III
by BadBadNotGood
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
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  1. 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, 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 recordsSince 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-    … Expand
  2. 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 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
  3. 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. 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    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
  4. 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 material composed by the 3 of them. No more covers. Just BADBADNOTGOOD.
  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

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. 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]
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    May 13, 2014
    70
    III is well worth your time and money out of your pocketbook if you’re definitely into this sort of thing.
    Read full review
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