Tracklist
| That Lady | |||
| 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 | |||
| The Highways Of My Life |
Credits (11)
Ernie IsleyAcoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Tom Tom, Maracas
Marvin IsleyBass
Rocky (4)Congas
Ed LeeDesign [Cover]
George MorelandDrums
Chris JasperElectric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Clarinet, Synthesizer [Moog], Tambourine
Notes
3 + 3 is the eleventh album released by The Isley Brothers for the Epic label under their T-Neck imprint in August 7, 1973.
Their first album for the label after several years in Buddah Records, it was also the first time the family group, which had consisted of founding O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley, officially included six instead of the standard three. Following the recording and release of Brother, Brother, Brother the previous year, this was the first album to officially include younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and in-law Chris Jasper, even though all three had played on the previous several albums. The success of the album is attributed to their first Top 10 pop record since "It's Your Thing", with their own cover of the self-penned "Who's That Lady", now re-titled "That Lady, Pt. 1 & 2". Other hit singles included the top five R&B single, "What It Comes Down To", and their cover of Seals & Crofts' folk hit, "Summer Breeze", which was also a top ten R&B single. The album became their first platinum album.
The Isley Brothers recorded 3 + 3 in the Record Plant at the same time as Stevie Wonder was recording Innervisions. In fact, they walked in on him recording "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing". Both Chris Jasper of the Isley Brothers and Stevie Wonder were s of the ARP synthesizer and both worked with visionary engineers Robert Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil.
In addition to a stereo record release, this album was mixed in quadraphonic and released in 1974 on SQ record: T-NECK PZQ – 32453. It was also released on Super Audio CD on December 4, 2001.
The album was remastered and expanded for inclusion in the 2015 released CD box set The RCA Victor & T-Neck Album Masters, 1959-1983.
Their first album for the label after several years in Buddah Records, it was also the first time the family group, which had consisted of founding O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley, officially included six instead of the standard three. Following the recording and release of Brother, Brother, Brother the previous year, this was the first album to officially include younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and in-law Chris Jasper, even though all three had played on the previous several albums. The success of the album is attributed to their first Top 10 pop record since "It's Your Thing", with their own cover of the self-penned "Who's That Lady", now re-titled "That Lady, Pt. 1 & 2". Other hit singles included the top five R&B single, "What It Comes Down To", and their cover of Seals & Crofts' folk hit, "Summer Breeze", which was also a top ten R&B single. The album became their first platinum album.
The Isley Brothers recorded 3 + 3 in the Record Plant at the same time as Stevie Wonder was recording Innervisions. In fact, they walked in on him recording "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing". Both Chris Jasper of the Isley Brothers and Stevie Wonder were s of the ARP synthesizer and both worked with visionary engineers Robert Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil.
In addition to a stereo record release, this album was mixed in quadraphonic and released in 1974 on SQ record: T-NECK PZQ – 32453. It was also released on Super Audio CD on December 4, 2001.
The album was remastered and expanded for inclusion in the 2015 released CD box set The RCA Victor & T-Neck Album Masters, 1959-1983.
Versions
Filter by
70 versions
| Image | , | – | In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory |
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3 + 3 Featuring: That Lady
LP, Album, Yellow Labels, Gatefold
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Epic – S EPC 65740 | UK | 1973 | UK — 1973 |
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Columbia – KZ 32453 | Canada | 1973 | Canada — 1973 |
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T-Neck – KZ 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 | ||||
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T-Neck – ZA 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 |
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LP, Album, Gatefold
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CBS – KZ 32453 | Australia | 1973 | Australia — 1973 |
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Epic – EPC 65740 | Europe | 1973 | Europe — 1973 |
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CBS – SBP 474154 | New Zealand | 1973 | New Zealand — 1973 |
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CBS – PC 4154 | New Zealand | 1973 | New Zealand — 1973 |
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Epic – EPC 42-65740 | UK | 1973 | UK — 1973 |
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LP, Album, Terre Haute Pressing, Gatefold
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T-Neck – KZ 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 |
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CBS – SBPQ 474154 | New Zealand | 1973 | New Zealand — 1973 |
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CBS – MOT-60.021 | Venezuela | 1973 | Venezuela — 1973 |
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CBS – EPC 65740 E | Spain | 1973 | Spain — 1973 |
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CBS – 40-65740 | Netherlands | 1973 | Netherlands — 1973 |
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T-Neck – KZ 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 |
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Epic – EPC 65740 | Europe | 1973 | Europe — 1973 |
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3 + 3 Featuring: That Lady
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Epic – EPC 65740 | Netherlands | 1973 | Netherlands — 1973 |
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Date Records (2) – DAS.2178 | South Africa | 1973 | South Africa — 1973 |
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T-Neck – PZ 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 |
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Liming Record – LM-2588 | Taiwan | 1973 | Taiwan — 1973 |
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T-Neck – KZ 32453 | US | 1973 | US — 1973 |
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T-Neck – PZ 32453 | US | 1974 | US — 1974 |
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T-Neck – PZQ 32453 | US | 1974 | US — 1974 |
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T-Neck – ZAQ 32453 | US | 1974 | US — 1974 |
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T-Neck – ZQ 32453 | US | 1974 | US — 1974 |
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Epic – EPC 65740 | Italy | 1974 | Italy — 1974 |
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Epic – EM-86 | Japan | 1974 | Japan — 1974 |
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Epic – EM-86 | Japan | 1974 | Japan — 1974 |
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Epic – EPC 81954 | Europe | 1977 | Europe — 1977 |
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Epic – EPC 32039 | UK | 1985 | UK — 1985 |
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Epic – 982651 2 | UK | 1991 | UK — 1991 |
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Epic Collectors Choice – 982 651 2 | UK | 1994 | UK — 1994 |
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Sony Records – SRCS 6462 | Japan | 1995 | Japan — 1995 |
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Sony Records – SRCS 6462 | Japan | 1995 | Japan — 1995 |
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Epic – EPC 487937 2 | Europe | 1997 | Europe — 1997 |
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Legacy – ZS 32453 | US | 2001 | US — 2001 | ||||
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Legacy – EK 85798 | US | 2003 | US — 2003 |
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CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered
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T-Neck – 5107342000 | Europe | 2003 | Europe — 2003 |
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Legacy – EK 85798 | Canada | 2003 | Canada — 2003 |
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Legacy – EK 85798 | US | 2003 | US — 2003 |
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Recommendations
Reviews
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One very cool and groovy album. I the singles being in the charts, but as much as I loved the music, I never bought this album. Finally got a nice copy for Christmas, so am so glad. Probably their best album. The guitar solos are sublime.
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referencing 3 + 3 (LP, Album, Quadraphonic) EM-86
this record sucks. oh wait, no this record is a classic. this pressing sucks. all the things you've heard about Japanese vinyl are true. except when they aren't which is a lot, but not in this case. I mean it looks cool with an obi but wouldn't you rather this sounded better. someone buy my minty copy with shiny AF obi strip and you can flex on insta all day. because people liking your records is way better than you liking them. or something. you're welcome -
Some minor groovenoise but overall a very good pressing on soundquality. A pleasure to listen to. -
Agreed, excellent pressing but – in printing technology – lousy color reproduction.
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This was one of my first ever albums which I bought as 14 yr old which I still have to this day and it still sounds good to my ears with every track a gem. It was perfect blend of soul vocals which could turn a rock cover on it's head. My only regret was that they never toured the UK in their heyday. A classic album which needs to have the follow up Live It Up on rotate. -
Edited 2 months agoAlbum Revolution #4:
"The Isley Brothers" were already TIGHT with just "Ronald", "Rudolph", and "O'Kelly", but they did the smartest thing by including "Marvin", "Ernie", and "Chris Jasper" to the group.....
For years the momentum was building up to this point ("Brother, Brother, Brother" in particular), and the "Brothers" were ready to TEAR THINGS UP!!!! No longer with "Buddah" and now with "Epic Records", "3+3" just KNOCKED everything out the BOX!!!!
There were NO rules here!!!! They covered EVERYTHING from "Soul, "Funk", "Rock", even "Covers"....
The album kicks off with the BLAZIN' "That Lady"...
I didn't know it then, but I found out that this was a remake of their song "Who's That Lady"...That one was a Moody Lounge type song...This one is a straight out the gate, conquering t!!!! And to cap it off, "Ernie" was just TEARING the track and RIPPING it to SHREDS with his Guitar!!! I read once that after he did that, "O'Kelly" STARED at him for 15 minutes straight without blinking, as in total disbelief!!!!! I FEEL HIM!!!!
That was just the first song...
Their version of "James Taylor's", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight", is a "Slow Jam" dream!!! "Chris" helped "Ronald" to really get the essence of the song with his re-arrangement of the Melody......It also has a 6 String Guitar drop courtesy of "Ernie"....Priceless!!!!
"If You Were There" is a Bouncy Organ themed jam that just makes you bob your head and sing along!!!! I actually first heard it through a group named "Ace Spectrum", and I really liked it....But once I found out it was really "The Isley's" song, and I heard it, I threw "Ace Spectrum's" version out the window!!!!
"You Walk Your Way" was another Organ themed song, this one was a slow break up song...Again, Priceless!!!!
Their version of "The Doobie Brothers" "Listen To The Music", kind of mirrors what they were doing on "Givin' It Back"...It's honestly not all that, but it wasn't that bad either...
Whew!!! finished with the first side, now the second side...
"What It Comes Down To" has "The Isley's" just playing around with a "Soulful" track...
Their version of "Jonathan Edwards" "Sunshine (Go Away Today)", sounds like they were just having a "ROCKIN'" good time, with "Ernie" doing His thing....
Their cover of "Seals & Crofts" Folk HIT, "Summer Breeze", is just ABSOLUTELY SPECIAL..."Chris" with the Keyboards, "Ronald" KILLING the Vocals, and once again "Ernie" SHEDDING the Guitar!!!!!!
Now, the last song and the Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate Crown Jewel, "The Highways Of My Life" is straight "Chris Jasper", STRAIGHT UP!!!!! The beginning Piano vibe is SOOOOO FANTASTIC, it is like at times, you just don't believe what you are hearing!!!!!!
I am truly focusing on "Chris Jasper" A LOT, because after finding out that he is mostly responsible for the "3 + 3" sound (so to speak), it is about time that he gets his props...And it doesn't hurt that he started to use the "ARP Synthesizer", engineered by "Robert Margouleff" and "Malcolm Cecil" (who also worked with "Stevie Wonder"...had to mention it because people keep educating me to mention it)....Now don't get me wrong, "Ernie" and "Marvin" had a LOT to do with the new direction the group was going as well...
If you noticed, I really didn't name too many Crown Jewels, because honestly, this album is "One Big Ultimate Crown Jewel (and the BEST album they ever made!!!!!!!)!!!!!!!
In a whole, "The Isley Brothers" becoming a Self Contained Band was the BEST thing that ever happened to them, because it made their catalog richer......For the next 10 years they would create some of the BEST albums in history, but it started here!!!!
PS: 2/25/2025: My HEART is BLEEDING from our loss in one of the GREATEST Composers NEVER TALKED ABOUT, "Mr. Chris Jasper"....For helping to truly SHAPE "The Isley Brothers" sound in the '70's and early '80's, he DESERVES to be mentioned!!!!! Rest In Peace, "Mr. Jasper"...... -
Edited 3 years agoHad these guys stopped at the end of the 60's, they would've had a great run as a '60's R&B, early rock and roll band, with huge hits having the words "shout" and "twist", lol. Lucky for us, they pivoted into soul & funk in the 70's with a heavier sound, some Hendrix-esque fuzz guitar and Moog leads, and a few more Isley Brothers to fill out the lineup.
This is a very enjoyable album of originals and some very re-imagined covers of pop radio songs of the time. The writing is top notch and the arrangements are engaging.
Nice mix and decent enough pressing. Worth listening again and again.
4 stars. Recommended. -
referencing 3 + 3 (LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Repress, Crystal Clear, 180g, Gatefold) MOVLP849
I would buy into the whole AAA vs digital source if it mattered to me when i am sitting listening to my 1500 records. However, much to my advantage, it doesnt matter. My copy of this sounds as warm and alive as many of my all analogues because its produced that way, cut and pressed with obvious care (a seriously quiet LP here) and the textured gatefold is a real cherry on top. YMMV as ever but with MOV right now i would be very confident your experience will match that of mine. -
referencing 3 + 3 (LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Repress, Crystal Clear, 180g, Gatefold) MOVLP849
I'll add my positive assessment of this release to the others already posted. While it's likely this is sourced from high rez digital files...the sound is warm and nicely detailed and very quiet vinyl surfaces...in fact quieter than a recent MoFi One Step I just got!.
Nice packaging and lined inner sleeve too. -
referencing 3 + 3 (LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Repress, Crystal Clear, 180g, Gatefold) MOVLP849
Sounds glorious to my ears. Perfect vinyl - absolutely perfect. Exceptional dynamics and balance. Wide soundstage. Cool textured cover. Thrilled with this release
Equipment used:
* Rega Planar 6
* Rega Exact cartridge
* Rega Elex-R
* Dali Oberon 5
* Blue Jeans Cables + interconnects
* All LPs cleaned on Project VC-E
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