Third

Yes, Portishead has changed from 10 yrs ago. Better? Maybe. Different? Certainly.

I like NIN and the Young Gods, so I wouldn't really call Third industrial. However, it is more aggressive, syncopated and polished than their previous work. Less trippy, less hesitant, harsher.

Regardless, what counts is that it is instantly recognizable as Portishead. The changes make sense and are a continuation/variation on the trademark Portishead sound. Not just a change for change's sake. And a less traumatic change than some other bands' attempts at variety, if you are willing to give it a try.

Also it is a very catchy album to listen to, for me. Just loved many of the songs from the first time I listened, which is unusual for me with a new album.

Is it a happy album? Err... this is Portishead we're talking about, right?

First time, I couldn't listen to the CD and gave up.

Second time, after 6 hours of receiving this CD (About 7 pm), I turned this on again.

It is crazy. I am totally addicted by their new style.

It's not like their other two albums.

It's way more bizarrrre, Blue, creepy and keeps reminded me of drugs, alchol, And most of all the end of the world-all kinds of mentally disoriented tules to make us close our eyes and makes our heartbeat.

Just what I needed.

Although I never had drugs, I can feel what that world is like.

Portishead made this album in their own way. No matter what others say.
They did their own way..

No regret.

Recommend->Silence, Hunter, Plastic, We carry on...Machine Gun...

I won't lie to you. This album isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. There is a *lot* going on here, and if you prefer your music to be simple and straight-forward, it will seem like an impenetrable mush to you. But for those who enjoy complex music, this is a joy to the ears, with there always being something new to pull out of the mix.

As for the music itself, it's hard to describe. Best way I can describe it is "creepy industrial electronica shoe-gazer dance emo". Except it's not. What it is... well, it's Portishead (shrug).

I was hugely disappointed as I listened to this album from the beginning to end. This third album elicits no emotion other than indifference and there is not one song that I can truly say I enjoyed. I was so excited when Portishead finally released another album, as I am a big fan of the first two. Some die-hard fans may disagree with me, but I don't think one will find the sensuality of "Glory Box", the languish of "Sour Times" and the melodic beauty of "Mourning Air" on this album. The music here is "listenable", but nothing to write home about. All of it is too experimental and chaotic for my taste. I hope Portishead goes back to their original style, which mesmerizes and holds the listener captive. I am positive they are capable of more than they delivered with "Third".

After many years of patiently waiting for a follow up to the classic self-titled 1997 album I can't help but feel disappointed. Now I'm not saying Third is a bad album, the group still shines with their dark brooding tunes but I really miss DJ Andy Smith. Granted Andy isn't even that great of a DJ but his simple scratches really complemented the overall sound of Portishead. Listening to Third is like what it must have been for James Bond fans who saw On Her Majesty's Secret Service for the first time, sure it still kept it's style intact but there was something missing. With musicians being artists there are bound to be times when they flip the script on you and change up their sound from album to album (Björk fans should know what I'm talking about) and thats almost what Portishead have done on Third, it's less "trip hop" and more cinematic this round. Third will definitely be a love it or hate it entry for long time fans.