With 1972's Brother, Brother, Brother, younger brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, along with in-law relative Chris Jasper, began to play major roles in the Isley Brothers' sound. This also marked their first attempt to "Isley-ize" classics made famous by others. Their rendition of Carole King's "It's Too Late" rivals the original; Ron Isley sings the tender ballad in a softer voice then he used on previous recordings. An update of Jackie DeShannon's "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" is an uplifter. They didn't completely alienate fans of their harsher sound, the rocking, humorous "Pop That Thang" and "Lay Away" are fine examples of R&B and rock. "Pop That Thang" has a sloopy beat and biting lyrics, while "Lay Away" takes off on the popular buying option before the advent of the credit card. The Isley Brothers were big Carole King fans, in addition to "It's Too Late," they perform two other King songs, "Brother, Brother" and "Keep on Walkin'"; the latter is coupled with "Sweet Season." Their own "Work to Do" is a stone rocker that has been recorded by many, including the Average White Band, who scored big with the cooker 30 years after its release, it remains one of the Isley Brothers' most requested songs. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
Brother, Brother, Brother is a 1972 rock album released by The Isley Brothers on their T-Neck imprint. It was to be the Isleys' last studio record with Buddah Records moving on to Epic in the middle of 1973. This album also was the first to bring the younger half of the Isleys: guitarist Ernie Isley, bassist Marvin Isley and keyboardist Chris Jasper into the fold alongside their older brethren: lead singer Ronald Isley and background singing elder brothers O'Kelly Isley, Jr. and Rudolph Isley. Also their second venture into rock music, they didn't betray their soul and funk roots. The album, viewed by some as their ultimate record, featured the top 40 hit, "Pop That Thang", and subsequent hits "Work to Do", "Lay-Away" and their cover of Carole King's "It's Too Late". The brothers also covered two more King songs including the title track and "Sweet Season".
Track listing
Except where indicated, all songs were written and produced by The Isley Brothers
