What makes 3WW by alt-J notable?

3WW received positive reviews from critics, showcasing alt-J's continued evolution while maintaining their signature style. The album was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammy Awards and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, further establishing the band's prominence in the indie music scene. In 2017, alt-J released 3WW as their third studio album, following the critically acclaimed This Is All Yours from 2014. At this point, they were solidifying their unique sound and artistic identity after gaining international recognition with their debut album, An Awesome Wave.

How many songs are on 3WW?

3WW has 1 track, running approximately 5 minutes.

3WW

alt-J · 2017

5 min · 1 track · indie pop

Ethereal harmonies intertwine with intricate rhythms, blending indie rock with folktronica's organic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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3WW — The title track embodies the album's themes of longing and connection through its lush instrumentation and haunting melodies, creating an immersive listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

3WW showcases intricate rhythms and ethereal harmonies, marking a solid evolution in alt-J's sound.

What we noticed

The track features a slow build, starting with soft vocals and minimal instrumentation before layering in complex rhythms and harmonies.
Vocal lines are delivered in a call-and-response manner, creating an ethereal dialogue between the singers.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases evolution while maintaining signature style, reflecting artistic identity.
Themes: intimate longing· dreamlike landscapes· modern relationships
Career context: In 2017, alt-J released 3WW as their third studio album, following the critically acclaimed This Is All Yours from 2014. At this point, they were solidifying their unique sound and artistic identity after gaining international recognition with their debut album, An Awesome Wave.
Stylistic neighbors: Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala