This is a classic 1970 Motown release that blends soulful pop, funk, and R&B. Widely praised as one of the group's strongest and most mature records of their early era, the album produced a string of hits. Clean separation of the bass and crisp percussion, made it a great collector's piece for vintage Motown fans.

While the simple title ‘Third Album’ is a downer, the album doesn't. The production with these Jackson 5 records progressively get better and better. As I said, the album has its moments and the unforgettable songs.

So you have on the playlist I’ll Be There the big standout ballad showcasing young Michael Jackson's incredible vocal maturity and emotional depth alongwith his brother Jermaine’s soulful harmonies. I'll Be There also showcased the Jacksons' potential beyond bubblegum pop, with Michael Jackson delivering the ballad with a complexity far beyond his years. The lyrics that stood out are really fun and party-oriented; you can really feel the cool energy of this album coming out from just this song. Every time I hear "Just call my name, and I'll be there" you can just visualize a young Michael singing the song and dancing along. This is one of the greatest choruses in the musical history of the soul music genre.

This is followed by Mama’s Pearl an energetic, high-tempo pop track with a punchy groove, Goin' Back to Indiana a lively, semi-autobiographical cut highlighting the group's energetic roots of Gary, Indiana in the US, which interestingly I was lucky to visit in June 2023. The songs get a bit funky as the album rolls on with How Funky Is Your Chicken a raw, playful funk number that leans into rugged instrumentation. Good vibes come in Can I See You in the Morning that builds beautifully, both vocally and instrumentally, with those warm, vibey ’70s sounds.

The Jackson 5 played it safe by including a four cover versions of other artists song and here you have renditions of Ready or Not (Here I Come) originally by American R&B vocal group The Delfonics made popular in 1996 by the band The Fugees. The other cover is a Jermaine-led take on one of the most famous ballads of all time Bridge Over Troubled Water originally performed by Simon and Garfunkel. The other cover is Oh How Happy originally recorded by The Shades of Blue and The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage originally recorded by The Miracles (Smokey Robinson).

The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and topped the R&B Albums chart.

In my opinion, this 11 track album is the most enjoyable Jackson 5 album so far. Michael’s singing is incredibly strong and impressive throughout, and the entire group shines on this record.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira