Reviews (page 9 of 14)
4.3
Muy buenas guitarras
Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Every track delivers something, even if it’s not always spectacular. Bookended by a couple of bangers.
Funky but only fairly remarkably.
A nice soul album, with some dips for less soulful, more soft rock elements. When the tracks continue the vibe of who's that lady then it's really working for me.
That Lady, Listen To The Music and Summer Breeze are brilliant songs. Rest of the album is good too 4/5
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
I really wasn't sure to expect since I only knew a little bit about the Isley Brothers, but this was a pretty solid listen.
Showstopping
Really good stuff
I think I thought it was cool but kinda long
Can't deny the groove, a few classics, but on a whole it didn't stand out to me
Very cool album with a range of genre influences. The first track was familiar as Kendrick sampled it on a song. My favourite song on the album is “What It Comes Down To”.
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.
3+ Stars (9/15)
1) that lady - great start to an album, aged like fine wine 4/5 2) don’t let me be lonely tonight - amazing vocals, slower stuff tends to bore me (cursed as a metalhead) but this is really nice to listen to 4/5 3)if you were there - it’s so feel good, even though the lyrics kinda make me feel sad 4/5 4)you walk your way - ORGAN?!?! Yeh solid track 4/5 5) listen to the music - I LOVE THIS 5/5 6)
Kind of weird.
This was such a fun and groovy album to listen to. Really dig this. Adding to my ISO for vinyl list!
Loved this one. Noticing that the opening track was sampled in one of Kendrick's most optimistic songs 'i' probably speaks more to this album's influence than anything I could say
This is not a cohesive album at all. It sounds like 6 dudes got together to jam on some songs they liked. Then wrote a few themselves. Then put them all on an album and gave no thought to how they sounded as a collection, or even the order. My rating of this album in no way reflects my overall opinion of The Isley Brothers.
Really smooth album. The hits had a little extra punch, but each song on the album was definitely solid.
Albumi #93, 29.10.2024 The Isley Brothersin yhdestoista studioalbumi ilmestyi vuonna 1973. Mukavaa funkahtavaa soulia
Not my usual listening, but I enjoyed this. A high 3. Nicely funky in a Seventies way.
Energetic. Such were the times. 3+3-3=3
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.
Darn good. I've heard almost all of these songs without ever knowing the band. Easy listening. I was rather impressed, although I didn't bother listening to the multiple versions of the songs.
What a cool album. Such a cool fusion of a lot of different sounds that were coming out in the 70s. This is one of those albums that perfectly encapsulates the sound of the decade while still being able to innovate and make it sound fresh. I don't get the sense that they were copying anyone - just a bunch of talented musicians jamming out and creating an awesome album.
wonderful smooth electro soul
Some great songs on here, and overall a good experience.
Pretty enjoyable album, high energy, decent cover songs
disfrute
One look at that album cover and you know it’s going to be good. “That Lady” started and the funky seventies came flooding back. And that’s a good kind of flood. Rest of the album makes me wonder why can’t there be more of this funk today. And covers! There may be out there but I’m probably too lazy to find it..
Leadoff track is amazing.
Fuuuuuunky, love his voice, the bouncy guitar texture, all the backups
Love the feel-good vibes.
A banger. 5 stars.
Great soul rock, with songs that have stood the test of time and I have heard them before. It's cool to learn that this group had several eras of style, including Motown before this, and covered That Lady in a new style to signal their change in genre. I always like seeing a band that isn't afraid to reinvent itself.
Who's That Lady - 1st time hearing full version. Guitar remains totally unhinged throughout. OH IT'S COVERS the doobies remake is better than the original Summer Breeze is great
summer breeze & that lady have already been on rotation every year when the weather hints at getting a bit warmer so it was a delight to delve into the rest of this record!
i really like the quirky things this added to the soul genre. some people on here say that the album "isn't their thing..." i'm not sure how that's possible. fun album and probably the best i've heard on here thus far!
This was gorgeous, and way more inventive than I expected. There are some really nice sounds, and is just consistently a vibe. 7 / 10 Best track/s: That Lady, Summer Breeze
This one had me in the first half, I ain't gonna lie--but then it got even better! I can't believe I don't know this album, it's fantastic. Almost a 5 for me, but definitely a 4.5. The covers on here are better than the originals and my highlight is You Walk Your Way.
The basis of so many cover versions. But - were the cover versions better?
Magic.
A lot of influence, loved this record. Classic
What a great album. Just good music.
Very fun, hadn't heard of thema before but this music is right up my alley
That Lady is a good and recognizable song. Pretty good funky cover of "Listen to the Music". Summer Breeze is also enjoyable. Overall pretty good R&B/soul/funk album but some songs are a bit stale.
Smoooooth as silk 🤌🏽
The album’s good, all the songs are nice to listen to/ not a bad track in sight but honestly I don’t see myself playing this regularly so for now it’s a 4/5
4 estrellass
This album hits just right. Some really smooth listening.
3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers was what I needed today: soul and funk. I loved how they blended the two genres together, and even incorporated psychedelia and progressive. That combination makes this album *really* from the seventies! The soulful, heart wrenching numbers, like "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," felt so intimate. But then "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" was capital f Funk. Like, what they did with the Doobie Brothers' iconic "Listen to the Music" is fascinating! There's so much funk in the Isleys' version. Truly, the instrumental portions were perfect. The entire album flowed well even with these multiple genres! If I were being particular, I think their weakness is the lyrics of their material. Their own songs didn't quite hit the same way as the covers. But when the musical backing is so strong, my concerns wash away.
Some of these songs original, some of them covers, The Isley Brothers truly make these tracks and this genre their own. This is simultaneously a very soulful but very psychedelic record, with nice touches of funk, and these guys do an excellent job of blending it all together. This would probably be a high 3 for me, so it is no doubt worthy of a bump in my opinion!
Soulful, funky, and smooth with some cool covers thrown in. Enjoyable listen, would listen again. 4/5
Easy to like.
Bit samey
There is funk. There is cheese. I’m sure some people love it. I don’t.
very solid and some classic stuff in there not necessarily my genre but def some hits
So far, this is definitely one of my favorite ’70s funk albums. It’s got a great combination of rock, soul, and R&B all mixed together. The best way to describe it would be classy, funky, and smooth. They also did an excellent cover of Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze”.
Jammy
какой-то бойз2мен, не надо спасибо
It was alright.
I really wish I could give half stars. So far there's been quite a few that are not 3's but not 4's. This falls in that category. Decent album, nothing to really write home about.
3 + 3 = 3
Soulful and melodic with a great ambience studded with a couple of memorable tracks.
Zeer goeie gitaar erg sterk en groovy
**Album Review: "3 + 3" by The Isley Brothers** *Release Date: August 7, 1973* *Label: T-Neck Records* The Isley Brothers' *3 + 3* stands as a milestone in their illustrious career, marking a pivotal point where the band transitioned from their earlier soulful doo-wop and Motown-influenced sound into a more dynamic fusion of soul, funk, and rock. Released in 1973, the album featured the transformation of the group into a six-piece outfit, incorporating younger brothers Ernie (guitar), Marvin (bass), and brother-in-law Chris Jasper (keyboard). These additions dramatically shifted the band’s sonic landscape, introducing fresh musical elements that would define their later work. ### 1. **Musicality and Production** The *3 + 3* album is sonically rich, blending the musical traditions of R&B, funk, rock, and soul into a seamless, energetic experience. The production is crisp and forward-thinking, utilizing lush string arrangements and a deep, dynamic rhythm section. The soundstage is wide, with each instrument given room to breathe, ensuring that the multiple layers of instrumentation never feel crowded. The inclusion of Ernie Isley's lead guitar work stands as one of the album's defining features, as his rock-inflected solos push the music beyond traditional R&B boundaries. **Pros:** - **Guitar work**: Ernie Isley's guitar is nothing short of phenomenal. On tracks like “That Lady,” his blistering solos add a sharp rock edge to the group’s funky grooves. His playing is inspired by Jimi Hendrix, with whom he previously jammed, bringing a psychedelic flair to the Isley Brothers’ sound. - **Rhythm section**: Marvin Isley's bass is deep and soulful, propelling the music forward, while Chris Jasper's keyboard work provides both melodic flourishes and rhythmic support. Their interplay is fluid and organic, enhancing the grooves without overwhelming them. - **Instrumentation balance**: The production (helmed by the Isley Brothers themselves) achieves an almost perfect balance between instruments and vocals, ensuring that the complex instrumentation supports the vocals rather than competes with them. **Cons:** - **Some tracks feel formulaic**: While the album's sound is innovative, some of the tracks, particularly toward the second half, adhere a little too closely to established funk and soul conventions. As a result, certain songs can feel repetitive when compared to standout cuts like "That Lady" or "Summer Breeze." ### 2. **Lyrics and Themes** Lyrically, *3 + 3* navigates through familiar R&B and soul territory: love, relationships, longing, and introspection. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, allowing the music to amplify their emotional weight. The Isley Brothers' vocal harmonies, particularly Ronald Isley's smooth, seductive lead, make even the most straightforward love songs feel compelling. **Key Tracks:** - **"That Lady"**: The album opens with "That Lady," a reworking of an earlier Isley Brothers song. The lyrics speak of unrequited love and admiration from a distance, but the real draw is the interplay between the music and the vocals. Ronald Isley's pleading falsetto and the backing harmonies perfectly match the song’s soaring guitar riffs and funky rhythm. - **"Summer Breeze"**: This cover of Seals & Crofts' soft rock hit transforms the song into a soulful anthem of sensuality and nostalgia. The Isleys inject a smoother groove and deeper emotion into the lyrics, turning a folk rock classic into a sultry meditation on warm memories. - **"What It Comes Down To"**: One of the more light-hearted tracks, this song deals with commitment and the pursuit of love. Lyrically, it’s less complex than other offerings, but its upbeat vibe and the band's cohesive vocal arrangement make it memorable. - **"If You Were There"**: This track explores a longing for connection and the desire for emotional closeness. The lyrics, while simple, carry a deep sense of vulnerability, reinforced by the melancholic melody and Ronald Isley's passionate delivery. **Themes**: The themes of *3 + 3* are typical of R&B from the 1970s, focusing on love, desire, heartbreak, and personal reflection. While the lyrical content is not groundbreaking, the Isleys' ability to convey emotion elevates the material. The theme of longing, especially in tracks like "That Lady" and "If You Were There," is prevalent throughout, but the band also explores joy and celebration in songs like “What It Comes Down To” and “You Walk Your Way.” **Pros:** - **Emotional depth**: Even though the lyrics are straightforward, Ronald Isley’s emotive vocal delivery adds layers of depth. His ability to express vulnerability, joy, and sensuality ensures that the themes resonate strongly with listeners. - **Cohesion**: The album maintains a strong thematic focus, sticking closely to love and relationships, which provides a cohesive listening experience. The consistency in lyrical content matches the tightness of the production. **Cons:** - **Lack of lyrical variety**: While the album is thematically focused, it might feel limited to listeners looking for more lyrical diversity. The emphasis on love songs, while effective, can feel a bit one-note when taken as a whole. ### 3. **Standout Tracks** - **"That Lady"**: The clear highlight of the album. It perfectly encapsulates the band's transition into funk-rock, combining infectious grooves, powerful vocals, and blistering guitar work. The song’s extended jam session, driven by Ernie Isley’s soaring guitar solo, showcases the band’s musical versatility. The reimagined version of this song stands as a testament to their ability to breathe new life into older material. - **"Summer Breeze"**: A masterclass in how to interpret a cover song. The Isleys take the soft rock original and completely make it their own, infusing it with sensuality and warmth. The track highlights Ronald Isley's vocal control, as he smoothly navigates the laid-back groove. - **"If You Were There"**: A slower, more introspective track that shows the Isleys' sensitivity to mood and melody. The song feels more intimate than the funk-heavy tracks and allows the band's softer side to shine. ### 4. **Production and Arrangement** *3 + 3* benefits from slick production, with each instrument and vocal layer cleanly recorded and mixed. The shift in the group's lineup is reflected in the broader range of textures and tonalities throughout the record. The production feels precise yet organic, retaining a sense of spontaneity in the music while also feeling polished. The string arrangements, especially in tracks like “That Lady,” add a cinematic quality to the music, providing a sense of grandeur that contrasts nicely with the more minimalist arrangements in songs like “If You Were There.” **Pros:** - **Lush production**: The album's production quality is excellent, particularly for its time. The mix allows each instrument to be heard clearly, while still feeling cohesive as a whole. - **Variety of instrumentation**: The additional members brought new layers of sound, particularly Ernie Isley’s guitar and Chris Jasper’s keyboard work, which adds depth and richness to the music. **Cons:** - **Occasional overproduction**: While the production is largely excellent, there are moments where the string arrangements and background vocals feel slightly overproduced, almost detracting from the raw emotion of the lead vocals and instruments. ### 5. **Influence and Legacy** The release of *3 + 3* was a watershed moment not only for the Isley Brothers but for the broader landscape of soul and R&B music. The album’s blend of funk, rock, and soul foreshadowed the rise of genre-blending that became more prominent in the late 1970s and 1980s, especially as funk-rock bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, and Parliament-Funkadelic gained popularity. One of the lasting legacies of *3 + 3* is the way the Isleys were able to seamlessly transition between musical styles. By introducing rock elements into their sound, they broadened the appeal of their music, reaching beyond the traditional R&B audience and into the realms of rock and pop. The album's fusion of genres helped lay the groundwork for future artists who would similarly blur the lines between rock, funk, and R&B. The influence of *3 + 3* can be heard in later soul, funk, and even hip-hop music. Artists like Prince drew heavily on the Isley Brothers’ fusion of guitar-driven funk and sensual vocals. Additionally, the album has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, with its grooves and melodies being reimagined in new contexts. **Pros:** - **Genre fusion**: The Isley Brothers helped pioneer the blending of rock and soul, influencing generations of artists to follow. - **Enduring relevance**: Songs from the album, particularly “That Lady” and “Summer Breeze,” have remained culturally significant, being frequently referenced or covered by other artists. **Cons:** - **Overshadowed by later work**: While *3 + 3* is a classic, it can sometimes be overshadowed by later Isley Brothers albums that followed similar templates, such as *The Heat Is On* (1975), which featured the hit “Fight the Power.” ### 6. **Conclusion: The Pros and Cons** **Pros:** - **Innovative fusion of genres**: The combination of funk, rock, and soul on *3 + 3* helped the Isley Brothers reinvent their sound, making the album feel fresh and groundbreaking even today. - **Exceptional musicianship**: The addition of Ernie, Marvin, and Chris brought a new level of technical skill to the band, particularly with Ernie’s impressive guitar work and Chris’ keyboard arrangements. - **Timeless hits**: Songs like “That Lady” and “Summer Breeze” stand the test of time, remaining popular and influential decades after their release. **Cons:** - **Lyrical repetition**: The album’s focus on love and relationships can feel limiting, as the lyrical themes don’t stray far from familiar R&B territory. - **Slight unevenness**: While there are standout tracks, the second half of the album doesn’t quite maintain the same level of energy or innovation as the first. Overall, *3 + 3* is a masterclass in how a band can evolve its sound without losing its identity. The Isley Brothers successfully bridged the gap between different musical genres, crafting an album that remains a landmark in both soul and rock history.
Very nice and smooth. Like the cover of summer breeze on this album
Good chill sounds, make me feel fine.
It’s ok
Very sweet.
very pleasant soulful album, great for an afternoon relaxin, maybe lounging on a boat. "Who's That Lady" is an all-time banger, and there are some fun covers of "Listen to the Music" and "Summer Breeze". Would listen again. 2.9/5
There's better music in this vein made at around the same time but it's still enjoyable.
I'd probably give this 3.5 stars from me, because I did like it much more than I thought I would, but it's still not really my thing. However, it is very powerful music, and it has obviously been very influential. I'm glad I got to listen to this all the way through. P.S. I can now see where the British singer David McAlmont got his style!
I’ve heard The Isley Brothers before. But I haven’t really heard them, if that makes any sense. It doesn’t, so I’ll elaborate. I’ve spent enough time with hip-hop music, both classic and more new age stuff, to be familiar with the work of this group. I mean, they are single-handedly responsible for one of the most iconic drum breaks of all time, second only to maybe the Amen break. And it’s been used in two massive hits. Them Changes by Thundercat and It Was a Good Day by Ice Cube. Beyond those two songs, they have been sampled by producers and artists alike. Maybe more than any other group ever. So many iconic songs and so many amazing producers. J Dilla was a huge fan of using these guys. So that’s what I mean when I say I’ve heard them. But I’ve never actively sought them out on my own, until today. Once you get past the reputation they have as your favorite producer’s favorite band, and actually dive into their music, you will realize just how much fun there really is to be had. This record is relatively short, straight forward and to the point. Which are all things I love. And once I really got into this, I realize The Isley Brothers are one of the most instrumentally sound funk groups there ever was. These guys just ooze a euphoric and incredible energy. And it’s hard to not be in a good mood when something like Summer Breeze is playing. Plus the playing done on guitar and keyboard here is immaculate. I wish you could have seen the visceral, physically reaction that I had to The Highways of My Life. It was like they shot me in the soul with an arrow of love, and I felt amazing. If you are in need of an uplifting listen, or are already having a great day and need something to bolster that even more, give this a chance. Rating: 7/10
In this case, 3+3 equals 3. This album has its moments, and the Isley Brothers know how to lay down a groove, but nothing here really wowed me. There are some catchy tracks and smooth vocals, but overall, it feels a little safe and predictable. It’s good background music and definitely easy to listen to, but I never felt the urge to hit repeat.
Solid album. I come back to this from time to time. It grooves. Summer breeze is great.
I like this. It's not a five but it's still good.
4.5
hmm yes very very nice
Heartfelt music for pleasing your lady
Lot of songs I knew but wouldn’t have been able to place the band.
boring
Its funky and some classics on here! Listened x3 love the guitar bits. Sex music
Highlights: That Lady You Walk Your Way Funky, soulful, groovy. It's always a trip to hear the original recording of a sample (i prominently samples That Lady). Crunchy guitars contrast well with silky vocals, while the tight groove keeps everything moving forward together
A very classic soul and funk album. It has some good hits on it. Nothing I would really come back to. But, glad I listened to it.
Só gostei da The Lady. O resto pareceu-me tudo demasiado meloso.
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
A couple of great tracks
Very nice!
Great funk. Some important historical songs
Fun, had some songs I’ve heard before
Some great songs here
5/5
Good album! I didn't realize a couple of these were their songs. I guess I didn't know much about this band but had heard the name.
cool as okay
Pretty good, also i sample was neat
Great songs great sound. Second soul in two days but back to back I’d give this one more star.
Throwing this on at the next party and seeing who starts dancing first
yeah sure, good music
Good, easy listening, not my thing, wouldn’t go back again, but no complaints!
Mid i do not like the genre so much, but some part of some song is nice both the voice and some instrumenal bit, but mostly mid songs themes and boring developement
nice motown vibes
Really loved this. Hearing the originals of so many songs I recognize was really cool.
i like the guitar in summer breeze 3 + 3 = 3!
There were three big moments of realisation in my experience of listening to this album. The first was realising that, yes this is that Isley Brothers, the ones who released Shout in 1959, and who I thought hadn’t released anything else of note. The second was that I recognised the opening song, albeit because of it’s use in my favourite Kendrick Lamar song. The third was that I’ve apparently been pronouncing Isley wrong all my life. I thought it was Isle-y, as in Isle. Apparently it’s Eyez-Lee, with a zed sound
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.
BEST SONGS: - Don't Let Me Be Lonely - Listen to the Music
Decent album. Covers a bit spotty.
Enjoyed it, good album
I got really confused when the interview parts started. All the hits you know and love and just such great music. I love the guitar and their voices are nostalgic.
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!!
- so, "Who's That Lady" is a banger, there's some amazing playing on this record, weird cover versions of songs I just would not expect .... maybe that's on me ... but good weird, not bad weird. It's adventurous, fun, crazy and most definitely of it's time. It's not perfect .... -
3 plus 3 equals 5 in my book !
Fabulous guitar sounds, great harmonies, a band totally cooking - gloriously soulful and uplifting
Funky grove and some covers if those white boys seals and doobies
Great funky stuff
Some great catchy tunes. A few I didn’t know were these guys.
This album was fine. Just fine. A couple fun tracks but not particularly memorable. Also, I kinda hate the song Summer Breeze. It’s just so boring and brainless. And the fact that it’s not even an original song for the Isley Brothers bothers me even more. In the equation of my rating of this album, 3+3 = 3. 3/5 Highlights: That Lady (Pt 2) Sunshine (Go Away Today)
I checked my work: 3 + 3 = 4 stars 😊
A decently fun and funky time. Not much I'd seek out again, but it was pretty entertaining while it was onnnn
Very good
Some of the best basslines I've ever heard. Superb
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 guitar mastery. A great mix of songs that never got boring and towards the end the excellent "Summer Breeze" closed the album out. Incredible to see how many artists covered these songs or sampled this album.
Ronald Isley's voice is instantly recognizable. That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2 is an amazing song. Pop funk, I am really liking this album even if I don't always love Ronald Isley's voice. This album is great, it's got a massive hit that stands up to replaying and a ton of great album tracks. You Walk Your Way is like Motown meets Curtis Mayfield. Although, now that I think about it, maybe this is just knock off Curtis Mayfield. The Listen to the Music cover has been the low point so far. This album is a revelation. Sunshine (Go Away Today) is a miss. The covers are generally weaker than the original material on the album, and unfortunately they are roughly half the songs.
Ce n'était pas mauvais, mais la moitié de l'album sont des reprises qui ne vient rien rajouter à l'originale. C'est un bon petit moment, mais rien de mémorable ou de révolutionnaire sur cet album. 6/10
Good to listen to. I like the upbeat songs to dance to.
+ 3
Peak early funk. Album has a few stinkers that keep it off a 5 for me.
Don’t really like this style of music but it was pretty chill and I enjoyed the guitar. Rating: 3
gostei demais
While I didn’t love it, I enjoyed much of it and see why they were so influential.
Funky and Fun. I really like them and the musicality.
so fun! The kind of music that puts you in a good mindset for a day. The guitar work in some of the songs absolutely rip. Summer Breeze is iconic
This was amazing, loved it, want more. Warm soul.
Forgot how good that solo in That Lady is. Same with the solo in Summer Breeze.
vibes
A splendid album. All time songs and great covers with exceptional production value.
Nice sound as usual
Better than expected but still not my thing.
Nice
In which we listen to Summer Breeze and some minor variants for far too long. By no means bad or unpleasant, but still quite pleasing when it had finished.
Really neat funky album. I think I heard That Lady enough times in commercials to get sick of it, but most of the other songs are bangers. I personally really love their Summer Breeze cover. I heard the original one enough times (my mom loves soft yacht rock, so it comes on a LOT), but the Isley cover keeps the vibe from the Seals and Croft version, while adding it’s own funky rock elements to make it stand out. Some of the album started to blend together a bit too much for me, specially the middle. So it feels like a 3.5 to me personally. But 3 is too low, so a 4 feels better. That and I loved that funky electric guitar. Favorite track: Summer Breeze Other Hits: That Lady, The Highways of My Life, What It Comes Down To, You Walk Your Way
This was pretty good. Liked the guitar work, the arrangements, and the covers — most of the originals of the covers came out not too long before this album. Nicely done, gentlemen.
Enjoyed! A lot if covers or originals that became covers.
Some songs I already knew, (surprisingly)
I liked it, I liked a couple of song especially, but today it feels like it lacks something, maybe it’s just too old to keep be relevant, so it’s 4. Though it’s a great album, I’m sure I’ll be listening to it from time to time
Super enjoyable record. I'd never spent much time with The Isley Brothers before this, outside of their well-known singles. It breezed by as a listen, folding in some well-chosen covers ("Sunshine (Go Away Today)", "Summer Breeze," "Listen To The Music," etc.) I wound up Googling immediately.
Classic tunes - summer breeze timeless
These brothers have a special funky bond.
This sort of thing is my bag, baby.
Fun, Short, Good.
Smooth and funky.
Good album. Energy.
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.
A very high 3. Almost a 4 but not quite.
Meh. Not the worst thing to listen to.
Not many bands cooler than these cats. One hears the opening cut and thinks instantaneously, this is a great song – the sizzling and lengthy guitar solo specifically – and why didn’t one like it as a kid? Did one take such smooth funkiness for granted in the '70s? Or did one just not yet have the ear? The covers are awesome, especially “Summer Breeze.” Just fun and funky, plus great playing and singing throughout. Isleys = seriously underappreciated.
Great old album that I've owned since new. Really good for snuggling. Fun Fact: The Isley Brothers gave Jimi Hendrix his first big break when they hired him as their guitar player.
A couple solid classics here on a good, tight funk/soul album.
Inoffensive.
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.
Frequently wonderful though not necessarily the sort of thing I'll naturally reach for. +3 indeed
Some excellent Soul music on offer her most of which has been butchered by cover versions.
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
This one was very good. I really liked the guitar work and the vocals were very soulful. Favorite songs were That Lady, You Walk Your Way, Listen To The Music, and Summer Breeze
I just know this is gonna be a banger album bro. And it was.
4.5
Pretty groovy! Overall good listen, just soooo long. I liked all songs a little, but few were amazing.
Kinda fun but nothing I’ll be coming back to
I'm familiar with a handful of Isley Brothers songs (I've loved the Rod Stewart version of "This Old Heart of Mine" since I was a kid), but this will be my first time listening to one of their albums. I don't have incredibly high hopes for this album, but I've been wrong plenty of times during this project, so I'm curious to see what this album has to offer. Well, my low expectations of this album were unfortunately met. This album had some fun guitar riffs, some good organ playing, and some really good vocals, but the some of those parts was pretty much a snooze for me. The cover of The Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music" was interesting, but the rest of these songs just didn't bring any new perspective to funk music for me. This album wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either.
Over 1,000 albums on this list and this one has a high claim to be the coolest of them all.
Only ever listened to their hits so hearing some of their lesser known songs was great. Great album.
Straight from the beginning, I immediately went "I love myself!" - thank you, Kendrick. I really enjoyed the vibe of the album and the guitar playing is amazing. The comments say there was a rumor at the time that it was a posthumous recording of Hendrix, which of course makes perfect sense. However, apart of a few songs I liked, I found the rest of the album to be a bit underwhelming, which is a shame. Sadly, except for the first track and maybe Summer Breeze or The Highways of My Life (which were covers, so that lowers the impact a bit) there's not much to go back to. Still, it's great to fun to put it on during a road trip. 3/5
I skipped the single and special mix version in the given album on Spotify. It was a pretty good soul/funk album, albeit maybe a little strong on the "soul" part for me (I like upbeat music). The guitar work was really fun and something you'd very much expect in that era. The vocals were phenomenal as well, loved when the rest of the band would come in as background support. 3
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.
Bits of funk, rock, R&B, and a preemptive splash of the disco era blend together to create a record that doesn’t blow me away, but stands as a consistently fun and distinctly ‘70s experience.
Good music
Some really good stuff on here, just not for me. My enjoyment was around a 3, but I feel like objectively, this is a 4/5 star album.
amazing, loved summer breeze
great album cover Solid album - easy listening, lotta soul
Funky fun 70s album. Some classic songs.
Ok..but not my genre
Great album full of classic tunes
This was ok, but wouldn’t listen to again
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
I’m a sucker for a good soul voice and the Isley brother definitely delivered. The different funk beats and guitar sections feel a lot like James brown and Jimi Hendrix in the best ways possible. Although at first I was sceptical of the interview sections of the album, I came to really appreciate the artists insight into the music and gave me some better perspective on the music scene at the time. I do think that having part 1 and 2 as well as both on the same track was a bit unnecessary in some cases, however I can see exactly why this album is required listening and greatly influential.
The first album in what is sure to be a long journey. To start, every song has a freelance vibe that makes me want to put the windows down in the car and drive through a scenic location. The guitars throughout the project are not only captivating, but liberating and I feel as if that more intense flavor perfectly balances out the soft singing. This is an album made to sway to, and it does a good job at what it sets out to accomplish. Overall beautiful, despite the multiple recordings of different songs, and the several interviews at the end of the album which seem to be tacked on. As I have not looked in to the matter, I imagine that the record wasn't originally composed in that way, so I will give the Isley Brothers the benefit of the doubt. Definitely adding a lot of this project to some romantic playlists. What a way to set this off!
What talent. They just seem to be having so much fun together. I enjoyed hearing the interview snippets.
Some classics summer breeze, that lady, maybe Isley bros
Funky stuff, lots of classic tracks and recognized a good few samples too
It's just great music. hard to fault
Recognised the big songs and the rest of it was a really nice listen
Mest sample tunge album siden bongo party. Rigtig god
Afsindigt catchy, kan kun huske at jeg har hørt første nummer før men havde en følelse af at jeg kendte det hele fordi det er blevet samplet så meget
Her er man i godt selvskab! Et par gode sange som man kender og som er rare at få en kunstner på! Generelt meget højt kvalitet og noget jeg godt kunne komme til at sætte på højtalerne igen
Fine. Lots of hits. Not really my thing
I use Spotify and I have learned that a lot of these albums will really screw with the recommendation algorithms if I don't use the "Private Session" option, looking at you Taylor Swift and Adele. There are other times I see an album and definitely want it change my recommendation algorithms, this is one of the albums that I thought would add a good funk skew.
Hell yeah
I put this on while I was making dinner and had the best time jamming the fuck out to Who's The Lady pt 2 - why didn't anyone tell me that song had the most kickass synth outro?
I enjoyed this funky and soulful album. Lots of covers they put their own spin on.
Repeating songs? How is this on the list? Ugh
Whose that lady?! Listenable. Baby making music for sure!
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.
Music that makes ya want to stand up and snap ya fingas!! If these tunes don’t bring a smile to your face you may be beyond hope. The singing is great and the slightly distorted, brash electric guitar acts as a great counterbalance to the heavy thrumming bass. Highways of My Life is a great closer. Listened to: on a bus to Montreal. Favorite tracks: That Lady Pts 1 & 2, Sunshine
This album is FUNKY. From its first moments, it sets the stage for the awesome beats you'll be expecting to hear. That Lady is obviously a huge hit, but songs like Summer Breeze and their rendition of Listen to the Music get me feeling amazing. It's a record you can't help but move to, and it never gets boring. The record has also had wide influence, not only on future artists, but also the Isley Brothers' own career. The mix of funk, disco, and even rock make this project very special and memorable. It's already one of my favorite R&B records, and I will continue to listen to it.
Its good, low 8/10 or strong 7/10
just good and soulful. That Lady will always have me stop and listen, I'm glad I got a chance to explore some more music from The Isley Brothers. You Walk Your Way and the cover of Listen to the Music stuck out. The whole album is pretty groovy, my only gripe is that it runs a bit long.
A great groovy album. Loved the covers and of course Who’s That Lady
nostalgia for some songs!
Wow - 70s funk guitarists were really badass! And don’t make me talk about bassists!
I can appreciate this on a certain level, but this wouldn't be my go-to kind of music. Still, there's not much I can actually find fault with, it's just that I don't get a whole lot of enjoyment from it.
3 Not bad. Inoffensive soul/funk. A few stand out songs but others not great 👍
Very nice. Funky and soulful. Enjoyed it very much
-sort of reminds me of songs in the key of life at times. Very smooth and groovy I approve -Favorites are That Lady Pts. 1 and 2, Listen To The Music, and Summer Breeze Pts. 1 and 2
Do you like filthy funk jams that seem like they will never end? Me too. Four stars.
Sweet Ronald Isley Out Seals & Crofts Seals & Croft. 3+3 is four. The guitar riff on "Summer Breeze" is spectacular. Prince was listening. "That Lady (Parts 1 & 2)" is always a treat. I even added "Highways of My Life" to a lesson plan about the symbolic meanings of cars in music. I listened to the interview "That Lady." I never cease to be amazed how a group like the Isleys sing about how much sex they have, "Between the Sheets," how they are constantly plotting/angling to have sex "That Lady," even "Shout" has some dubious elements about having the hots for a girl at the age of nine (it's unclear how old the speaker is and how old she is now), yet they are also talking in this interview about going to and singing at church. Fascinating worldview.
Solid, too smooth for me to really get into it. "Featuring That Lady" on the cover is so funny. To me this was perhaps the worst song, & repeated again at the end. But this is such a good little subtitle. It'd be perfect for some record with a heavy hitter. Janis Joplin guests. "Featuring that lady". that lady: featured. (⌐■_■)
😎🎸
Solid 4
Is good
Who IS that lady, anyway? Is this just the same few songs over and over? Cover art 9/10.
What a masterpiece in its genre. An easy 4,5* for That Lady and Highways Of My Life alone.
A great soul and r&b record - well balanced and just the right length.
Pretty standard funk/souly album. That lady and summer breeze are pretty cool songs!
The guitars on Summer Breeze and That Lady are just phenomenal That Lady is like straight up pure 100% joy I love this album
Love it
70’s
7/10. Nice soul music. :)
A great mixture of calm and profound songs and groovy songs.
this album was really good. it had everything: sing along choruses, catchy bass lines, ample amounts of falsetto and FOUR covers. and if there’s one thing that i am a sucker for it is a well crafted cover song. bravo, isley brothers. a fine effort, indeed. highlights: “that lady” “listen to the music” “sunshine (go away today)”
Pretty good
Holy shit, what a beautiful, incredible album
Not for me.
That Lady is an absolute belter. The rest is OK.
I DONE BEEN THROUGH A WHOLE LOT This was a delightful blend of silky smooth ballads and fun, energetic funk - a complete package of groovy loveliness
Entspannt
Rad and funky, super fun to listen too.
berry good!
A lot of great sad (but accepting) break up songs. Super funky beats all throughout the album. Listen to the music is a classic! The bass beginning to sunshine (go away) is *chefs kiss*, but I didn’t love the keys which came in later. All together a pretty solid funk album.
Funk/Soul, good but nothing incredible 6/10
Funky as all hell! Love it.
Quite enjoyable!
Muito bom. Os tim maia da gringa. Excelentes guitarras, grooves e swings. Gostei bastante. Ouviria de novo.
Hot rhythms but not my cup od tea.
This album has a great feel to it. It did get a little tiring hearing very similar songs over and over. A lot of soul, a lot of funk. I skipped the last 3 songs as they are interviews... Overall, not my thing but I can respect aspects of what was going on.
Never gets old! Wish that I could have seen live them at their peak. Play loud.
I was positivest surprised. I had never heard this album, but it is damn good!
Ну такое
The pure funk along with the guitars and the smoothness of it all make it well worth a listen.
so good
Some insanely good funky jams. A few stretches that are too yahct-y.
Closer to a 3.5, some catchy songs.
The album is ok, decent funk sound. Slightly disappointing that two of the bigger tracks are covers from a year prior: Listen to the Music and Summer Breeze.
Was totally ready to give this album a great grade. But, it ended up being two great singles (one revisited a second time) and a lot ofnless memorable stuff.
I know that Eddie Murphy shrieking 'Sexual chocolate!' wouldn't exist without the Isley Brothers (and others) to parody, but Christ was it hard to push that image out of my head for some of these songs.
Nothing special, but enjoyable enough.
Hei hei hei mitä sinulla on sanottavaa? Sano, hei hei hei mitä sinulla on sanottavaa? Hollywood Hollywood svengaamassa Hollywood Hollywood svengaamassa Muistan Ei liian kauan sitten kävin teatterissa ja näin Kool & The Gang Shown Olen aina halunnut päästä bändiin laulamaan kappaleitani ja sitten tulla huonoksi pianonsoittajaksi Joten tässä minä olen Tässä Hollywood-kaupungissa Tähtien, elokuvien, naisten ja autojen kaupunki No, luulisin, että minä Star Sano, hei hei hei Mitä sinulla on sanottavaa? Sano, hei hei hei mitä sinulla on sanottavaa? Hollywood swinging Hollywood Hollywood swinging Hollywood swinging (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) Hollywood swinging (Hollywood swinging) (Joo, mutta he heiluvat) liian kauan (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (olHlywood swinging) Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) swinging (Hollywood swinging) siivettäviä ) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) Hollywood swinging (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) Hollywood swinging (Hollywood swinging)(Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) swinging (Hollywood swinging) siivettäviä (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) (Hollywood swinging) what it comes down to
Fantastic old school soul
who that lady
Solid funk album. Good stuff!
Fun summer record. I listened to it as I was grilling. A few fun covers of well known songs and a nice classic R&B funky soul sound.
This, frankly, is more like it. I knew a few of the songs - Summer Breeze, obvs, and That Lady - but the album as a whole was new to me. My eldest was annoyed that even funk albums had to have extensive wibbly guitar solos in the seventies, and he's not wrong. Still, I drove home in the tropical sunshine, two days before end of term, with the windows open, singing Summer Breeze and it was a pretty good time. The kids may well disagree.
Muitoooooo bom!!!
Hsh
This was lovely. I knew a lot of the songs but had never sat and listened to an album and I was very impressed. The songwriting is top tier, as are the vocals and the instrumentation, especially the guitar. It was a sunny day here and I had it on loop throughout the day and didn't get bored. I don't think it makes it to 5 as there could have been a couple of gear changes that elevated it and I'm not sure it would work in a less sunny environment but a welcome discovery none the less.
Ronald Isley is the definition of butter when it comes to vocals. Dude is smooth as it gets! Good album but not my favorite from them, still some great tgracks though with the ever famous "That Lady" and a beautiful cover of Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and a fun take on The Doobie Brothers' "Listen To The Music". It's a good listen, but not sure if I'd call it a mandatory album. Overall, I give it 3/5
70s soul. OK, just not my thing.
We constantly sing Who's That Lady to our dogs (but we change lady to baby). I had no idea this was by the Isley brothers. And I believe my wife and I only know this song from shampoo commercials. It is a good song and aside from that song this album as a whole is pretty good. I can't say I loved their cover of Listen to the Music, but they do a mean Summer Breeze. Some of the songs leaned a little too R&B for me but most are in the funk realm and have great bass lines and grooves. There are also some great guitar solos sprinkled throughout. For an album from 1973 the recording is crystal clear too.
Giving me Stevie Wonder vibes
Solid album front to back. I wasn’t aware how familiar i was with this album, and how good the Isley brothers guitar work is.
Soul Music "Who's That Lady?"
I don’t think I have heard any of these tracks before and they were all killer no filler!
Fav: Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2 Least Fav: If You Were There
Corto pero guay
That Lady, Listen to the Music, and Summer Breeze 🔥🔥🔥
Not too much to say here. Tight soul-funk with some great guitar and horn sounds in particular. The song That Lady, among others, has a distinctly Earth, Wind & Fire sound, suggesting that EW&F took some inspiration from the Isley Brothers (or vice versa). Lots of synth use here, which has dated a little poorly, but the jazzy improvisation in some of the synth parts/solos makes up for it. The percussion (including piano and drums) is also worth a shout; even though it's often low in the mix, it does an excellent job of creating a light, warm, dancey atmosphere. Perfect for a sunset drive along the coast. 4/5 Key tracks: That Lady, If You Were There, Summer Breeze, The Highways of My Life
I'm kind of blown away by how much of this music I've heard in other places.
I love finding the music that influenced my faves. it was funky, it was nice, but some wasn't as memorable. I did actually enjoy this a lot more than I thought I was going to, to be honest. 1.) summer breeze, pts. 1 & 2 2.) don't let me be lonely tonight 3.) the highways of my life
Perfect for a summer evening sat in the garden. Fantastic funky guitar solo on the opener, the classic ‘Who’s that lady’. Great vocals throughout. A high 3
Great album. If I had been born in the 1950's this is what I would have been listening to, not Slade, T-Rex or any of that stuff. Nothing bad to say about this.
Not my thing
Gooood upbeat jazzy soul vibes goin on here.
Killer production, ahead of its time.
Groovy
super catchy and a much wider variety of sound than i would have expected after having the song shout drilled into my head.
Decent 8/10 funk/soul always does it for me and this pretty much encapsulates a summer-feeling funk album. Nothing absolutely wowed me though so I can't put it higher, but it's vibes
3+3 Vaguely familiar with this album, mainly for the covers of Listen to the Music and Summer Breeze. For a period I was really into Givin’ it Back and Brother, Brother, Brother, the two albums before this. I particularly loved (and still love) the cover of Love the One You’re With on Givin’ it Back That Lady is obviously pretty well known, but this version just about manages to stay the right side of cheesy, especially part 2, with the additional funkiness. The cover of Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a real grower. Again it verges on cheesiness but Ronald’s lead vocal is superb and keeps it on the right track. If You Were There is fine, if a bit 70s soul by numbers. You Walk Your Way is great though, I love the melody, harmonies and piano giving it a breezy summeriness. Lovely. I really like their interpretation of Listen to the Music. I love the original but I really like how they put their own spin on it, keeping the acoustic guitar but adding the slipperiness of the clavinet. They have written some absolute classics but I think they are one of the best bands for covers, they always a manage to do something interesting and put their own interpretation on things in a cool way (see all of Givin’ it Back). What it Comes Down to is ok, although similarly as rote as If You Were There. Sunshine is fantastic, I don’t know the original at all but I love the funk/soul-ness of it, great drums, clavinet and organ combo. Summer Breeze is a great song and this is a great version, their harmonies and the guitar really adding texture and the piano giving a real drive to it. Always a classic summer playlist song. Great stuff. The Highways of My Life is a surprisingly low key end to the album, although it is a real grower, I really started to like it on repeat listens. Lovely piano. Despite a little bit of patchiness this is a great listen. I could listen to Ronald’s lead vocals and the brother’s harmonies all day. A very nice, solid, enjoyable 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Phenomenal album, summer breeze and that lady are standouts.
That was just a funky ball of fun.
Solid grooves, great vocals, great bass, great guitar work. Nothing t throw there, just a really solid funk / soul record that would be endlessly sampled by the hip hop community a decade later. Great music.