3+3

Released in 1973, 3+3 marks the pivotal moment when The Isley Brothers expanded from a vocal trio to a self-contained six-piece band. This shift allowed them to take full creative control, recording at the legendary Record Plant in Los Angeles. The album is most famous for its radical reinterpretations of contemporary folk and soft rock hits, such as Seals & Crofts' 'Summer Breeze' and James Taylor's 'Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight', transforming them into definitive soul anthems. The centerpiece, 'That Lady', updated their own 1964 single with a blistering psychedelic guitar solo from Ernie Isley, which became a signature sound for the group. Critically, the album is regarded as a high-water mark for 70s soul, praised for its sophisticated arrangements and the seamless integration of rock elements. It was their first platinum-certified album and established the template for their subsequent run of 1970s successes.