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Third
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Third Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 198 Ratings

  • Summary: The English rock band returns with its first studio album in 11 years.

Top Track

Machine Gun
I saw a saviour, a saviour come my way I thought I'd see it in the cold light of day But now I realize that I'm only for me If only I could see... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
  1. Uncut
    100
    Third is the most stunning, stark and superb Portishead album yet. [May 2008, p.84]
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Here, the sad sounds aren't quite so soothing, but that human element of Portishead gives them a sense of comfort, just as it intensifies their sense of mystery, for it is the flaws--often quite intentional--that give this an unknowable soul and make Third utterly riveting and endlessly absorbing.
  3. Under The Radar
    90
    Third concludes with a string of stunners that feature sawing cello, improvisatory bursts of horns, and the most cathartic vocal performance Gibbons has ever set to tape, respectively. [Spring 2008, p.79]
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  4. Boston Globe
    80
    Portishead's methods are hardly frozen in time. And that evolution is what makes these elaborately layered tracks such a knotty, mesmerizing listen.
  5. Village Voice
    80
    The good news for people who love bad news is that Portishead have gotten better, too.
  6. musicOMH.com
    80
    Yet far from being miserable, this is a record substantially more alive than its eponymous predecessor.
  7. Blender
    30
    It's groove-deprived and difficult, and not in a particularly inventive way. [May 2008, p.78]

See all 38 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 90
  3. Negative: 9 out of 90
  1. AlanO.
    May 8, 2008
    10
    This is a stunning album! To be frank, I am not a Portishead fan...I recognize their history and had ocasionally bumped into their brand of This is a stunning album! To be frank, I am not a Portishead fan...I recognize their history and had ocasionally bumped into their brand of Trip-Hop back in the day which mostly left me dry. This new album is something different. Fans of Jane Siberry, Stina Nordenstam, David Sylvian, Talk Talk, and Mimi Goese take note. The songs are experimental in nature but infused with warm electronics, etheral background shuffles, and stark, introspective lyrics. I have no idea what their traditional fans will make of this...might be a bit challenging. This is a record you have to get to know, spend time with, and ponder. Some definate reference points: Stina Nordenstam -"This is Stina Nordenstam," "When I was a Boy," - Jane Siberry," and "Soak" - by Mimi Goese. Candidate for album of the year hands down...… Expand
  2. Jason
    May 4, 2008
    10
    ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!!!
  4. DanielS
    Oct 19, 2008
    10
    The first time I listened to Third I was superstoned and cleaning my house. As I was upstairs and the music was downstairs, it mostly sounded The first time I listened to Third I was superstoned and cleaning my house. As I was upstairs and the music was downstairs, it mostly sounded just like noise. When I went downstairs for a better quality sound, the Album was already on track 7, Deep Water. This song got me intrigued in the album. Machine gun came on, a whack beat, but I tried to be openminded and did end up loving it by the end of the song. Small came next and I knew I had a gem. So dark it fries your mind and sends a shiver down your neck. I listened to the rest of the album and I haven't stopped listening to this album on a daily basis for the last two months. I must admit, this shit makes me quiver with delight. At first I used be comatozed whenever I got to listen to it on my headphones, but today I'm singing and dancing to it. Honestly, this album makes you dance like you've never danced before. Best album since Amon Tobin's Foley Room and Cannibal Ox The Cold Vein.… Expand
  5. DwongK.
    May 4, 2008
    9
    Easily one of the best albums of the year.
  6. TimC
    May 29, 2009
    9
    Simply superb.
  7. marcg
    Apr 29, 2008
    7
    Good but not great.
  8. PatrickK.
    May 2, 2008
    1
    Dull, dull dull! The songs go nowhere. You get a sense they could only stand each other's presence enough to throw some beats together Dull, dull dull! The songs go nowhere. You get a sense they could only stand each other's presence enough to throw some beats together and leave it at that. Where is the songcraft?… Expand

See all 90 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2008
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2008
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2008

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