Third Album
The Jackson 5 · 1970
37 min · 11 tracks · funk
A vibrant mix of soul and pop, infused with youthful energy and heartfelt melodies that defined a generation.
Top tracks — play these first
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I’ll Be There Start here — 'I’ll Be There' is an emotionally resonant ballad that highlights Michael Jackson’s vocal maturity, making it an anthem of devotion and care.
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Mama’s Pearl — This track showcases a more upbeat tempo and intricate harmonies, reflecting the group's versatility and engaging storytelling through music.
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The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage — Featuring rich instrumentation and smooth vocals, this song exemplifies the group’s ability to merge classic Motown sounds with contemporary themes of heartbreak.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and harmonies but is somewhat uneven in pacing and style.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts with the preceding energy.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, with Michael Jackson often taking the lead and the other members providing backing vocals that enhance the overall sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady melodic journey throughout
- uplifting vibes for gatherings
- feel-good anthems for nostalgia
- engaging sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense, fast-paced tracks
- seek deep, introspective themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified their status with major hits like 'I'll Be There', enhancing their recognition.
- Themes
- childhood innocence· Motown exuberance· playful love stories
- Career context
- Released on September 8, 1970, 'Third Album' came after the Jackson 5's monumental success with their debut and sophomore records. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their status as one of Motown's leading acts, leveraging Michael Jackson's emerging vocal prowess while continuing to appeal to a young audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Temptations· The Supremes· Earth, Wind & Fire
Tracklist
- 1 I’ll Be There Start here 3:59
- 2 Ready or Not (Here I Come) 2:34
- 3 Oh How Happy 2:17
- 4 Bridge Over Troubled Water 5:53
- 5 Can I See You in the Morning 3:10
- 6 Goin’ Back to Indiana 3:33
- 7 How Funky Is Your Chicken 2:41
- 8 Mama’s Pearl 3:08
- 9 Reach In 3:29
- 10 The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage 4:22
- 11 Darling Dear 2:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Where Did Our Love Go
The Supremes
Shares the same Motown exuberance and catchy melodies with themes of youthful love.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Stevie Wonder
Combines upbeat rhythms and soulful vocals, reflecting similar joy and innocence in love.
Stand!
Sly and the Family Stone
Offers a vibrant mix of funk and pop with an uplifting spirit and playful lyrical themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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