description Focus 3 Overview
"Focus 3" is a double album by the Dutch progressive rock band Focus, released in 1972. The record features the band's signature mix of jazz fusion, classical motifs, and symphonic rock, highlighted by extended instrumental tracks, yodeled vocals, and Thijs van Leer's flute playing. It includes the band's charting instrumental single "Sylvia," alongside complex multi-part suites. The album caters to listeners of 1970s progressive rock and stands as a defining release in the European symphonic rock movement.
insights Ranking position
Focus 3 ranks #87 of 155 in the Progressive Rock Album ranking, behind Point of Know Return, ahead of Peter Gabriel (Car).
help Focus 3 FAQ
Is Focus 3 a double album?
Yes, Focus 3 was released as a double LP in 1972 by the Dutch progressive rock band Focus. The album's runtime spans four sides of vinyl, including extended instrumental tracks and the band's signature blend of jazz fusion and classical motifs.
What hit single came from Focus 3?
The track 'Sylvia' became Focus's biggest commercial single and charted in the UK. The instrumental features Thijs van Leer's melodic flute lines paired with Jan Akkerman's guitar work, continuing the style that had made their earlier single 'Hocus Pocus' (from 1971's Moving Waves) an international hit.
Who played guitar on Focus 3?
Jan Akkerman played guitar on Focus 3, during the period when he was widely regarded as one of the premier guitarists in European rock. He and flautist-keyboardist Thijs van Leer were the band's two creative anchors until Akkerman's departure from Focus in 1976.
What style of music is on Focus 3?
Focus 3 showcases the band's distinctive mix of symphonic rock, jazz fusion, and classical-inspired instrumental passages, with Thijs van Leer's flute and yodeled vocals as signature elements. Several tracks are extended multi-section suites in the style of 1970s progressive rock.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
