Scott 3 cover

Scott 3

Scott Walker · 1969

37 min · 13 tracks · country music

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics that evoke a profound sense of melancholy and existential reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    It's Raining Today — This track opens the album with sweeping orchestral sounds that perfectly set the tone for the introspective themes explored throughout. Its melancholic lyrics about isolation resonate deeply with listeners and showcase Walker's unique vocal delivery.
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    30 Century Man — As one of the shorter tracks, it encapsulates the album's experimental spirit, using vivid imagery to convey a sense of disconnection from time and place. The song’s stark arrangement highlights Walker's ability to evoke complex emotions within a brief format.
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    If You Go Away — This cover of Jacques Brel's Ne Me Quitte Pas stands out for its heart-wrenching delivery and lush instrumentation, exemplifying Walker's talent for interpreting deeply emotional material. The arrangement elevates the lyrical content, making it a centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Scott 3 showcases innovative compositions and distinct orchestration, creating a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow orchestral arrangement that sets a somber tone, followed by tracks that alternate between lush instrumentation and sparse arrangements.
  • Several songs feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt key changes and extended instrumental sections, which create a sense of unpredictability.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of isolation and existentialism, with a focus on vivid imagery that complements the melancholic soundscapes.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting orchestral soundscapes
  • wave-like emotional fluctuations
  • introspective afternoons of solitude
  • evocative storytelling through music

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy engagement
  • prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1969, Scott 3 marked Scott Walker's third solo album following the commercial success of Scott 2. At this point in his career, Walker was transitioning from his earlier pop beginnings into more avant-garde territory, showcasing a bold departure in songwriting and production that would define his later work.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Nick Cave· Tim Buckley

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It's Raining Today 4:01
  • 2 Copenhagen 2:22
  • 3 Rosemary 3:22
  • 4 Big Louise 3:10
  • 5 We Came Through 1:58
  • 6 Butterfly 1:42
  • 7 Two Ragged Soldiers 3:06
  • 8 30 Century Man 1:29
  • 9 Winter Night 1:45
  • 10 Two Weeks Since You've Gone 2:48
  • 11 Sons Of 3:44
  • 12 Funeral Tango 2:55
  • 13 If You Go Away 4:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata