Album Info Hide Show Artist: Focus Album: Focus 3 Gatefold: Yes Released: Europe, 2016 Tracklist: A1 Round Goes The Gossip… 5:12 Written-By – Thijs van Leer A2 Love Remembered 2:50 Written-By – Jan Akkerman A3 Sylvia 3:31 Written-By – Thijs van Leer A4 Carnival Fugue 6:09 Written-By – Thijs van Leer B1 Focus III 6:05 Written-By – Thijs van Leer B2 Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! 13:48 Written-By – Bert Ruiter, Jan Akkerman C Anonymus II 26:24 Written-By – Bert Ruiter, Jan Akkerman, Pierre van der Linden, Thijs van Leer D1 Elspeth Of Nottingham 3:10 Written-By – Jan Akkerman D2 House Of The King 2:22 Written-By – Jan Akkerman D3 Hocus Pocus (US Single Version) 3:25 Written-By – Jan Akkerman, Thijs van Leer D4 Anonymus 6:43 Written-By – Hans Cleuver, Jan Akkerman, Martijn Dresden, Thijs van Leer Related Content: Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $150 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. 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If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show “Focus 3” is the third studio album by the Dutch progressive rock band Focus, released in 1972. The album is a double LP and showcases the band’s eclectic blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences, which had already begun to take shape in their previous releases. The lineup for this album includes Thijs van Leer on keyboards, flute, and vocals; Jan Akkerman on guitar; Bert Ruiter on bass; and Pierre van der Linden on drums. The album opens with “Round Goes the Gossip,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its intricate instrumentation and dynamic shifts. Thijs van Leer’s flute and keyboard work are particularly noteworthy, providing a melodic counterpoint to Jan Akkerman’s virtuosic guitar playing. The song’s structure is complex, featuring multiple time signature changes and a blend of rock and jazz elements. “Love Remembered” is a more subdued piece, highlighting the band’s ability to create emotive and atmospheric music. Akkerman’s acoustic guitar work is delicate and expressive, complemented by van Leer’s subtle flute melodies. This track serves as a contrast to the more energetic and intricate compositions on the album, showcasing the band’s versatility. “Sylvia” is one of the standout tracks on “Focus 3” and became one of the band’s most popular songs. The track features a catchy melody and a memorable guitar riff by Akkerman, which helped it achieve commercial success. “Sylvia” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to create accessible yet sophisticated music, blending rock and classical elements seamlessly. The album also includes the epic “Anonymous II,” a nearly 27-minute-long track that takes up the entirety of side three of the original LP. This composition is a tour de force of progressive rock, featuring extended instrumental passages, intricate interplay between the band members, and a wide range of dynamics and moods. Each member of the band gets a chance to shine, with notable solos from Akkerman, van Leer, and Ruiter. “Focus III” and “Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!” are other highlights of the album, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and compositional skills. “Focus III” features a memorable melody and intricate arrangements, while “Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!” is a more experimental piece with a strong jazz influence. The production on “Focus 3” is clean and well-balanced, allowing each instrument to be heard clearly. The album was produced by Mike Vernon, who had previously worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac and John Mayall. Vernon’s production helps to bring out the best in the band’s performances, capturing the energy and precision of their playing. “Focus 3” received positive reviews upon its release and is considered one of the band’s best works. The album’s blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences, combined with the technical skill of the band members, makes it a standout in the progressive rock genre. The success of “Sylvia” also helped to raise the band’s profile, leading to increased recognition and popularity. In conclusion, “Focus 3” is a landmark album in the progressive rock genre, showcasing the talents of Thijs van Leer, Jan Akkerman, Bert Ruiter, and Pierre van der Linden. The album’s blend of intricate compositions, technical skill, and diverse influences makes it a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and anyone interested in the development of the genre in the early 1970s. With standout tracks like “Sylvia,” “Anonymous II,” and “Round Goes the Gossip,” “Focus 3” remains a testament to the band’s creativity and musicianship. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review