xx

“XX” by the xx (2009) Never heard this album or heard of this group. Minimalist, airy, intentionally lazy, anti-energy vocals, with mechanical bass & drum—not a vehicle for any display of talent, but a cool enough sound. Lyrics rather plain. Guitar work very plain. Kind of a lazy New Wave—like putting Eurythmics and Edie Brickell in a dark room and piping in opium smoke. This album is okay for background music (though it wouldn’t boost production) or to lower my blood pressure. Not the kind of music that would bring an emotional response out of me. I could write more, but I don’t seem to have the energy. 2/5

X-tremely dull

“Like two shy teenagers, eyes cast downward, awkwardly talking to the ground.”

Oh man did it take a couple listens to appreciate this album. This is FANTASTIC!!! Shhhhh…too loud for this album…(soft voice) it’s fantastic. The first couple times through there was a lot of (train) background noise. The subdued nature of this album is best admired in a quiet setting. The minimalist arrangements are just as, if not more, powerful for what is not there as much as for what is there. The most impactful part of the understated approach is that the parts that would seem “normal” in other music appear conspicuous, emphatic, and flamboyant. And here lies the genius. There is something notable about the vocals that I just couldn’t quite put my finger on. Enter Wikipedia where I saw that some critics describe them as singing not together, but past each other. Building upon that, I have a different take. To me it feels like they are in adjoining studios singing out windows that face the same direction. Close to each other, but separate, yet projecting in the same direction. I could go on and on about all the songs, but I will take a subdued approach and just state that this album is incredible. What a gem!

Man we sure did like boring albums in the early 2010s

Not to my taste, this is for lonely middle class girls from the later 2000s.

Due to an accident with the play button, I actually started listening to This Old Tune by James Kant. I was thinking to myself "Hey, I never realised the xx did this! This is cool!". Unfortunately, I realised that I was listening to the wrong thing fairly quickly and actually started listening to the xx and all I can say it's probably one of the less dismal albums to be released between 2002 and 2010. Did I object? No. Would I recommended it to a friend? No. Would I rather be listening to Hugo Kant? Yes. I mean, it's not bad. But it just kind of exists.

Oh my god this album is so shit. I get how it was popular in 2009 but fuck these songs are so uninspired and bland and tasteless. The bass player is sounds like they’re half asleep why do they take up so much space in the arrangements. The intro is cool but the rest is just wank. What the hell.

Intro is an absolute classic track, rest of the album is good too but just pales in comparison to that opening

XX, XXX XXXX X XXX XX XXXX. XXXX XX XXXXX X XXX, XXX XX XXXXXXX X XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XX XXXX XXXX. XX XXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX X XX XXXXXX? XXXX XX XXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX X XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXX? XXX XXXX XXXXX, XXX! XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXX.

I liked the use of ambience and space but it was very lacking in dynamics and excitement.

An absolute masterpiece of stripped-down, subdued indie pop. The platonic ideal of the genre.

Utterly unremarkable.

Damn this shit boring as fuck lol

Ughh. Minimalistic? Yes. Boring? Yes. Will I listen again? No. 2

I've been doing this project for about three weeks now, and this is the first album I didn't particularly like. On paper it seems like something I would enjoy, but I just didn't feel it. The spare compositions on this album are sometimes lovely, with nice, simple foregrounded guitar. But the beats are dated and the vocals really kill it for me. Croft and Sims sound just as bored to be singing these songs as I felt listening to them. Favorite song: Don't really have one. Night Time is probably the most tolerable.

Lovely production, the soundscape is wonderful. It's a pleasure to listen to at night with the stereo loud and my eyes closed!

Absolutely love this album. Heard it many times before, I'm guessing I'm probably gonna go 4/5. Shit, maybe a 5. Some absolute bangers. Hmm maybe a 4. Shame I can't do a 4.5. Damn, maybe a 5. Not sure

Ugh, I can't believe I'm about to do this for my first review.... BUT, I was way UP on xx early. I drove 3 hours to see them play a little college show in Columbus, OH with Nosaj Thing. It was astounding. Mo'fuckers are solid gold as far as I'm concerned.

Cool vibe and some decent singles but feels very of it’s year

I already love this album, so still love it. Very chill, coherent, and a great duet

This and hot chip kick started my love of electronic music. One of the best album opening tracks

Bedroom indie for your love and aftercare needs.

Normally when II do this rating I feel obligated, as a critic, to use that sort of objective theory to justify my ratings. It makes sense for two reasons: One is that just saying "I liked/ disllked this" and just a number has little to no meaning to the reader, and two, there is value in learning about the artists and musicians and understanding their place in history as a part of being part of this human world and it is niice to know, if one diid not, about why and how a particualar musician might have a place (at what I call) the head table. With XX I have to admit it matters less the story and more how this band, this genre, these artists just touch my soul. Often this musiic is just pure emotion for me. I can't explain it, but perhaps sometimes that is OK too! Just like that kind of movie that you like for no apparent reason other than it feels just like a pleasure to watch, I love love LOVE this band!

30th June 2022 Listened while working from home in the office. Went to the oak in the evening. One of the seminal albums of my generation, I remember when it came out and people just went nuts for it. Will always remember watching them at glasto as the sun went down.

Ich hab es gestern Abend auf einer Autofahrt zur späten Dämmerung von Bestwig nach Soest gehört und brooo hab ich es in dem Moment gefühlt. Jetzt gerade hört es sich nur nach vier Sternen an, aber gestern Abend waren es locker fünf und damit gehe ich auch.

"Atmospheric English indie pop" is my vibe. I've heard Intro before but the rest was new to me. Good chill music for working to.

Really consistent, coherent body of work. Nice vibe, clean sounds. A beautiful compromise between simple & interesting

This is good. Has like a Thievery Corporation or Massive Attack kind of feel. I like the co-lead singer approach. Very chill sound. Their general sound is kind of moody so when they so a more upbeat song it has a strange effect. This is the first band that has been a revelation to me in a positive way. I would listen to another album.

Somehow I had only ever heard the introduction track to this album? Bonkers. It's a very cool and beautiful album, I love bands with multiple vocalists and love the callbacks from the intro throughout the album. I won't lie though I did get a little fatigued by the end with the songs blending together.

Ok I have been putting off listening to a bunch of albums bc im judging based on artist name/album cover and im just totally confused and wrong. I thought this was going to be super screamy and I could not be more wrong. I love indie pop but this is kindve underwhelming. Like its not bad and I kinda like it but it feels like the sort of thing thats only on the list bc the British guy that made the list is British

This is not a great album but I did like it. A bit background music a bit mood music, I heard bits and pieces of a lot of music in it which came before. I don't see it as breaking new ground unless its in the way it was made. And I must say the clacky rhythm that runs throughout is tiring and unsubstantial. Probably 2.6.

When I refreshed this page to see xx, it received a couple of black eyes for the band name and the album title, on paper a minimalist post-punk flex - with notes of Malevich from the cover art à la mode - but only marginally less gauche than Elon Musk’s branding. The Ex did your name better. So did Kiss. Another black eye after reading that they dismissed their keyboardist in shady circumstances evoked Argus after a pub brawl. But the record’s smart, distinctive, a record collector’s record perhaps, but it has heart and song-shapes that linger, and a dive bar smokiness that distinguishes it from the fragments of post-punk revival that I remember from their contemporaries. (Simon, consider this a probable spoiler for whenever Interpol inevitably skulk into our day.) Baby vomit - actual baby vomit - left me with only one playthrough, so I can’t say if these impressions will endure, but this was a pleasant surprise.

I remember when all my hip friends listened to this album. It's just too...inoffensive for me I guess? Not the biggest fan.

I can't say it's bad, but i def can't say it's good neither. The masterpiece of this album is the intro for a simple reason, no one is singing out of tune on it. The music itself is good, the lyrics talk to me but i've heard better talented whispering singers.

No combination of words strike more fear into the heart of a man than "English Indie Pop".

The xx, curing insomnia since 2009.

Calming enough, but dissapointed by the lack of progression. Not a lot happens all album long.

Not for me. Same sounds across the entire album. Hits/singles are neat

Bang average.

This should be brilliant. But it’s not. Cover art. 5/5 love it

I thought this is ok, then I thought no its terrible, then I had a biscuit, then I fell asleep, then i woke and had another biscuit, then i thought what would happen if you gave a monkey a flamethrower, then the album finished and i was happy again.

Honestly think I'd rather listen to Autobahn again, this was just so plain.

fairly short and concise, well put-together, and not exactly the type of music I'd ordinarily listen to. I had heard this one before and I do enjoy it, thought it was something I wouldn't want to come back to, but I was pleasantly surprised the second time around. There's not a moment on this album I didn't enjoy this time around.

Loved this when it was new and again now. Wonderful atmospheric album. Electronic beats, surf guitar, whispered vocals - I don't know why it works, but it does.

Some of the best writing and study and chilling music out there.

5/5 A masterpiece album, almost unique in its genre. Intro is an iconic song

great album and im listening to the whole discography now

Ganz geils Album!!!! Es vo de wenige wohni wirklech scho s ganze Album glost han. The XX hed mech jetzt au scho über en längeri Ziit musikalisch begleitet und immer wieder überzügt. Daher kristalisierte sich die erste 5 Sterlini use!

All killer no filler. First two tracks are nostalgic to me growing up in the UK. Love the blend of pop, indie and electronic, it all works so well. Romy’s guitar sounds very summery so works well with those genres.

The Original Era Tumblr Girl™️ in me adores this record because it reminds me of being a moody, brooding teenage queer (who was very, very, very in the closet) who chain-smoked unfiltered cigarettes in the parking lot of the combination Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken in her hometown and romanticized everything she touched. The adult in me also adores this record, but I think that's because it's just a fucking amazing record.

This album was released right before I started my first year of university. Picture this: I'm 17, confused, directionless, and deeply, deeply uncool. This album was released and its iconic "x" was all over Tumblr. Listening to this album made me feel extremely cool, because the xx and this album have always felt extremely cool to me. (As if that's how it works.) I'm a millennial who grew up listening to music through the radio and then by buying singles from iTunes (lol), so at the time I mainly consumed my music through my own playlists, rather than through albums. (This is still mostly the case outside of listening to albums for this project.) xx was one of the first albums that I listened to as an *album* because it's such a slick, cohesive set of tracks. I hadn't listened to this album in a while, but I still love it. It's dreamy, atmospheric, melancholic, minimalist indie pop-rock that I've always thought is perfection. Yeah, it's a bit dull at times and sometimes Romy and Oliver are just kinda singing in a bored and disinterested way *at* each other rather than together, but I don't care. It's one of the albums that got me into seeking out more indie pop/rock and expanding my music tastes - I don't think I would've gotten into The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire, etc. without it. Favourite tracks: Intro, VCR, Night Time

Played this with the expectation of trashing it in review and moving on (like many others have), and ended up playing it over and over. Beautiful, ethereal, mesmerising, it's probably been the most surprising album of this project so far for me. It's getting five stars and going in my tidal library.

To this day, The XX have a unique sound - a great album.

Fine piece of work, down tempo, moody atmospheric album. The Intro is now an iconic piece of music. Launched a great musical career for both Jamie Xx & Romy. Deservedly winning the Mercury in 2010.

An excellent album, reminded me of London Grammar's debut album, although I think this album was released before LG's

One I've listened to loads so probably a bit unfair to judge against albums I've only listened to once but a belter non the less.

Brutal

peak indie tumblr album

- Meine Güte hab ich das Album (bis auf ein paar Ausnahmen) lange nicht mehr gehört!! - Ich bin das erste Mal (wie warscheinlich Lasse auch) auf The xx über Jonah Fischer aufmerksam geworden - der hat uns nämlich das Cover zu Crystalised von Gorillaz Sänger Damon Albarn gezeigt, was es damals auf musigh.com zu hören gab. (Ein unfassbar geiler Muikblog, auf dem man die Mukke auch runterladen konnte). - Das Album hat so einen eigenen Vibe, den ich so auch von keiner anderen Band kenne. - Irgendwie sind die eine Mischung aus The Whitest Boy Alive, Of Monsters And Men in minimalistisch und mit elektronischen Einflüssen. Find ich alles super! - Extrem entspannt zum anhören und seeeeehr viele Erinnerungen, die ich damit verbinde - Habe bisher noch keine 10 Punkte außerhalb meiner eigenen Alben vergeben, aber es wäre verlogen von mir, an dieser Stelle keine 10 Punkte zu geben. Dafür verbinde ich mit dem Album zu viel und liebe bis auf 2 etwas "schwächere" Tracks eigentlich jeden Song. Ich finde auf dem Album sind mind. 6 Songs, die eine 10 oder zumindest eine 9,5 verdient haben. - Danke für den geilen Flashback

Enjoyed this album. It’s made my brain tickle in a good way.

This album didn't click at first, but after repeated listens, I've really grown to appreciate it. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.

Pretty cool and chill listen

Top band!!!

Yep it's a favorite

Listened before the generator. Lofi rock synth. Makes me think of shows like the Sopranos.

Super chill relaxed music

I highly recommend listening to the album on high-quality headphones. You can get goosebumps!

I forgot about this band. Rediscovering them now was truely lovely

Beautiful, inventive minimalist songwriting on this. I waited way too long to give this band a proper listen. Will now give repeated ones. Chord progressions did feel a bit repetitive towards the end though.

Simple, chill, elegant

Heard before Saved 9/11 Top track: Infinity

Story time because apparently each of these is turning into me reminiscing about the past: In the mid to late 00s, there was an explosion of "indie" artists that aped a lofi production and simplified, even childlike even, songwriting aesthetic and a whole swath of Millennials put on their finest, most shapeless American Apparel outfits and got haircuts that double dog dared the whole world to find them attractive. Like most trends in popular music, the best artists got swiftly buried by an avalanche of major label signings that were almost pathologically incapable of understanding good songwriting but were peopled by incredibly fuckable band members who could play their instruments just well enough to front whatever random songs their A&R guy told them to play. Anyway, this album came out relatively late in that whole scene and it ditches all the silliness. This is a competently recorded album of excellent songs that do not go out of their way to be silly or twee or anything else. It adds polish and flourish to the best parts of a genre that was getting worn out while ditching all the bullshit. In other words, this is a great album. I really like it. And I'm saying that as someone who hated this genre at the time and still has trouble recognizing the redeeming qualities that were present. I will absolutely listen to this again. Top to bottom.

This album was Hot Like Fire. My Heart Skipped a Beat.

An absolute gem out of nowhere to establish a powerhouse in the genre.

Holy cow this is good

Not to date myself too hard, but when I was a sophomore in college, I was very obsessed with a dubstep remix of "Shelter". I'm nostalgic about this album, sure, but I listened today for the first time in many years and absolutely loved it. This is a great album to make out to. It's basically the sound of millenials brains that were permanently altered by the music video for "Wicked Game"

If I’m ever feeling reflective about anything, I put this on. This album has gotten me through a lot. I’m happy to see it still has the same effect on me after all these years. Easily one of my top albums ever.

Muy corto .. Pero un cinco que le doy.

Love this band so much

Favourite album ever.

Love being reminded how sick this album is

Simple album. You can hear every note, every drum, every strum of the guitar. Beautiful

Classic chill vibes. Takes me back.

Classic

Era defining album, truly beautiful. The “Intro“ will play on an infinite loop into the future.

This is the type of album that would have blown me away in high school. I love dreamy ethereal spacy music like this and I think the vocals add a lot to it. I'm stoked to see something calming like this in the mix. Also interesting to see the spotify plays. First song has the most played. Second less and so on down the line. Looks like a lot of people gave it a chance but couldnt finish it.

One of my favourite albums of the past 20 years

Pared-back instrumentation but super-duper effective. Shows how far a thoughtful mix of electronic and an live instruments can go, particularly the bass. Surprisingly jazzy; helped by the great vocal harmonisation Islands, Shelter and Basic Space are perfect examples of the latter.

This is a great, low key album. I listened through it countless times while studying back in the day, and I still think that’s its best use case- background music for studying, working, driving…

I wanted to not give this five stars so bad. But then I heard the opening notes of "Intro" and I couldn't not do it. I have a huge bias towards indie music from this era since it's when I came of age, almost no other band came right out of the gate with such a unique sound that still remains completely original: the duetting vocals, the unmistakable dreamy guitar tone, the minimalist beats. For my money, it's not the best album in The xx's oeuvre (that would be I See You), but sometimes you just know. You just do.

Gosto muio

own

A staple of every indie/coffeeshop/chill playlist I've played over the years, but don't think I've listened to the album straight through before. Love it. I want to go for a night drive with this album playing.

Iconic and so badly reminds me of college

Enjoyed

The xx is one of many artists who I've been meaning to listen to more of since I like 1 or 2 of their songs before but never ended up getting to, so I'm very happy to have received this album from the generator to start the week. Interestingly, I think the instrumental intro was my favourite track on the album. Favourite songs were Intro, Crystallized, Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat, Basic Space, and Infinity. Very nice sonic experience, this marks my first back-to-back 5s I think!

This album felt like it came out of nowhere when I got it on original release. It is so minimal dark warm and beautiful all at once. Somewhat like Low Life it feels even more lush and haunting. It’s these contradictions that make it fascinating to me. I love this album.

### Lyrics: The lyrical content of "xx" is marked by its simplicity yet profound emotional depth. The themes primarily revolve around love, intimacy, and self-discovery. Tracks like "Heart Skipped a Beat" and "VCR" showcase the band's ability to convey complex emotions through concise, evocative lyrics. The intimacy of the lyrics draws listeners into the personal narratives woven throughout the album, creating a deeply immersive experience. ### Music: The musical landscape of "xx" is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, characterized by sparse instrumentation and haunting melodies. Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim's intertwining vocals create an ethereal quality that is both mesmerizing and intimate. The minimalist approach to instrumentation, often consisting of little more than guitar, bass, and subtle electronic elements, allows the emotional resonance of the music to take center stage. ### Production: The production on "xx" is impeccably crafted, with Jamie xx's deft touch adding layers of depth and texture to each track. The album's sound is characterized by its crisp, clean production, which enhances the sense of intimacy and vulnerability conveyed through the music. Jamie xx's use of space and restraint in his production creates a sense of tension and anticipation that is palpable throughout the album, drawing listeners deeper into its hypnotic embrace. ### Themes: Thematically, "xx" explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly the dynamics of love and intimacy. The album delves into the various facets of these themes, from the exhilarating highs to the painful lows, with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. Tracks like "Islands" and "Infinity" capture the bittersweet nature of love and longing, while "Crystalised" and "Shelter" delve into the vulnerability and uncertainty inherent in intimate relationships. ### Influence: "xx" had a profound influence on the indie music landscape, inspiring a wave of artists to explore similar sonic territory. The album's minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on intimacy and emotional vulnerability helped pave the way for a new wave of introspective indie pop. Additionally, Jamie xx's production on the album showcased his talent as a visionary producer, foreshadowing his later success as a solo artist. ### Pros: 1. Intimate and evocative lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. 2. Atmospheric and hypnotic music that draws listeners into its immersive world. 3. Impeccably crafted production that enhances the emotional resonance of the music. 4. Themes that explore the complexities of love, intimacy, and self-discovery with raw honesty. 5. Significant influence on the indie music landscape, inspiring a new wave of introspective indie pop. ### Cons: 1. Some listeners may find the album's minimalist approach to be overly subdued or lacking in variety. 2. The album's slow pace and understated energy may not appeal to those seeking more dynamic or upbeat music. 3. While the simplicity of the lyrics is part of the album's charm, some listeners may find them too simplistic or repetitive. In conclusion, "xx" is a landmark album that showcases The xx's talent for crafting intimate and emotionally resonant music. From its evocative lyrics to its atmospheric soundscapes and impeccable production, every aspect of the album is finely tuned to create a deeply immersive listening experience. While it may not be to everyone's taste, its influence on the indie music landscape is undeniable, cementing its status as a modern classic.

One of the most original sounds and albums of that decade. Excellent simple indie pop.