Three
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2016
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 3, 2016
    50
    Not without failings, such as the power ballad "Destroyer," the lower points temper the album's explosiveness.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Oct 24, 2016
    70
    Three wears its scars where they’re visible, at times this makes for an uncomfortable and uneven listen, but when it clicks, they’re unstoppable.
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 14, 2016
    75
    Three is perhaps Phantogram’s most incisive record yet, sustaining a very solid and concrete idea of what kind of pop it wants to promote.
  5. Consequence
    Oct 10, 2016
    50
    Three is a Phantogram record in that it’s a well-crafted release, but it lacks the originality Phantogram prided themselves on.
  6. Pitchfork
    Oct 7, 2016
    58
    The rest of the album’s expansive epics are built on a shaky foundations, with too many songs that contain too many concepts for their own good.
  7. AllMusic
    Oct 6, 2016
    50
    Three underwhelms from beginning to end.
  8. PopMatters
    Oct 6, 2016
    70
    Flaws and all, Three is where Phantogram has stepped up, projecting themselves as chart-conquering hedonistic demigods despite their lyrics conveying an absolute crippling unhappiness.
  9. Exclaim
    Oct 5, 2016
    70
    Three's high points come when some of the pop veneer is pulled back to let more raw, real feeling through. Overall, it's a solid record that should draw a wider audience to Phantogram's music.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Oct 3, 2016
    70
    Three represents only an incremental progression, not the seismic shift of Voices, but it demonstrates the duo's ability to transform darkness into light, taking personal tragedy and shaping it into professional growth.
  11. Under The Radar
    Sep 30, 2016
    75
    An edgy, but earnest, collection of pulsing indie tropes.
  12. DIY Magazine
    Sep 30, 2016
    80
    Tracks such as ‘Answer’ contain more light, pop-ridden sensibilities, yet it’s with the grittier, heavier-sounding choruses where Phantogram are at their best.
  13. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 30, 2016
    70
    Phantogram have always been able to craft sleek, cerebral tunes, but it hasn't always been clear that they were having a blast doing it--until now.
  14. The Skinny
    Sep 30, 2016
    80
    Phantogram's fix and mend methods, and above average song craft, are admirable and compelling. An unexpected treat.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 5 out of 33
  1. Tom_Bombadil
    Oct 14, 2016
    6
    Kind of a step backwards from their last one, isn't it? Not like it's a big step; not like the result is unlistenable, but it's still easy toKind of a step backwards from their last one, isn't it? Not like it's a big step; not like the result is unlistenable, but it's still easy to notice that nothing on this record is as menacing as any of the highlights of Voices. It's a more accessible record with some very overtly "poppy" songs, but the beats are still nicely produced and Sarah Barthel sings like an heroine addict at the point of breaking down (that's good). Shame it feels tired. I guess we should have known in advance that the same tactics wouldn't work forever.… Full Review »
  2. froggi3
    Nov 18, 2020
    9
    This definitely feels like Phantogram's most "accessible" record, but that doesn't mean its bad; "Funeral Pyre" is one of my favorite openingThis definitely feels like Phantogram's most "accessible" record, but that doesn't mean its bad; "Funeral Pyre" is one of my favorite opening tracks of all time. While its a little more pop sounding than their previous work, it's still very uniquely Phantogram. They continue their creative use of samples and dark tones, it's just wrapped in a brighter exterior. This is mirrored by the album art, with the massive funeral pyre surrounded by a bright white border. Sarah's voice is as spectacular as ever, as are Josh's beats. While it's not my favorite Phantogram album, it's a very solid piece of art.… Full Review »
  3. Blakebcb123
    Oct 19, 2016
    9
    Such a solid album. "You're Mine" deserves radio airplay. Quieter songs like "Answer", "Funeral Pyre", and "Destroyer" do what they doSuch a solid album. "You're Mine" deserves radio airplay. Quieter songs like "Answer", "Funeral Pyre", and "Destroyer" do what they do amazing. "Barking Dog" is meh but I guess it fits as a interlude. As for the singles they are all very good.… Full Review »
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