There’s something wonderfully adventurous about Focus 3. Released in 1972, this sprawling double album captured the Dutch band Focus at the point where they were beginning to break through internationally — and especially here in the UK, where their mix of virtuoso musicianship, jazz fusion, classical influences and sheer unpredictability really connected with progressive rock audiences.
For many UK listeners, this was the album that confirmed Focus were far more than a novelty act built around the hit single “Hocus Pocus.” Instead, Focus 3 revealed a deeply musical and ambitious band capable of creating atmospheric instrumentals, extended improvisations and genuinely emotional pieces alongside their more flamboyant moments. The album reached the UK Top 10 and helped establish the band as major players on the European prog scene during the golden era of the genre.
The musicianship throughout is extraordinary. Keyboard player, flautist and vocalist Thijs van Leer brings a unique classical and jazz sensibility, while guitarist Jan Akkerman delivers some of the most fluid and inventive guitar work of the early 70s prog movement. The rhythm section of bassist Bert Ruiter and drummer Pierre van der Linden gives the music incredible movement and power.
Key tracks include the beautifully melodic “Sylvia,” which became a UK hit single and remains one of the band’s most recognisable pieces, the atmospheric and hypnotic “Love Remembered,” and the energetic “Round Goes the Gossip.” Then there’s the side-long “Anonymous II,” an ambitious progressive suite that perfectly captures the fearless experimental spirit of the era.
What I love about Focus 3 is how organic it feels. Despite the technical brilliance on display, there’s warmth and spontaneity running through the album. It sounds like four musicians completely immersed in the possibilities of where music could take them — and in many ways, albums like this helped open UK audiences up to the wider European progressive rock movement beyond the familiar British names.
The vinyl is the Imperial Records pressing from Holland. The CD edition misses off The House of The King.
There was a time in the UK when Focus has two songs in the top 10. This album had the hit Sylvia.
