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III
by
III Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

  • Summary: The third release for the Canadian hip-hop jazz trio of Chester Hansen, Alex Sowinski, and Matthew Tavares was produced by Frank Dukes.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. CMJ
    May 9, 2014
    80
    III is an album so methodically arranged yet lawless at times that even its more flatlined moments play an integral role in its rebellion.
  2. NOW Magazine
    May 5, 2014
    80
    Instead of imitating the manipulated loops of funk drummers that defined earlier rap, they make references to the more robotic feel of contemporary drum machine beats, which, combined with their nods to indie rock, puts them in a category all their own.
  3. Exclaim
    May 5, 2014
    80
    III's hazy, after-hours vibe is infectious, and these songs reveal fresh nuance with repeat listens.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 5, 2014
    70
    III is a fluid, inventive affair.
  5. The 405
    May 5, 2014
    70
    This is a good record but unfortunately there's something missing.
  6. Clash Music
    May 29, 2014
    60
    With an energy and ambience that ebbs and flows in waves rather than exploding in peaks and crescendos, this is edgy, kaleidoscopic lounge music for the Digital Age.
  7. Q Magazine
    Jun 17, 2014
    60
    Their technical reach may not yet match their imagination, but that'll come in time. [Jul 2014, p.102]
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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. VinnyVega
    May 15, 2014
    10
    Best album of the year so far. Better than St.Vincent's and War on Drugs even. And even better for an BBNG fan... it's all new materialBest album of the year so far. Better than St.Vincent's and War on Drugs even. And even better for an BBNG fan... it's all new material composed by the 3 of them. No more covers. Just BADBADNOTGOOD.… Expand
  2. Vampire25
    May 25, 2014
    9
    Since the first release, Badbadnotgood were pushing boundaries. Taking songs from prominent hip hop figures, improvising jazz tunes to them,Since the first release, Badbadnotgood were pushing boundaries. Taking songs from prominent hip hop figures, improvising jazz tunes to them, and occasionally dropping a few originals. With III, they not only craft one original track after another, but it's almost impeccable how much better their original material is over their covers. Don't confuse my statement, their previous two records were great on their own stance, but III has opened up new doors for Badbadnotgood, doors not even the band has experienced until now. Added electronics and slightly more guitar use is just what the band needed. Their improvisational skills are unmatched.

    All In All, III is a fantastic jazz album, one that should not be overlooked. Three consecutive, brilliant records in a row. A-    … Collapse
  4. nicholasbert
    Nov 2, 2014
    8
    BADBADNOTGOOD's third album doesn't quite detach itself from the previous two, despite it featuring original songs with quite a simpler style.BADBADNOTGOOD's third album doesn't quite detach itself from the previous two, despite it featuring original songs with quite a simpler style. The pointy drum patterns downsize to more affordable rhythms, while still maintaining a strong sense of originality. Genres vary from pure jazz ("Differently Still") to nu-disco ("Since You Asked Kindly").

    In the end, it's an awesome record, full of quality in performance, artistry and production.    … Expand
  5. andrilitvynchuk
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    Whenever I don't have internet and want to read I turn on this album. Kaleidoscope is so greeeeat
  6. BENNEB
    May 24, 2014
    7
    It will be hard to compare their third full-length with their previous two, as those were mostly instrumental jazz/hip-hop covers, while thisIt will be hard to compare their third full-length with their previous two, as those were mostly instrumental jazz/hip-hop covers, while this 9 tracks album is filled with 100% original material. It isn't that bad. They boost their creativity here but their tight playing has dimmed down a bit.

    MUST HEAR TRACKS:
    KALEIDISCOPE
    SINCE YOU ASKED KINDLY
    CS60

    AVOID TRACKS:
    CAN'T LEAVE THE NIGHT    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2014

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