were just wiped away.

Really fun album, will listen to more of there stuff. 5/5

Damn good.

Great smooth funkyness

A great album with some wonderful songs, including my favorite version of "Summer Breeze" so far. I enjoyed it enough that I listened to the interview at the end, which added a new layer of depth to the music.

Wow had no clue they were so great. Now I can see hpw underrated they are. I feel every singlnsong in this album has been sampled by later artists showing how influetial they are. Great realx music for a whole let it play in the background sound while you have a drink at home

A fantastic soul/funk album of the 70s. The covers are just brilliant. Innovative keyboard, satisfying guitar work. 4.5/5

Funky, groovy, and full of soul. I absolutely love this album for those three reasons. You get that mix of crooning love songs, and songs that will get you grooving. The Isley Brothers are such an iconic group, and no matter who the members are at the time, their music is timeless. A great album to have pop up after 2 travesties I had to suffer from.

This was such a fun and groovy album to listen to. Really dig this. Adding to my ISO for vinyl list!

Straight fire. Loved this album. Great instrumentals, great vocals. 'That Lady' and 'Summer Breeze' are classics, but 'What It Comes Down To' wins my fave spot.

A banger. 5 stars.

Magic.

Smoooooth as silk 🤌🏽

Its funky and some classics on here! Listened x3 love the guitar bits. Sex music

That Lady en Summer Breeze zijn een van de absolute knallers of all time, en de nummers tussendoor laten zien dat de Isley Brothers meer dan hun hits zijn. Bijzonder musicianship, het voelt soms alsof er een half plan van een nummer was, ze zetten en jam aan en zeggen ‘ja dit is prima’. Top!

Great music

5/5

Really loved this. Hearing the originals of so many songs I recognize was really cool.

TPAB sample spotted

3+3=6 but can only give five stars

It fucking slaps. Never expected such great guitar work on an album like this, but there it is. Just infectious grooves from front to back. Put it on and be happy.

What a beautiful start to my journey. This album is definitely something I love. Always listened to funk and soul before punk came along and have recently started listening again. Beautiful songs on this album. 10/10

Dude i got some fucking Isley Brothers at work today dude. Hell yeah. My mom told me if i wait for things, like, good things will happen to me dude and fucking i waited for some things and i got some Isley Brothers at work today dude. hell yeah. so it just goes to show that waiting for things is, like, worth it. but there’s a lot of bad things in this world, dude. like fucking skunks dude? hell no. Scratching you’re eye, but it’s STILL fucking ITCHY dude?! HELL no. The fucking CUBS, DUDE? HELL NO!! LIKE GETTING PAID NOT A LOT OF MONEY, DUDE?! FOR FUCKING WORKING?! HELL NO!!!! BUT ISLEY BROTHERS?! AT FUCKING WORK, DUDE?! HELL YEAH!!!!!! HELL YEAH, BRO!!!! HELL YEAH!! ISLEY BROTHERS, BRO, AT FUCKING WORK, DUDE!!!! HELL YEAH!!

3 plus 3 equals 5 in my book !

Great funky stuff

Very good

Some of the best basslines I've ever heard. Superb

gostei demais

This was amazing, loved it, want more. Warm soul.

Nice

This sort of thing is my bag, baby.

Loved the variations of my favs. A different sound each time. Thoroughly enjoyed. 😊

I liked it a lot more than expected. Of course I knew the hits, but the album tracks are nearly just as strong across the board; I pretty much liked every single song. Except for one: “Listen to the Music”. It’s not bad, but it does highlight the one slight weakness of the album for me, which are the covers. They’re mostly good, but rarely better than their rock originals, which is always a thing for me. Either a cover has to be so radically different/better than an original, or I always just think I’d rather listen to said original leaving me wondering what’s the point of the cover in the first place in that case?? 🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽. Anyway, besides my personal quirk (dysfunction) regarding covers, the album is filled with bangers. It’s a fiver for me.

Did you know that band is still playing - in their seventh decade? That this is their 11th album? Me neither until I read the Wikipedia. Great music with lots of standards on this album.

Summer Breeze was so good i didn't mind the 3 versions that were on the Apple version of this album. That song is beautiful, as is The Highways of My Life, and What It Comes Down To. Soulful singing, funky music, ripping solos, this is a perfect soul album.

amazing, loved summer breeze

Great album full of classic tunes

They stole Kendrick’s flow bar for bar on that lady Listen to the music gave me cars soundtrack vibes and i dig it What it comes down to is amazing i wanna sample it and the song itself is peak i nutted every time the electric guitar came on Not the biggest fan of sunshine Summer breeze is generic but i like it (prolly cuz of the guitar😩😩) MORE GUITAR IM CUMMING😩😩 I TAKE IT BACK SUMMER BREEZE W Instrumentals are all ws When they faded the guys voice into the synth in highways of my life i creamed 9/10 album multiple songs going on my playlists

What talent. They just seem to be having so much fun together. I enjoyed hearing the interview snippets.

Hell yeah

Really enjoyed this album. Lots of influence these guys had. I think all of the songs have been covered on this album. Great album!

Holy smokes what an album. Definitely a new favorite.

What a masterpiece in its genre. An easy 4,5* for That Lady and Highways Of My Life alone.

The guitars on Summer Breeze and That Lady are just phenomenal That Lady is like straight up pure 100% joy I love this album

Holy shit, what a beautiful, incredible album

Funky as all hell! Love it.

Never gets old! Wish that I could have seen live them at their peak. Play loud.

The pure funk along with the guitars and the smoothness of it all make it well worth a listen.

Muitoooooo bom!!!

Hsh

I don’t think I have heard any of these tracks before and they were all killer no filler!

Killer production, ahead of its time.

That was just a funky ball of fun.

That Lady Pt 1&2 is a perfect song to start an album with in my opinion. The jam during the last half of the song had me almost hitting the back button just to listen to it again. I didn’t do that because I remembered that Spotify are assholes and only pay the artist if you listen to the song completely. The thought was there though, that’s how much I appreciated that song. This is a great album for the genre. I wouldn’t hold it up to an album like Radiohead - Ok Computer or different genre 5 star albums but this is perfect for its class Choice cut: That Lady pt 1&2

Good

Listened to it more than once, was awesome and the range of the tracks was wiiiiide but they pulled it off well

im not sure why they needed a full album to figure out 3+3 but it was really good so im not complaining 4.7/5

5/5 - so THIS is what I heard periodically in my childhood! Awesome

Very very very good funk, some classics and some great covers on here. 4.5 rounded up.

This is a great album, but the original songs are so much stronger than the covers. Aside from "Summer Breeze," I actually think the cover songs are the weak points. Obviously the vocals and stuff are still good on those, but they pale in comparison to the original songs (and their original versions). "That Lady," "If You Were There," and "You Walk Your Way" are the best songs on the album. Still, though, the album is so good. Definitely some of the best from The Isley Brothers all in one place.