Focus III

Riding on the success of their hit single "Hocus Pocus" from the revolutionary Moving Waves album, Focus got to work on this, their third LP in four years. While the debut album features a style not too dissimilar to the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band, Focus' second LP Moving Waves is purely instrumental and wholly serious-minded. Focus III keeps this same sound, but approaches it with a jollier, more accessible tone. As with its predecessor, Focus III features only one tune that would be in with a chance of being a hit single. The enjoyable rhythm of "Sylvia," partnered with Jan Akkerman's victorious guitar solo, some of Van Leer's finest organ-work, Bert Ruiter's tight basslines, and Pierre Van Der Linden's mellow drumming assured the track classic status. "Sylvia" found worldwide success and gained the band valuable radio and press exposure. The song remains one of the most loved and best remembered songs from Focus' catalog. The consistence in musical quality throughout Focus III is enough to merit any listeners' respect. To be frank, this LP has it all: diverse songs, astounding musicianship, one of the finest singles ever released -- Focus III should unquestionably be ranked alongside the likes of Revolver and Dark Side of the Moon and any others of rock's greatest.