It’s often hard to fathom that Frank Turner has been around for 9 years now, let alone already having released two compilation albums already, but he really has and has now released a third. For those who are not aware every three years, since his solo career began in 2005, Frank has brought out an album showcasing any tracks that have not previously appeared on any of his studio albums. This could be anything from covers to previously unreleased tracks, demos and b-sides. The Third Three Years, as the title already explains is the three years since the release of The Second Three Years in 2011.
Let’s be frank here (pun unintended) and straight to the point, as albums go The Third Three Years isn’t a necessity for a casual fan. You’re not going to find the big singles like on Turner’s main albums, but what you can quite easily find are hidden little gems such as ‘Something of Freedom’, a completely unreleased demo, a more folk orientated track, rather than rock. The Third Three Years really is for those that truly love Frank or folk music in general.
The covers are generally fantastic, with the likes of Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’ as a perfect example on how Frank has the incredible ability to spin any track to his sound, while still being instantly recognisable. It’s the variety that you get on this album that’s so intriguing and compelling. As well as covers and un-released tracks you also have a couple of fantastic collaborations where each creates a nice little spin on Frank’s original sound which keeps the album interesting throughout.
Overall Frank Turner’s compilation albums feel a lot more personal than his full studio releases. There’s something a little less clinical about them, and in the end it feels a bit more like a personal gift from Frank to his fans, and the ‘Third Three Years’ is no different. If you’re not an out-right fan of Frank Turner, I wouldn’t rush out and get it for your first album, but if you really are a fan of his music, or folk-music in general, you are bound to find your own little favourite throughout.
