Third is a hauntingly atmospheric album by influential trip-hop group Portishead in 2008, and it was their first since their self-titled album eleven years prior. The first time I listened to this album was when I was just discovering trip-hop, and I was completely and utterly blown away. I wanted more like it, immediately. Then I found out that Third is quite unlike most trip-hop albums, at least from what I've heard. It's dark, it's mysterious, it's lonely, it's melancholy, and at times uneasy in its tone. Yet at the same time it's undeniably beautiful. Beth Gibbons teeters between sultry and heartbreaking throughout the entire run. Her voice juxtaposed against what could be considered unfitting and out of place beats strangely works to their benefit in a huge way. Every time you listen to this album you'll notice something you didn't before, or something will click with you in an entirely different way than it did last time you listened, giving it a huge amount of re-playability. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to front-to-back in this week alone, and still I am never bored of it. The entire album is amazing from start to finish, but it reaches it's peak with Machine Gun and it doesn't let up until the end. I honestly can't think of a single complaint I have with Third.
If you're into electronic, but have yet discovered trip-hop, this is a great place to start. But I think just about anyone can find something to enjoy here. I've never heard anything but praise for this album, so give it a listen and I'm sure you'll join the club.
Highlights: Hunter, The Rip, Magic Doors
Download here.
I battle my thoughts, I find I can't explain
I've traveled so far but somehow feel the same.
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