3 + 3

Great album, really enjoyed

My long review got deleted. This album is timeless. 5/5

Damn, this just sounds so good. Hasn't aged a day really. So many artists trying to recapture these sounds. The tunes are funky and soulful, arranged perfectly, and played so well. And of course the vocals are a stand out. I really can't find any nits to pick, honestly.

Pretty good

Orgasmic fucking guitar tone! I was only familiar with 'Listen to the Music' of all the covered songs, and it matched the quality of the original. Awesome record, I wish I could give it 3 + 3 stars.

How is it I'm only listening to this now?!? It's phenomenal. So much ear candy in every track. And the covers? Blew my mind. I had no idea you could do that to "Summer Breeze".

Oh hell yeah!

So fucking good. That Lady and Summer Breeze are the clear standouts here but all of these songs are funky as fuck. I definitely have to listen to more of the Isleys because everything I've heard from them is absolutely top notch stuff. Fav Songs: That Lady, Summer Breeze, Sunshine (Go Away Today), What It Comes Down To Least Fav: If You Were There (Still a very good song) 9.3/10

(6 estrellas)

I would give this a 3 + 3 out of 5 if I could. One thing I'm learning about myself through this project is that I really like Soul and Funk. I didn't know this - I've never really listened to those genres much before. It's been an incredible and very rewarding discovery.

Es un álbum de soul, R&B increíble, unos solos únicos

The perfect mood 👌🏻

This was peak I always loved jams like this!

Very good. Huge fan of the album. It's your typical Isley Brothers album, but I think it's Definitely one of their best, if not, their best.

This is definitely more of my style

Its funny how 3 + 3 = 5. This is one of the best albums of all time, and a criminally underrated one at that. The Isley Brother's bring their mix of funk and soul in perfect combination. They have a number of other great albums from the 70s, but this is the peak, and maybe the peak of pre-disco funk/soul overall.

I immediately recognized the beginning of That Lady as a sample in Kendrick Lamar's i, and then I recognized the song itself once the chorus hit. This double-dose of nostalgia had me dancing my way through my morning walk. Very often on this list, I have encountered albums which contained one great song I was very familiar with, only for the rest of the album to fall short of that bar. When the first song on the album was That Lady, a song I adore, I was worried the same fate would befall 3+3; luckily, my fears were wildly unfounded. I have come to realize that funk and soul music are some of my favorite genres when executed well (which they almost always are), and 3+3 just might be my single favorite album yet in these genres. The vocals of the Isley Brothers are captivating throughout, with constant displays of skilled vocal runs and gorgeous blood harmonies (the slightly unique sound when siblings sing together). The instrumentation around the vocals holds up as well, maintaining a driving funk rhythm the whole time; my particular highlights throughout the project are the prominent synths and the guitar solos I couldn't help but grimace at in the best way. There is nothing particularly deep or layered about the content of the music here, with many of the songs being relatively straightforward looks at love and emotion, but art doesn't always need to be complicated: sometimes it's just one of the funkiest thing I've ever heard. This album slaps. Highlights: That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, If You Were There, You Walk Your Way, Listen to the Music, What It Comes Down To, Sunshine (Go Away Today), Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2, The Highways of My Life

The Isley brothers are so influential on black music. Their music is sampled in so many songs that their page on "who sampled" is 20 pages long. For good reason. It's R&B and funk at its best. Even though my favourite song of theirs isn't on this record, it is still an absolute treat. This has reminded me to give their discography a good listen.

Outstanding record, soulful, funky, and every song is worth listening too. Vocals are top notch as well.

Bops be boppin'

Love the mix of originals and covers. Love the funky sound Isley has with his guitar. I was a young teen in 1973. Music was very important in my life at that time, just entering high school that year.

What a wonderful album this is, loved it - amazing 1973, - 53 years old - when “Soul” was so sweet.

Arte pura esse disco. Maravilhoso!!!

Sunshine banger od bangera, nevrjetn funk album. Isto The Highways of My Life

Beyond stellar. Loved every minute, but these were my favorites: Sunshine (Go away today), Summer Breeze, Highways of my Life.

GENIAL efectiv adorrrr e incredibil de bun Doamnee

Such a vibe! Definitely put me in high spirits (interpret that as you wish)

A lot of fun. I will listen to this album again found some new favorites. Over all just a banger. Deserves higher than the 3.5 rating

Who Dey! Who Dey! Who Dey think gonna beat the Cincinnati funk?

I love the Isley’s! Great album!

Immaculate, no notes

This album was a beautiful journey to listen to. The guitar, while no longer jimi hendrix, definitely had his influence as it absolutely dominated the sound of the album and was awesome to bump to. The first song immediately I was able to recognize from the more contemporary “I” by kendrick, which is one of my favorite songs by him. It was so cool to realize this is where the sound came from. As for their covers, unfortunately no one does “listen to the music” better than the Doobie brothers, though I actually liked the Isley brothers version of “Summer Breeze” more than the original. I really liked the groovy twist they put on it, and the guitar once again really made the song into a jam that is worth saving and listening to again and again. Sunshine (go away today) was so glorpy. Overall I really loved this album and can see its influence and how it earned its spot on this list.

Immaculate! The guitar playing is incredible, and hearing their renditions of different classic rock songs is refreshing and they honestly sound better done in their funky soulful ways. This whole album is pure joy.

This is an album I bought when I was 17.

Très très bon, je ne sais pas quel genre c'est mais c'est ce que j'aime !

"That Lady" is a bop, man. Good stuff. We've all heard it a million times, but this version really hit for me today. "Listen to the Music" is a fun cover too. Groovy and supremely easy to listen to.

million stars!

“Do me wrong, do me right, do me right, baby Tell me lies, but hold, hold me tight And save your goodbyes 'til the morning light But don't let me be lonely tonight” Any excuse to revisit this. It’s one of my favourites of its kind and everything about it absolutely hits the mark. The guitar playing on “3+3” is exceptional and it is criminal that Ronald Isley is not more lauded in mainstream discourse as one of the greatest of the 1970s. The whole album is as smooth as butter and each track brings a smile to my face.

5/5

Good vibe to make my monday morning great

You have covers of two fantastic classic songs of the 70s on here, both that hold their own against the originals, and the Isley brothers were like “nah, that’s too easy” so they made That Lady, which blows them out of the water with an atomic bomb made of electric guitar and falsetto vocals.

++*: That Lady ++: Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, If You Were There, Listen to the Music, What It Comes Down To, Sunshine (Go Away Today), Summer Breeze, The Highway of My Life +: You Walk Your Way 9,7/10

I think I am very much a funk and soul kind of guy. This just sounds so nice in my ears. Automatic 5 for me. It's been a great week for funk and soul for the list.

R&B perfection with excellent guitar-playing. Ernie Isley should always be in the conversation when talking about all-time great players.

4.5 - exactly the type of hoppy R&B album I crave.

Loads of fun. Beautiful melodies, edgy solos, sweet vocals, everything you could want from a blues/rock album

this was so so good

Wonderful record. Infinitely listenable and grooveable.

7/10

I know these guys. These guys are sweet. I definitely don’t listen to enough Isley Bros. This is a good album. Highly recommended

This was great. Awesome energy, some recognizable songs and can hear the influence on future music. Best one in a while. 4.5 but shade it up.

Some funky music... yes, of course, I'm here for it all! This album is great, so groovy and funny, and with some soul too. I've loved it!

Need this on vinyl. Will be listening to this again.

I lov this thingy

Classic. Grew up listening to this.

That Lady Pts. 1&2 - sample of i by Kendrick Lamar Summer Breeze - banger The Highways Of My Life - hidden gem

Great listen. Every song sounds unique and polished. Love the guitar work, backing vocals and the organs in the background.

Basically all bangers! No skips

Sensational Side note : also nice to listen in the winter, and disregard the general tone of the music

Very funky. Very good.

Hit after hit, amazing guitar work, funky, fun. Wow. My only issue lies with Spotify, who has decided to make the album double its original length just to include about 40 (barely different) remixes of Summer Breeze and That Lady.

So many things to say. Firstly just who are these guys? Who has had this kind of shape shifting, trend setting career? Just how many contexts and settings have they traversed? This record, man, what a sound, the playing, the arrangements. The playing is fantastic, the rhythm section and the superb guitar sound. A brilliant mix of originals and some astounding covers. I've always loved the groove of Who's that Lady, gorgeous bit of early 70's smooth with a fucking cool guitar riff. But then Don't Let Me Be Lonely, no offence to that old hippy James Taylor, but wow they turn that song on its head. Here's the thing; it is forgotten that their take on Twist and Shout was a cover of the Top Notes. They completely transformed it leading to...of course three blokes in Hamburg having a crack at reworking that and... anyway Summer Breeze hold your horses what a cover and of course young Tommy Johnston would have been pretty stoked with what they did to Listen to the Music. This is just...amazing. it glides on by, beautiful music and a fantastic choice for this list.

My only highly-subjective hang up on the Isley Brother's "3+3" comes as the heavy, constant ornamentation in Ronald Isley's vocals. I'm not against it at all. (I love and have studied Hindustani vocal music, which is nothing without ornamentation). He's an amazing singer. I love male falsetto. I just find it distracting at times from all the other things I loved in listening to this album. It reminds me of a time when I was in line at a bank around Christmas time, and Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" was playing in the lobby a bit too loud. I had never noticed how fluttery, flexing, and serpentine her vocal delivery was, before. Christmas fucking _ORNAMENTS_. The sterile cold box of a room, and all the bureaucratic procedural weight of a capitalism contrasting with with the sheer apparent joy of a wild vocal delivery gave me a sudden prior-unheard realization of a throwaway pop song being able to carry hidden musical weight. The music was somehow *heavy* in the moment. I was holding back laughter at the absurdity, feeling a shift in the air or the fabric of reality. Shortly, then, Karen behind me, somehow sharing in same unhinged vocal performance I was, said to me unprompted, "Oh my god what is this music? It's awful." I deeply fear that I am that 70 year old lady, having written my issue. My defense: the complaint is minor to the point of being ignored in light of everything absolutely RIGHT about this album, except it did allow me to tell that story. The first thing I loved in this album: it starts with a flex. Take your single, "That Lady", and stretch out on it to the point that it's got a whole "Part 2" made of pure groove and ripping solo, and lead your album with it. We are here to start your party and we are in it for the long haul. The Isley Brothers' "3+3" seamlessly bridges Midwest soul, funk, and R&B with NYC disco leanings and a forkful of psychedelic swagger. The Isley's recorded an album for many and any without losing any of the authenticity of a working band whose chops are sharp in the studio, but despite the heavy reputation of the Isley name, plausibly evoke even sharper on an imagined small stage somewhere in Midwestern city on a club circuit tour. My absolute favorite parts of this album are the overdriven guitar solos and synth leads that sometimes bleed into one another, playing at confusion to which is which. As if one "Part 2" wasn't enough (it wasn't) a cover of "Summer Breeze" gets a heady, lengthy workout as well, featuring this synth/guitar lead phrasing change-up that is wholly psychedelic and riveting. There's also the band's lock-tight, but still very organic, grooves backing each and every song like a mighty signature. Looser and more slippery than James Brown, disco-aware and cool but in looser fitting clothes, and full pop-sense without pop-pander, working songs from a mix of smartly chosen, freshly arranged, and seemingly unlikely (source of doubt: my own lack of knowledge of what drove the selections) popular covers. For the Doobies "Listen to the Music", the changes in chorus phrasing, combined with the scale-walk turnaround are ear-catching and effective in communicating the bands own musical voice, and adding a propulsive immediacy converting a stony upbeat rock groover into R&B/funk dancefloor grease. The more contemplative, slower songs are full of heart and emotion, without drifting too far from the revelry. Their mild introspection add essential gravity to the album which makes it more than just a party.

i loved this! honestly, majority of the songs had me in such a positive mood and it was just what i needed to be satisfied

Funky fun thoughtful instrumentally dope

an ABSOLUTE amazing album. the changes of genre from each songs while maintainng a choesive sound... perfect

it was a good album, not my normal music but will listen to some of the songs again

It’s funky. It’s poppy. It’s got soul. This is what music should be.

Catchy

Such an amazing album from start to finish.

This one is fun as shit! Danced the whole way through. Some really good guitar work here too. Love some good funk like this.

Such an easy and great listen!! I’d want to listen to it on a summer road trip with the windows down.

Such an insanely good, funky album. Some of those synth?organ?guitar? Solos and tones are just unreal, love it. Love it love it love it 5/5 Best Son: Summer Breeze

230921 17:24 4.5

This goes hard. Thanks, Kendrick (9/10, 5/5 on this scale)

I dont know how anyone could rate this any lower than a 5. Complete perfection from start to finish. Soulful and funky. You gotta have the biggest stick up your ass to not enjoy it or at the very least tap your foot.

There is a certain kind of music that I absolutely love. A bit funky, R&B, but old school. This is that exact kind of music. It makes me feel aces.

Music that makes your head nod and foot tap to the beat. And not just great grooves, but great songs also. On top of the usual Isley brothers groove there is the amazing guitar playing by Ernie Isley. Really like this album and these are the kind of gems that make me happy to be part of this campaign.

I FUCKING LOVE THIS!!! love the smooth vibe of the whole album I feel like I'm being serenaded 💚💚💚

Buenas veces, muy buenas harmonias, hay algunos momentos de instrumental muy buenos, se nota un ritmo y buen ambiente increíble, canciones fáciles de seguir el ritmo sin ser básicas o repetitivas. Álbum para cuando quieres un momento relajado pero entretenido y divertido. 5 estrellas.

Super funky tunes. Amazing band. The lyrics speak to black suffering while coding it in terms that remain universally accessible. There's hope and uplifting optimism for the modern world. Several songs talk about the pains and struggles of being a man and are more complex and poignant than many soul or funk songs of that era. I actually cried at one point

Top soul/funk. The best by the Isley Brothers. That Lady and Summer Breeze, eh? 4.4* rounded up, could listen to this at any time.

Incredible album, oozing with soulful funk. Fantastic array of instrumentals and smooth vocals fill this album, and it doesn't outstay it's welcome

yes

THIS IS THE SHIT!

R&B with iconic songs and good guitars.

INCREDIBLE!!!

phenom, in rotation now

Masterpiece

Such a great album! Loved the funk and listened multiple times.

Great classic. Such an important milestone

Funkier than The Four Tops or The Temptations, not quite up to Isaac Hayes, still this is the sound of my youth and gets an easy 5 stars for the memories it brought back to me.

Fantastic album! Every song is a banger and the arrangements are so well done.

5/5

This is an excellent album. "That Lady" and "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" are excellent, but the album as a whole is fantastic.

Very funky, very soulful. The only think I dislike is that I hadn't heard this album before, because this is my shit.

Really iconic music on this one. ✊Guitar riffs, sultry vocals Seventieeeees

Loved it, brought back memories

Absolutely brilliant.

Unbelievably soulful, tremendous guitar (and musicianship in general) throughout. Just mad I've never listened through this before. Will be giving the Isley Brothers more listens in future for sure.

Super funky and a good listen. Lots of great melodies, although the opener really stands out.

I thought the first song of the album would never end. I liked the song, but I thought that it could have ended sooner. I thought that at times the lead singer was being over-the-top emotional while trying to sing the song which I found distracting. I didn't care for the tracks of the interviews.

absolutely loved this album. Such a mix of high energy funk, soothing R&B. Each song, while carrying the same genre, sounded unique, refreshing and was a joy to listen to. From the recognizable “That lady” to the pleading and aching “don’t let me be lonely tonight and the pulsating drums “ifyou were there”. Sunmer breeze is an excellent track that really does smoothe despite the hot summer air still kind of in the air This was a great album to listen to on a Monday.

What a groove. Besides the classics That Lady and Summer Breeze, each track had their own feel and addition to this album.

I knew I was in for a good time when I heard the first song. Every track was simply brilliant. The guitar solo on "Summer Breeze" was amazing. I did not expect such a fantastic album. It wasn't until recently that I learned that the Isley Brothers performed "Twist And Shout" first. 5 stars for "3 + 3".

Some great ones and some good ones.

Soulful and funky, very enjoyable. The guitar solos in "That Lady" and "Summer Breeze" elevate those already great songs to the next level - I love the guitar tone in particular in both of those. The rest of the tracks are not quite at that level but still very good. I think the inclusion of those two songs pushes into a 5/5

Me encantó super funky increible producción increibles vocals un 10/10 no hay mas que decir y nada que criticar I'm a sucker for a good soul funk album Favs: That Lady, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Summer Breeze (wow)

Voy a hacer rondas relámpago hasta ponerme al día que voy muy atrás. Fresco, dinámico y divertido. Este disco tiene todo lo que buscas en uno de funk. A la playlist: casi todo el disco, pero si tengo que destacar una, If You Were There es una de mis canciones favoritas de todos los tiempos.

I had this album on repeat all day, and holy shit - what an album. Obviously the first track is the king of this thing - which I believe was sampled by Kendrick, making it instantly recognisable to most younger people. Man, there is so much substance in this thing it's not funny. I only really knew The Isley Brothers as the epic sexy time song from San Andreas. I'm not surprised it's this good, but I was expecting a lot less from this thing. That Lady & Summer Breeze were so fire. It doesn't help I'm a slut for soul and funk, and these songs are an outstanding combination of both. There's not really much more I want to say about this thing, I'm just going to go and buy the vinyl for it right now. Fucking incredible.

Extremely good. Listened twice back to back. If you’re still cranking out quality like this at album 11 you’re definitely an all time great.

Straight bangers with excellent musicianship.

- just incredible -- not a bad track whatsoever. the Summer Breeze cover is so good, I'd call it delicious - I get all the brothers mixed up (Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers, etc), but now I for sure won't mix up the Isley Brothers with anyone else - this is the album you maybe put on while cooking hotdogs on your grill during your 4th of July cookout or while making a nice dinner with your spouse to enjoy out on the back porch with a glass of red wine. there's something about 70s R&B that pairs so well the comforts and high points of everyday life - I'm finding myself not really paying attention to the lyrics at all and am just getting swept away by the layers of clavichord, piano, bass, soaring electric guitar, and smooooooth vocals - this is the kind of album that makes me feel glad I sacrificed a chunk of this month's cell data to download the hi-fi version from Deezer. I think 70s funk/soul/R&B can sometimes sound a little washed-out and muted (esp when playing over some car speakers on Sirius XM's 70s on 7 channel, as the majority of 70s non-rock I'm familiar with was) but this doesn't have that quality at all

Favorite Track: Summer Breeze

This is maybe cheesy of me but definitely a perfect soul record to me. Just something undeniable on the playing, singing, arrangements etc.

Enjoyed this one

The Isley Brothers are well-known just by the fact that they created great melodies and grooves that were influential as hip hop samples. You can hear those on this album too. Their own material holds up well as does the covers, for example "Summer Breeze" that has never been better (except the version from reggae keyboard legend Jackie Mittoo). Definitely a great soul album that needs to be on this list and should be enjoyed by everyone!

The smoothest album ever. Unbelievable how good this album is. The piano, the vocals, the parts are amazing and the sum is even better.

Feeling it

Good stuff!

This shit is straight fire. 5 Stars.

Great!

Excellent

Easily the vibiest album so far

Uplifting and motivating. Pairs well with cooking with your wife or street skateboarding.

Oh that voice

Great stuff

Excellent. Cannot say enough good things. Am now a huge fan.

absolutely no notes, i love this album.

If I could give this a million out of 5 I would. Finally something fucking interesting, the Isley brothers are ALWAYS gonna come out with a banger and this was a whole album of them. Completely made my day listening to this will 100% listen again

This album is just incredible. Opens up with the endlessly sampled "That Lady" and keeps the bangers coming no matter if it's funky fun or a sad ballad. Great playing and great singing

Wow. Educational for me. So many samples and covers of their music that I'm familiar with. And those hits are fucking HITS, like dayummm. Groovy.

I've known about "That Lady" for decades, feel really foolish for sleeping on the rest of this album. Their choices of covers and the arrangements just kick ass. I gotta go buy it and add it to my library. These songs need to be in my regular rotation.

great

What a fun experience. There were a few songs that I didn't particularly love, (Highways of My Life, Listen to the Music), but overall, the album was superb. 4.5/5 for me, and the guitar!! What a pleasant surprise.

I love them. I feel a fondness for the Isley Brothers that I cannot explain. But this album is just the perfect soulful vibe. I'm sick today and it put me in a better mood! Just hit after hit. No notes.

No complaints

Funk is fun with an extra letter! Very enjoyable listening.

I wish i had more time and brain to write good things but i can say that this record is evergreen. listen to it now.

Take a few standard hits from the 70s and add soul, vitality, and a nice groove and you have this album. The original stuff is fantastic, but their alt takes on rock and roll standards or their day will blow your mind. A perfect example of a soul album no matter how you mix it up. I could listen to this all day!

Fantastic

What a perfect record. Never heard of it before but will definitely come back and listen to it again.

i listen to it

So funky… but also kind of rocks. The covers are amazing. Fantastic record!

No había tenido la oportunidad de escuchar este álbum previamente y debo decir que me pareció excelente. El groove de los temas, la calidad de la grabación, la expresividad de la voz, la adición de sintetizadores, los solos. Todo está hecho de manera alucinante y además la duración de los temas y del álbum es más que apropiada, prestándose a múltiples escuchas. Si tuviese que hacer alguna crítica negativa es que el contenido de las letras es un tanto cliché para el estilo, pero no considero que esto actue en detrimento del álbum. No mucho más que decir, un nuevo álbum sumado a mi lista de favoritos.

So smooth you could slip and fall by listening too hard. The Isley Bros are insane. They’ve been making music for 60 years, and they’ve managed to constantly reinvent themselves from decade to decade without losing their energy. They did killer swing in the late 50s, sick rock n’roll in the 60s, soul and funk in the 70s... It’s hard not to be in awe of their talent. To my great shame, they only came to my attention through the intro sequence of Final Destination VI (the band performing on the top floor is playing one of their hits from the late 50s). I took a instant liking to them and started exploring their early discog. Now this 1973 album pops up on the list and blows my mind again... Ok, it’s not 100 % perfect – it’s a bit too sweet and cheesy for my taste, some tracks are a bit too much on the disco side... But overall it’s an incredibly rich and generous album, with slick guitar work, songs that go all over the spectrum of soul and funk, and a couple of absolute bangers like Sunshine. I’d have rated it a 4* if they had other albums on this list. But since it’s the only Isley Brothers album here, I’ll add a star for their whole discog. And it’s not just a name, they’re really all brothers !! Family reunions must be super groovy.

The only thing more righteous than the Isley Brothers' jams is those outfits

Forgot how packed with perfection this was

Zoveel perfecte tracks. "That Lady", Suymmer Breeze" en "The Highways of My Life" zijn de klassieke singles, maar ook de albumtracks zijn prima. Vijf sterren. Moet deze plaat nodig weer eens uit de kast halen.

God damn! What a banger. Had no idea they sang all of these hits

Automatic 5 star album for me. I own this on CD and love "That Lady"

This album is fire from start to finish. The originals, starting with "That Lady" are fantastic and groovy as hell. The covers are absolutely, ridiculously sexy funky. I imagine there are a lot of babies born in 1974 that owe their existence to the cover of "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" on this album. 5 stars.

Oh yes, this is what soul is supposed to sound like! The vocals are fantastic and hints of funk, disco, and blues keep things interesting and add variation between tracks. Some great guitar parts like on That Lady give this album even more depth. I hadn't heard this album before, but definitely going to revisit it and listen to some other Isley Brothers albums as well.

A pretty perfect soul/funk album from Cincinnati's own. Ronald Isley has been the lead singer of this band for 70 consecutive years which is funkin crazy.

Lovely album, enjoyed it .

There’s other Isley Brothers albums I like more but this doesn’t make this any less of a 5

Hell yea

Lots of people were conceived to this album

A fantastic album, super funky and bursting with different styles. The groove is tight throughout, and at times the guitar work really reminded me of Santana, especially on tracks like 'That Lady'. There's also a raw energy in the vocals that brings to mind James Brown, powerful and soulful. It's an album full of surprises, blending rock, soul, funk and even a bit of psychedelic flair. Just a joy to listen to from start to finish. 5/5

Incredible. Possibly favourite album so far.

Funky

One of the best 70s soul albums. A total treat

Funk, soul, good quality music

Feel good R&B! Feeling it in my soul! Happy, sunny day soundtrack!

I liked this one a lot. Great sound, great beats, and such a soulful voice

Classic

Absolute bop! Loved all of it. Especially summer breeze.

Great 70s album.

Pff, albums like this make this list worth it. Never heard of them and loved it. I could have done without the interviews though

I suspect these guys haven't released a single bad song.

Smooth as hell. You don’t realize how many times they’ve been sampled until you listen through the whole album.

I had heard a few of these songs (and some newer covers) before but somehow never knew the band's name. I am forced to rate this album 5 stars due to the experience of listening to Summer Breeze whilst working in the garden on a beautiful sunny day and feeling an actual summer breeze blowing through my hair. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight was also a standout for me, but I enjoyed everything on the album.

Great funk album. Really groovy, easy to vibe with. Sensational.

Die gitaar is volgensmij de zoon van Santana en Nile Rodgers. Kende alleen de hits van ze, nog nooit echt een heel album geluisterd. Lekker funky met soul albumtracks. Zieke evolutie van de eerste gospel van ze

Stone cold banger.

Actually just a series of bangers, really surprised by how much I liked it. The boys have talent

Damn the guitar finale on that first track was fire!! Man these guys are good! Good stuff, good vibe. 5 stars

guitar in that lady is rad. amazing rhythm. production is clean but not overpolished. can't believe i've never listened to this one front to back. absolute banger.

4.5

Unless Vanity 6 and Mary Jane Girls ever joined forces and formed a naked volleyball team at their prime then this is easily the best doubling up in music history. Singer Ronald was already quite a fabulous purring silk machine but invigorated by brotherly and brotherly-in-law reinforcements the Isleys become an unstoppable groove juggernaut for the next decade with guitarist Ernie slaying like Attila The Hun. A lot of covers and self-covers on this one ranging from phenomenal to simply fine. Listen To The Music to its credit is no way near as tedious as the Doobies version but is probably the least inspiring track here. That Lady is a total jam and the already hyper-blissed Summer Breeze when it gets toward the end is like the most towering, raging Hendrixy fuzz geyser. Sunshine (Go Away Today) is another great reinterpretation, much darker and funkier and devilish with Ronald sounding like he actually hates the sunshine more than Mick Jagger as the opposed to the overly bright and chipper original. Along with all the blazing highs, closer Highways Of My Life stands out for having one of the astoundingly beautiful piano intros of all time. A mix of 5 star and 4 tracks adds to an average of 4.5 but this old heart of mine bumps it up to a website score of 5.

Absolute banger. Heavy fuzz guitar tones, funk rhythms and smooth soulful vocals.

Flawless. The originals are fantastic and the covers are reimagined in a thoughtful and unique way that make them the band’s own. Absolutely loved it.

Шикарная музыка поп и джаз и оркестр Лёгкая приятная с колоритом 9/10 Почти все песни зашли. С рокешником.

Banger after banger. With covers that made me question if they were covers. Amazing vocals backed up by magnificent instrumentals. 9/10

New all time fav. The production and the guys voice r fucking insane

hoooooooooo summr breeze makes me feel fine

5/5

My first thought, after the first few tracks, is that this just feels like real music. Or at this moment it's just giving me everything I could ask for. Soul, groove, feeling, melody, positivity. So catchy. So iconic. And the cool factor is just off the charts. Like undeniably.

Solid funk, on par with the best of Funkadelic or the JBs. Has a sort of northern sound to it, with an emphasis on short pop song formats and harmonies reminiscent of the Chicago or Motown sounds. Ernie Isley is a guitar god, and the guitar line in "That Lady" shreds as hard as a Hendrix line. Rudy's voice is smooth as his velvet cape. Great album from end to end.

Nasty nasty stuff here. Funny even. Seals and Crofts don’t know what hit them.

What incredible pioneers! Amazing sound, masters of smooth but funky.

A laid back slice of funk. They even cover the Doobie Brothers for god’s sake. Yacht Funk and it’s great. The guitar solos are amazing.

Seems weird that I've never before heard an album by one of the longest-standing groups of twentieth-century music. Glad I get to rectify that. Holy shit, this is good. Every single track is great. Love the funk / R&B / soul mixture. Songwriting is solid. The whole record is emotionally rich - an uplifting celebration of life without denying any of its tribulations. That's what music is good for. 5*

So so so good omg 10/10 fantastic and I genuinely can’t pick a best song

Great early 70’s soul/funk record with some incredible melodies. Definitely worth a listen.

Excellent album, unfortunately Chris Jasper DIED the day I was given this album and I can’t help but feel like it’s my fault

super groovy album, got me in a good mood. and a lot of the instrumentals I recognized as Hip Hop and R&B Samples

That Lady // Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight // You Walk Your Way // Summer Breeze //

Holy shit this album is great

lo mejor hasta ahora

Very nice soul album with some unforgettable tracks.

Lovely album

Absolute classics all over this feel good funky number

Certified straight feel good banger. The vocals, those guitar solos... soooo goooood.

This is the 36th album I’m rating. I know absolutely nothing about this but I’m expecting rock. Adding to my Playlist - That Lady, If You Were There, You Walk Your Way, Listen to the Music, What it Comes Down to, Summer Breeze, and The Highways of my Life. Not Adding to my Playlist - Dont Let me be Lonely Tonight and Sunshine (Go Away Today). That Lady - I was wrong but I don’t mind because this sounds great. All in all I liked 7/9 of the songs. I think this was better than Lady Soul and the best soul album I’ve ever listened to.

Love love love.

All time classics, how many times has songs like "That Lady" been sampled? I can think of Beastie Boys and Kendrick Lamar just off the top of my head. And that not even getting into "Listen To The Music" and their cover of "Summer Breeze"

Fantastic album! I can tell this band was a huge influence for Childish Gambino and Silk Sonic. Favourite track: Summer breeze

If the first track was the only track on this album, and the only thing they ever did, this would still be a masterpiece created by geniuses. Classic funky soul music, at its finest.

Was anyone having more fun than the Isley brothers?

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.

Jazzy funk, awesome

Who was that lady?

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.

Chulísimo

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.

Really loved this one!! What a good album!!! 5 ⭐️

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.

This album is tight. The guitar, drums, and melodies all blend so perfectly and are performed at the top of their game. Not a dull moment to be heard. Favorites are That Lady, What it Comes Down To, and Summer Breeze

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.

ANOTHER 'omg I know this song' moment! more than one, in fact! a lot of these songs are the kind that, done by anyone else, I would probably be bored. but there I was, fully dancing over my pot of rice. 10 stars

What's not to like about the light summery tones that The Isley's produce. Uplifting. Great listen.

Oh man this list is firing on all cylinders at the moment. That Lady is a banger, I first heard it sampled on Kendrick Lamar’s i and I’ve been hooked ever since. Some of the sexiest guitar I’ve ever heard. Summer Breeze opening gives me a chubby. Vocals are just smooth. Will stick on a load more.

Espero tremendo grooove viendo los panas. EFECTIVAMENTE TENEMOS EL GROOVE MY PEPS ta fino i suena to black people en los 70-80 que soles pensen en anterrar la nutria pero teu diuen a lo smooth. Encara que per les pintes no sabría dirte on volen enterrar la nutria. Anyways, ta fino.

Oh hi Kendrick, I see you samplin' :D Sublime. That guitar is WILD and spacey but funky as hell all at once.

Know them and like the music.

Amazing album

Possibly America's tightest band, ever, at the peak of their powers. What an album.

I really like this as chill background music for work

I love some old-school soulful R&B. Great stuff.

I know a pretty decent amount of the isleys' hits from listening to a lot of old pop/r&b music so i figured this would be in line with a lot of my music taste. boy howdy, i think that was an understatement. this is a fantastic album! the big hit off this one, 'that lady' is an all time banger, but all of the album cuts are great too. i especially enjoy the covers on here - in particular, their cover of 'listen to the music' is an awesome funk version of the doobie brothers classic. not a dull moment on this and the musicianship is top notch! excellent stuff!

Timeless album, impacting multiple genres of music to many years

Classic.

Funky, tight, sounds fresh 4.6