Three cover

Three

Joel Plaskett · 2009

104 min · 27 tracks · folk music

A vibrant tapestry of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that blend folk roots with indie rock sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gone, Gone, Gone — This track encapsulates Plaskett's ability to weave poignant narratives into catchy melodies, blending upbeat instrumentation with themes of loss and longing.
  • →
    Shine On, Shine On, Shine On — With its infectious chorus and reflective lyrics, this song highlights Plaskett's talent for creating anthemic hooks while delving into deeper emotional territories.
  • →
    Our Place in the Sun — The song stands out for its intricate arrangement and lyrical depth, exploring themes of belonging and personal identity through rich imagery.

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

The album's ambitious structure and diverse soundscapes contribute to its distinctiveness within the folk genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and intricate acoustic arrangements, creating a rich sonic texture.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective storytelling through melodies
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • nostalgic themes of longing
  • late-night introspection with warmth
  • easygoing flow for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • fans of lengthy epics

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Joel Plaskett released 'Three' in 2009, he had established himself as a key figure in the Canadian indie scene following his acclaimed albums 'Ashtray Rock' (2007) and 'La De Da' (2008). This album represents a continuation of his artistic exploration, showcasing his knack for storytelling and melodic craftsmanship across a sprawling triple-disc format.
Stylistic neighbors
Sam Roberts· The Weakerthans· Hayden

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Heartless, Heartless, Heartless

    The narrator confronts an emotional void directly after a relationship ends.

    This direct confrontation breaks from previous introspections and marks a pivotal shift in tone, emphasizing raw vulnerability.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Every Time You Leave 2:20
  • 2 Through & Through & Through 4:25
  • 3 You Let Me Down 2:22
  • 4 Pine, Pine, Pine 2:09
  • 5 Wait, Wait, Wait 2:27
  • 6 Drifters Raus 3:06
  • 7 Gone, Gone, Gone 3:56
  • 8 Wishful Thinking 7:14
  • 9 Run, Run, Run 5:12

Disc 2

  • 1 Safe in Your Arms 4:04
  • 2 Shine On, Shine On, Shine On 4:10
  • 3 Sailors Eyes 3:20
  • 4 Heartless, Heartless, Heartless 4:20
  • 5 In the Blue Moonlight 3:26
  • 6 Down, Down, Down 2:22
  • 7 Beyond, Beyond, Beyond 4:39
  • 8 Demons 3:32
  • 9 New Scotland Blues 3:45

Disc 3

  • 1 Rewind, Rewind, Rewind 2:08
  • 2 Precious, Precious, Precious 1:18
  • 3 Deny, Deny, Deny 2:30
  • 4 One Look 3:14
  • 5 Our Place in the Sun 3:18
  • 6 Lazy Bones 5:22
  • 7 All the Way Down the Line 4:25
  • 8 Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ 3:15
  • 9 On & On & On 12:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata