Third
by Soft Machine

The album consists of four extended jams of 18-19 minutes duration that combine minimalistic keyboards, outstanding jazz horns on three of the four jams (particularly, Hopper's 'Facelift'), saxophone, flute and, in Robert Wyatt, some of the greatest drumming ('Slightly All The Time') and expressive vocals ('Moon In June') in the history of rock.

The latter is Wyatt's first monumental achievement. His voice bleeds a vulnerability and melancholy that bends and weaves intricately around a melody that is as delicate as it is complex and austere.

'Third' is one of the essential jazz, rock and classical albums of the 1970s that demands repeated listens in order to fully grasp and embrace the enormity of its stunning ambition and originality. (Edited)

From mozzmozz 11/22/2017 21:38 | #201910 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Bought this in the early 70s at a street market in Exeter because I liked the "brown paper" packaging. Didn't like it at first. But over the years it grew on me big time. Hugh Hopper's base lines are amazing. Mike Ratledge's "Bees In A Bottle" keyboarding defines their unique form of Jazz. Robert Wyatt's vocals on Moon In June are genius. But this is Elton Dean's showcase - his Alto Sax soars on this album. (Edited)

A stoned masterpiece. It's difficult to call it prog rock when there's no guitar on it, but it certainly isn't any lighter for it, maybe it's prog jazz. Either way, Third, is a million times better than anything Pink Floyd were doing at this time. Every track/side is stunning. It's a perfect album for just turning out the lights and chilling out to. Please don't give up if it doesn't hit you straight away, stick with it, and believe me, when it does hit you it will stay with you forever. An absolute classic. (Edited)

From NickVolos TOP 100 COMMENTER 10/07/2013 21:28 | #87857 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

This is an album that will captivate you once you allow it. Not an easy listen by any way though. (Edited)

This album fuses jazz and rock incredibly. It feels transcendental and like it takes you to a completely different realm of existence at times with it sounding so unique compared to most things I have heard. The instrumentation is amazing as well and the variety they provide gives us so much to explore in all the songs. However, it can be slow in places and you do sometimes find yourself drifting out of the record. It would definitely benefit from some trimming around the edges as it is too long and would be held in a much higher esteem if they did this. Overall, an album that is great to stick on when you fancy something completely unique and relaxing. (Edited)