xx

An interesting listening, makes you go throw different emotions 3/5

an opening track so cool it makes you want to smoke cigarettes in the dark with a lover. ending track is also great. middle is unremarkable. I think for those middle tracks, The Echo Friendly does this sound a lot better a few years later.

Really happy to see this on the list. It hearing this in 2009 changed the way I listen to music. Still sounds fresh 16 years later. But is somewhat inferior to this mammoth list

An intro with 700 million streams? What is this, Abbey Road? As warned, the music is very minimalist. It almost functions as a sort of blurred ultrafuturistic utopia-dystopia soundtrack. Like the beautiful gleaming skyline hiding dark, dirty secrets beneath. Well, either that or it's just a shiny exterior with nothing to hide. Either way, it sounds alright. The arrangements tend to include synths, vocals, and bass, sometimes with kick drum or acoustic guitar added. A few tracks have vocal back-and-forths – including Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat, Basic Space, and Stars. That seems to be the band's "thing". It feels gimmicky and gets old really fast. There isn't terribly much to pay attention to, so the most interesting aspect of each track is often the singing, and when the singing sounds exactly the same between tracks, you lose focus very quickly. Crystalised is about as busy as it gets. In the second half of that song, the xx really revs up the texture, including having male-female octave harmonies (not as good as non-octave, but we take it), solid bass and guitar parts, and a whooshy high-drone synth. And a really nice sounding percussion part. The wait and payoff makes this one of my favourite tracks. Shelter reminds me of Lana Del Rey's stripped-back stuff, à la Norman Fucking Rockwell. (Which I absolutely love.) Even the vocals are kind of reminiscent of the LDR, and the understated guitar part that mimics a slow build but never actually does it is classic alt-pop. Again one of the strongest on the record. The weakest tracks are towards the tail end, like Stars and Night Time, where you're often checked out. (Those songs easily live up to their name, in a bad way.) 3/5 Key tracks: Crystalised, Islands, Shelter

I'd heard Intro and Crystalised before. Not the best of albums, but that's more the overall fit with my tastes more than the technical skill part.

Cool!

This is the music that plays when the mc is sad

From what I can remember about 2009, that was the first year where popular music started to get real big, loud and dumb. Y'know, the party club era. A time where artists like Katy Perry and the Black Eyed Peas could shine, providing maximally produced hits for the people to jus' go fuckin' **off** to. Heck, the highest placed single on Billboard's Year-End in 2009 was "Boom Boom Pow", which is an utter cacophony of ideas and fragments. And after this, we'd get shit like "Like A G6" and "Sexy And I Know It" ... jus', a whole lotta big, loud, dumb tunes until, eventually, gradually the hangover started in the mid-late 2010's. And if that hangover had any forebearer, I'd say it was this album I'm talking about here: 'xx' by The xx. Seriously, in the middle of a year like 2009, I can only imagine what a fresh of breath air a record like this would've been. Next to Pitbull and Flo Rida and "Single Ladies", here you have an album which aspires to do, y'know, less. Minimalism! Music as defined by the empty space between the notes as it is the actual notes itself. Songs largely taken up by a sparse electronic beat, vocals, some bass, and a little atmospheric guitar work. When you compare it to its pop contemporaries, I can see why Big Important Critics™ would eat this shit up and eventually hand it that year's Mercury Award. It's an exercise in restraint in a period of time where basically no one had any. And its influence had stretched out for years: I mean, later pop hits like The Chainsmokers' "Don't Let Me Down" and Shawn Mendes's "Stitches" are clearly biting some of this thing's guitar styles. You can hear a lot of where pop would end up even now in this album. Which is all fine and good and all. But the thing is: I don't really find myself liking a lot of modern pop. I don't particularly like "Stitches", and I sure as heck don't enjoy "Don't Let Me Down". And as for 'xx' itself... One thing you need to know about me is that I am sort of a big fan of overproduction. When you take a song and jus' damn go over the top with it, giving it anything and everything you can. Oasis's "All Around The World" is one of the most overproduced singles of all time, and I have a soft as hell spot for it because of that. It's why I do enjoy a lot of pop music from this time: specifically **because** it's big, dumb and loud. I'm not gonna tell you all of its good, but I got the kinda brain that, when it hears a fun hook, I am all damn there. "Poker Face", the number two song of the year? Yes, please! And that's not to say that I don't have room in my life for sparser music. Sometimes you just need some quieter shit to calm down and not wear yourself out. I mean, I have such a fondness for Linkin Park's "One More Light", off the top of my head. But minimalism, such as what this album is doing ... in what this thing's aiming for, I think it did it well, but goodness is it not for me. I feel like I spent a lot of this album just ... waiting for something more to happen. And I knew it wouldn't, so it's not like I got my hopes up or anything. Darn it, though, if I didn't wish something more **could** have happened. I know it's just an issue of my attention span. It's not like I always need everything to be big and flashy to hold my attention, but in music that's so defined by empty space, it's gonna feel like there's just not as much to latch on to. Subtly is not often my friend, y'know? It's really not the album's fault. But, at the same time, it's not like I wanna lie and rave about how incredible the album's minimalism was when, in actuality, I just wasn't feeling it. And not even in a way where I'm like "Oh, this is so **intolerable boring**." I'm just like, "That's it?" And that's really the size of it. I get what this album's doing — I promise you, I do, and that's why I'm not being as hard on it as I could be ... but I can't front. Like, dang, I get why it was a big deal to people back then, but gimme the Black Eyed Peas over this any day. Even "Boom Boom Pow". Like, in terms of its influence, 'xx' might be so 3008, but I guess I'd rather be 2000-and-late. Or something — you try to work this song into a meaningful conclusion, goodness.

Intro is one of the most iconic songs of this era. Great album. I always remember them walking on stage to intro at Lollapalooza and the huge crowd reaction when it hit. Still holds up and glad to revisit.

This is an easy 3.5

I thought I was gonna hate this, but despite it being the same song 11 times, I was kinda into it and would probably listen again! 3.5

Joy Division with MPC and not as compelling. Not bad not great.

A fun indie jam, but for better lack of words this record feels too quiet to be monumental.

Beautiful, aching, simple arrangements on this sad, indie version of Captain and Tennille. Possibly the best late night album of the 2000's. Excellent production by Jamie xx, who adds emphasis to the emotion in all the right ways while remaining pulled back and never overwhelming the fierce intimacy of the singers.

4 dage med The XX har mættet mig. det fungere for mig i den rette stemning, men det her et reklame soundtrack for meget for mig. Jeg vil klart lytte mere en anden gang, nok ikke det her album.

"islands" and "heart skipped a beat" are already on my old favorites playlist - first time i can say that about any of these albums! the other tracks, however, left me unmoved. i likes the guitar in infinity. on the whole, snoozy

cool

第一第二首歌好熟悉

When I first heard this album when it debuted it felt like a breath of fresh air. In an era of overproduced Recession Pop, bubble gum indie dance, and the last vestiges of butt rock this minimalistic soundscape was like an oasis. It cultivated immaculately chill vibes. It’s still solid. Billie Eillish brought this type of sound to the highest peaks. This brand of shoegaze now feels a bit played out. I kind of view this music created by the grown up versions of the goth kids from South Park.

I knew they would be English just by the name.

Atmospheric indie that is easy on the ears but doesen't excite me too much

This is ok. Just ok. Its about as indie coded as it gets in every single aspect. Just run if the mill indie to my ears. I do like the idea of a male and female vocalist but I prefer women singers to such a large degree it made me dislike the man sorry. But neither of them are all thay striking anyways. Sounds like every other singer in this lane. Didn't hate it but I didnt get anything from it either. Just good enough. Participation trophy I guess

Lazy, slow and boring. Yet I kinda fucked with it. Into slapped, and the rest of the album had the same laid back, relaxed feel and was overall a very chilled vibe.

It was nice, not really much else to say

debut album, more indie pop this time, straightforward and very simple, almost plain in production value. clearly the kind of band that feels like the foundations are all one needs, nothing too crazy or complex. unfortunately, this minimalistic indie music only gets me so interested. singers sounding a little bored, very... i don't want to say primitive production, but it's usually just a drum machine, a voice, and a synth. or guitar. it's a very narrow, very... ambitious album. ever seen the snl sketches where it's supposed to be a high school talent show? that's the aesthetic i get. while it would definitely hit for people in lo-fi and indie spheres, it didn't do a whole lot for me when i listened.

Whack this on a nice soundsystem in the lounge in the background, you'll have a nice time with it. Though the entire thing feels painfully predictable. The do almost everything right, but nothing magic.

Siento que debería decir 4, pero no me está gustando tanto. Aunque tampoco me apetece mucho escuchar este tipo de música sí me gustaría escucharlo de nuevo.

didnt finish come back

This was alright, I recognized the intro track from a commercial or radio maybe. Maybe a 3, it was kind of a dreamy background music.

First 4 songs are great, album seems to get slower and slower after Islands. Middle of the road, weak 3/5.

I've heard a lot of hype around this album as, like,. incredible indie pop but honestly I don't get it. Especially about the intro, I just don't feel any real connection or interest in it. Favorites: Crystalized, Islands, Infinity

There's brief moments in this album that the overall vibe is working for me but then I usually have some nit that takes me out of it. It's usually related to the vocals. There's some kind of like clumsy attempt at a specific vocal affect that comes off inauthentic to me. Some of the melodies kind of circle around a specific sound that almost sounds like someone not realizing they want to recreate the feeling they get when they hear Chris Isaac's Wicked Game

Enjoyed, but a litttle samey

If you haven't been in the trenches of 2012 Tumblr, then you don't know what this album means to people. I saw girlies going to war for this. Not me, but some people really fuck with this.

Mellow

Fun techno-lite vibe

Some good tracks. Overall, a good album.

Shite

Saw it was from 2009, saw it was from London and just immediately lost interest. But we're here to give things a shot and try to be exposed to new music and I'm proud I haven't skipped it. First track, recognized it immediately and really loved it. I would want a whole album of exactly that. The rest of the album had some cool stuff but I didn't like the vocals. Glad I listened to it, wouldn't want to listen to it again though.

Ex-moderninho, 3 estrelas

strong first four tracks, then kinda goes away. 3

Smooth. Beautiful. Dark. Mysterious. Moody. English.

3.5

Surprisingly not bad

Not really my music, but it was OK to listen to. I would have it on in the background. Really beautiful voices.

First song reminded like a modern, simple version of Heroes by Bowie (check the vocal melody). Liked the carillon/xylophone. (Chiringuito music to listen to while eating an avocado toast). Música de chiringuito para tomar una tostada de aguacate. Good background music.

Was better than expected, but songs did sound very similar.

Bland and lacking solid vocals

Sounded nice but pretty boring and uninteresting. Really lacking in any emotion or effort, which I get is what they were going for but makes for a very snoozy album. Didn't even notice when it ended. British.

not at all familiar w them. enjoyed low key background music, but vocals were incredibly bland

There’s a reason why I only loved one song from this album in college. The vocals were recorded for the vibes only. That first song is pretttty cool though.

Iconic dream pop indie rock. Should be right up my alley but it doesn't fully connect Best Song: Stars Rating: 6.5/10 Stars: 2

meeehh, bom mas não faz meu tipo

Intro + VCR is legendary. The rest is totally fine. Love the understated nature of the album but they always felt like a lesser Sylvan Esso to me.

Good album. But i wouldnt mind dying without listening to it. Nothing world changing, nothing special.

Good for late-night ambient. Nothing too spectacular, but some of the songs are catchy. "Infinity" is a highlight.

Very nice. It's good to know they made the music before the samples.

A melancholic album, well-made... but without any particular flavor.

I bought this album when it first came out and instantly had a soft spot for it. Listening to it again while working, I can still feel that intimate atmosphere with sweet vocals, the melodic progressions built on a minimalist but emotionally powerful foundation, and that subtle alternative edge I’ve always liked. There’s a real sense of sincerity and restraint here, the kind that rewards quiet listening. The production is understated but precise, letting the textures breathe and the emotions come through naturally. It’s not a record that tries to impress with excess, instead, it grows on you, revealing its depth little by little. It’s not a game-changer, but within its style, it definitely left a mark and I enjoyed listening to it again.

3/5

Interesting but not one of the toppers, even from 2009

It was fairly pleasant, nothing spectacular but I enjoyed it. Favorite tracks were Intro, VCR, Heart Skipped a Beat, Fantasy, Shelter, Basic Space, and Night Time. Not sure how often I'll revisit this one but first impressions are positive so that should count for something. 7/10.

Chill vibes. The intro is on every dramatic movies soundtrack from 2010-2017

Grei bakgrunnsstøy

Fav: Intro Least Fav: Fantasy But disappointed, it’s not bad but it goes nowhere and just feels kinda boring. I thought Intro was alright and felt dread when I realised it was the best the album had to offer

Quite a nice low-fi feeling album. Though I don’t want to reward the soft voice with tons of reverb too much.

Interesting, put for me active listening was difficult. Great vibe, though

Not a bad album, but I'd have to be in a certain headspace. It's very moody, which I just can't do right now. Latter half was definitely better than the first, with Basic Space being a standout and maybe the most upbeat.

This album surprised me started of strong and just got better. It’ll be played in my house from now on.

I never loved this band but recognize a lot of the songs. Pretty boring, but definitely different than a lot of things out there when this came out, so a little bit of respect for that.

Was never a big fan of xx. Just always sounded "fine"

This album came out right when I needed it, so itll always have a soft spot for me.

Not bad nice voice

Lofi pop to get murdered in a David Lynch film to.

OHHHHH yippee 3

This is an interesting one. It starts off great. Love that broody minimalist kind of early Cure vibe, and the downbeat boy/girl vocals recall MBV. However, as it goes on you begin to realise maybe they only have this one idea? Maybe repeated listens will reveal a little more depth, but I'm not sure I have the patience to find out...

Refreshing sounds and atmosphere listening to this album with a clear view, fan of Islands and Infinity specifically. Really solid 4 song run in the start of the album, would give a strong 3 to this one just because personally still didnt get me that attached.

Like

As tired as I am of the abundance of no name English bands that are on this countdown, there is something about this record that I dig. Not that this is amazing, because it isn’t. The singers are average at best, especially the male one who is mediocre, while the songs and production are pretty basic. But they do have something interesting about them that made this a worthwhile listen, even if it is best categorized as a slow burn. When the album first began, l was instantly buying in with Intro. Yeah it’s an instrumental, but it was a great start. Unfortunately, they never seemed to get appreciably better than that, as backed up by this being listed as the only top song from the album on Apple Music. That said, the song constructions are generally good and it has a certain vibe about it that is cool. Not great, not bad. Pretty average, which is way above a lot of the other English acts on this list that no one has ever heard of.

It's good. Some songs I really like, but most are just fine. I really like the woman vocals much more than the man's voice, but together it somehow kinda works? I dunno, I liked the album it's pretty good.

This album is viscerally familiar and yet I didn't especially know any of the songs. After giving it some thought I have a funny feeling this might be one of the albums we played for a bit while I was working at Borders back in the day. It's got the right vibe, and from the right time frame. I do think this works best as background music. It's a chill and kind of sparse. This starts out more towards a 4 and slides down to more towards a 3 by the album's end. I definitely don't dislike it but probably won't go out of my way to listen again.

Very repetetive.

Perfectly pleasant listen. Never really reaches a grand peak.

Islands is my favourite!

Very one note. Its a nice note, but it is just one

I remember this album well. The xx were huge in the tumblr scene but I never got the hype I enjoyed the singles though, they save this from a 2. But overall pretty boring 3 ⭐️

Some elite songs in here, iconic.

I've already listened

I was still kind of plugged in to the music scene when The xx released their debut album xx. In fact, there was such a buzz about that album that I listened to it. I don’t remember it making a very big impression, but I could have been a narrow-minded music nerd at the time. So, I was kind of excited to be giving it another try. Upon first listen, as I was working at my desk, I really liked it. I thought I’d made a huge mistake back then. While the songs were kind of simple with just a few instruments and some digital sounds, the vibe was very chill and relaxed. And, surprisingly, the songs had a bit of a beat to kind of bop to a bit. After listening to it, sitting in a chair, concentrating and reading the lyrics, I kind of came back to earth. The songs are simple and kind of sound the same, which isn’t bad necessarily, look at AC/DC. The lyrics to me sounded very high school teen, angsty, kind of “I’ll never love again” at age 16. Plus, you can tell this band was a fan of New Order, The Cure, Joy Division, and other 80’s new wave, but what really hit me was The Kills. The Kills are a two-person alt/rock group that is very minimalist and I love that band so much. Check out The Kills’ Midnight Boom. But several songs, I thought, this could have been off of a Kills album. Because I could easily pick out the influences, I thought it was weird that this album got so much love. I remember a band called She Wants Revenge, which I really liked, but the critics killed them for sounding just like their influences. Many of which were shared by The xx. It was confusing. Not that I don’t listen to trashy music, I do, but I really thought She Wants Revenge was going to be around for a while. Nope. Maybe the critics were just being narrow-minded idiots at that time, and 3 years later, they were all in. This album was great when it was just on in the background while you're working. But when I sat down and really got into it, even at 37 minutes, I kept wondering, “When is this going to be done?” Not sure it’s one of the best albums of the 21st century, or of 1,001 you need to hear, but it’s alright.

I like their overall sound, but the songs were forgettable.

This is #day397 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… how about a throwback to the late-'00s indie electronic? When "Crystalised" kicked in, I realized what this band reminds me of: Young Marble Giants, the early-'80s indie/post-punk Welsh band. There's this similar stripped-down minimalism, though Young Marble Giants carried more depth in their sparseness. The xx are too sugary-indie and lappy for my taste. I like the shimmering guitar sound, though. There's something Chameleons-Cocteau-Twins-esque about it. Highlights are "Intro," "Crystalised," "Islands," and "Infinity." No idea why their other album made this list. Otherwise, this is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day398.

Cool music to listen to. Nice to just have on in the background.

One of the reviews said this album is for sad middle class girls in the 2010s. I've never felt so seen. Understand the criticisms in hindsight but too nostalgic to score low

I knew the song Islands from a video game I played in like 2012. The vibe is pretty much the same throughout. Calm, electronic and a bit Emo.

Want to listen to it again. Not completely impressed.

Chill pop album. Good background music or something youd here at a trendy clothing store or coffee shop. Not my typical vibe, but not bad.

I don't think I know the xx, but I know the name. Intro is beautiful. There's a lot of New Order in there, with distracted vocals on top. Shelter comes along and I think I'm starting to get hooked. Infinity reminds me of that Chris Isaak song, but doesn't work for me. The last couple of songs not grabbing me. It's ok.

If ennui had a soundtrack, this would be it. The minimalist electronica is serviceable, and in fact, even good at times, but the lazy, oft asynchronous mumblings are a real downer. I get it. This is likely the exact vibe they were going for, and I, therefore, commend them for hitting their mark, but talk about sucking the energy out of a room. Unlike the stupefyingly generic 'I See You' (which we had to listen to just three albums ago and had zero business being on this list), I can see the somewhat unique value this album brings to the table. I think its resonance, however, is completely dependent on the listener's biorhythms at the time of consumption. If you're feeling broody, this might hit like a 5; else, it'll probably land much closer to a 1. Guess I'll split the difference.

A couple of notable tunes I knew and dug. Chill and well produced.

New-to-me band. Not bad, a chill, vibey sound that pairs well with reading in bed. Crystalised added to Liked Songs.

Thought it was an alright listen overall, a few indie bangers in there.

Actually listened to this album a fair few times when it came out. It is an enjoyable listen and there are highlights with Intro, Crystallised and Night Time. There is a bit of filler and not quite 4-star worthy. Solid 3-star.

Difficile de faire plus cliché qu’un enchaînement de chansons nommés Basic Space / Infinity / Night Time / Stars haha Je n’arrive pas trop à déceler les émotions que l’album essaye de transmettre et c’est sûrement sa force mais je pense que c’est aussi son point faible (en plus de la voix de Oliver Sim qui ne me convainc absolument pas). Les mélodies sont au point mais tout est très « vide » et donc j’ai l’impression qu’on s’ennuie vite, à moins d’être dans le mood idéal , mais ça reste un album qui me rappelle des bons souvenirs (j’avais essayé d’apprendre l’arpège de Intro à la guitare)

Pretty enjoyable, just didn't stick with me.

This was an interesting listening experience. I thought it was really cohesive sonically, it's got that kind of mellow rock sound that's perfect for a long drive on a summer evening. At the same time it felt unlike anything I've heard before (maybe Of Monsters and Men come the closest from the music I usually listen to), I found it easy to get invested in. I especially liked the rhythm section on most songs. I'm ashamed to admit I'd never heard of The xx before, but I do see myself returning to this album.

One of those that I like better musically and melodically than lyrically.

Very atmospheric. Interesting mix of indie and hip hop elements along with some industrial and synth. That said, none of it was particularly interesting or distinct, just vibes. Not great to exercise to, but would be a decent album for sitting pool side on a summer day.

I was familiar with the first song (not sure why) so I enjoyed having a little connection as I went in. Halfway through I realized they had been on the list before. I really enjoyed the first half. VCR and Crystalised were good, they flowed well together and were a little different and didn't drag. After Fantasy it all started to just mesh and seem really similar and dragging a bit. I enjoyed it overall.

I would describe their musical style as minimalist, whispy, & pretty. Everything has a very light touch. It's creative and has a unique sound. When it works, it works really well VCR, Crystalized, Islands are all good songs. But when it doesn't work it just kinda comes across as listless and boring. The best songs are at the beginning and the album falls off after them. Heart Skipped a Beat isn't bad but it just doesn't have the melodic hooks that the others had. Fantasy, snore. Basic Space could work if they cut out the beginning and kept that beat going the whole time and made it more of a dancy song. Alas, "energetic" is not a word I would use to describe this band. Infinity has a cool Roy Orbison kind of feel to it but the guy is so mumbly with his vocals. I like that there is a male counterpoint to her vocals but I don't especially like the guy's vocals. He's so listless and mumbly (Oliver Sim). I like Romy Madley Croft's singing.

This album is so chill and vibey that it makes me want to fall asleep in a cuddle puddle and miss half the album. I do like it, but it gets samesy after awhile. It’s one I’m familiar with and that I don’t like as much as I used to.

not my fav xx album but this album feels like the late 00s in such an insane way, i need it in my veins, time to let the trap beats go and go back to THIS

i used to like a couple songs from them off this album but i like the fun remixes more lmao :( this is still nice and chill

Vibes, troppo calmo dall'inizio alla fine

Really love their instrumentals, but the vocals sound kinda... ?cheap?

Off the cuff remark: while it is a perfectly pleasant listen, I enjoy the male / femal vocals, perhaps I need to listen to it more, as I can't understand why it might be in a list like this ? Standout track: perhaps part of the experience is that nothing particularly stands out, it drifts by in a quite welcome way. Revisit?: I will, as I know I own it too, decent enough but unremarkable.

Maybe a 2

Rating: 3.1 There are a couple of serious bangers at the beginning of this album. Then at the end you’ll be screaming and crying at them to do something instead of playing their instruments really quietly and whispering at each other. I hate everything about the aesthetics of this band. What are you guys even doing?

Molto interessante, suoni intriganti, sicuramente da riascoltare in cuffia. Leggermente troppo simili i pezzi

At the time this must have been a nice contrast to the seemingly hundreds of generic messy indie pop bands in the charts. Sophisticated understated sound but a bit on the bland side for me. 3*

Fine, a little plodding. Intro is cool

i usually like this type of thing but it wasn't my favorite :(

Enjoyable moody little fella. Nothing wrong with the album but nothing groundbreaking either. Sounds like a mashup of Cults and the Raveonettes. 3/5

so far calming and relaxing. cool sound soothing voice. specifically fantasy felt like good vibes for a late night drive and j enjoyed the bass-y part of that.

finally something i've heard of and liked in the past! definitely best album in my opinion so far but it's not mindblowing. i only listened through once though.

2nd album Intro holds a special place in my heart, first heard on a TV ad that I Shazzamed, then used it as the backing track of an English presentation and Bobbi said she liked the song which made me feel like I'd made a good choice - I had been doubting whether it was too slow. This album is a bit of a grower, I've heard it in it's entirety before and there were a lot of good songs, but the pace of them was a bit too slow that they were hard to be consumed by and usually got relegated to the background.

was fun listening but wouldn’t listen songs from it on a daily basis

15/08/2025 It's just a little too slow.

Um bom momento pro gerador me dar este álbum. Me encontro atualmente completamente enamorado por uma mulher que têm discos como este em seus favoritos. Não sei se é apropriado escrever algo tão pessoal aqui nessas reviews… Mas que se foda. Não vejo porquê não. Algo que estou vivendo e acho legal registrar aqui. Agora, o que dizer sobre o álbum em si, separado da dinâmica de minhas relações interpessoais? Bem, ele é melhor do que o outro álbum do xx presente na lista. Isso vai sem dizer. Eu detestei aquele álbum. Este aqui não provoca uma reação tão forte assim. Na realidade, ele é bem subjugado, minimalista, airoso, e portanto, minha opinião sobre ele retém as mesmas qualidades. Instrumentalmente esse disco me agrada muito. Mas os vocais às vezes me desagradam. Esse estilo de dueto me passa uma imagem muito específica de um tipo de gente muito específica da década de 2010. Não é uma imagem agradável. Se o álbum inteiro fosse apenas a Olivia encarregada dos vocais eu gostaria dele bem mais. Não gosto da voz desse outro cara, não gosto do jeito que ele canta. Passa uma vibe forte de coque samurai, doodle tattoos e violão no campus da faculdade na área dos cursos de humanas, e ele quer muito te convidar pra conhecer a cervejaria nova que abriu. Não é à toa que minhas faixas favoritas do disco são a Intro, e as canções que a Olivia possui a parte principal. Mas ao todo, eu gostei deste álbum. Não só em comparação ao outro deles da lista, mas no geral. Um disco bem relaxado, descontraído, minimalista. É agradável e fácil de ouvir, muitas melodias memoráveis também. Se você colocasse um vocalista melhor nessas faixas você teria um clássico. 3.5/5

Atmospheric pop, recognized "Intro"

Chill vibes, a little repetitive towards the end

I liked the song Crystalised, But the album is a Bit difficult to listen to when you’re on a bus and there’s so much noice around… Not my kind of music genre, But I have heard some of those songs before in Ads or like reality tv

I really like how this album sounds. It's something that I really like about indie, the guitar, the drone, the vocal tone. But, I do think this album is a bit basic and surface level. There is better indie music out there than something like The xx but honestly, this album is pretty good. Favorite Tracks: Intro, Crystalised, Heart Skipped A Beat, Shelter Rating: 3.5/5

Made me extremely nostalgic for being on Pandora radio at the beginning of the 2010s and I would use one of my precious skips every time a song by the xx came on. In retrospect, this album isn't terrible. It's very 2009. I can't say that I hate the songs as much as I used to, but I will probably continue to skip them in the future... for old times' sake.

average indie band 3/5

Moody and interesting. I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Points sounded like 80s new wave with a modern twist.

It's the first time I have listened to XX. I drove to work today listening to this group and they sounded great. Relaxing. 5/5

Interesting - sparse, but not cold and distant. There's a bit yearning, a bit of longing here. I think I've heard something from this in the past, but didn't go digging into my last.fm history to find it. Evokes some of the one-hit-ish wonders from the 80s - doesn't seem like it had a lot of staying power. Middle of the road for me, 3 stars.

Nothing stands out and is very slow and instrumental focused. Still quite good but nothing jumps out as a banger.

Schon super, aber kein Highlight für mich dabei, um sich dran festzuhalten

Started out great, but ultimately sounded pretty much the same all the way through.

I can take it or leave it. I guess I'll leave it.

Good vibes

i don't think any other indie album was as influential on the overall sound of the 2010s as this one, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing anymore.

A good duet album. It's pretty hipster-ish but I enjoyed it. Good vocals from both of them and the melodiea were nice. Close to a 4

I think this first song is used in like... Basketball promos? I can't believe that in 2009, we're still getting out of tune vocals on otherwise fully produced tracks. I definitely see the parallels to post punk. Crystalised is really familiar but I can't place it. It's so annoying to hear vocals on studio tracks that sound like they were recorded without monitors, but there's still something here. I think there are good songs on this album. I think they would jump out more if the vocals sounded better. I'm going to listen more. This would get a higher rating if the vocals didn't bug me so much.

Very personal sounding and calm.

3

...

Twee, but not insufferably so. Decent enough background music but I'd be surprised if I ever listened to it again.

Je ne connaissais pas tant que ça. Moi aussi faudrait que je réécoute mais ça manque un peu de piquant.

I think crystallised is a great song but the vocals are unbearable after a few songs

Pleasant. 3/5

decent

Probably a 3.5

You're such a loser for keeping this album on the list yet dumping MGMT and The Killers. English punk rock must have sucked you dry. Still good, arguably the best post-punk on here.

I’ve given this album a shot plenty of times, but I always leave underwhelmed. Jamie’s fantastic though, and their influence on pop can’t be understated. I guess I just look for a certain different sound when I want minimalism.

Enjoyed the songs with female singer on lead vocals.

If the best song on your album is called "intro," there might be a problem. I don’t know what to say about this album. I can’t say it’s generic because it’s not, but at the same time, it’s not really interesting and quite forgettable. There’s not much going on; it doesn’t have much to say. It’s not bad but not very engaging.

There's nothing really wrong with this album, it exists and it's an okay listen (even enjoyable, at times), but it doesn't instill much confidence that I would recommend it to anyone. The sound is stripped down, with the rhythms created on a laptop, which explains why it lacks much emotion or character. I don't mind the vocals and the music is easy to listen to, so that was great. I just can't understand how or why xx made the list. Is it essential? no. Will I die more peacefully if I listen to this? maybe, but it will be a slow, boring death that no one will notice or care about.

Dad- 6 Mom- 5 Mike- NA Lori- 5 Michael- 6 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 5.5

16/1001 :: The XX - xx Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Light 7 Fav Tracks: VCR, Crystalized, Islands Was super into this album when it dropped in 09. There’s an effortlessly cool factor to these songs. Also, the way their voices intermingle is really special. I do think the 2nd half of this album trails off compared to the first album but there’s an ouch here that warrants repeat visits.

It’s hard for me to accept that this might be one of the best albums ever. Really? But I’m always game for some spare, beautiful melancholy. More mood than substance, though.

7/10

This is a new-to-me band, so I had no expectations. I enjoyed the music. Chill vibe. Pleasant as background music. Three stars.

Solid album but nothing special.

Så väldigt brittiskt, sammansmältningen mellan pop och klubb. Skört och vackert. Men fastnar inte riktigt hos mig.

This really seems like something I should like: atmospheric and minimal production, cold instrumentation, male/female vocals, programming. It's fine, but ultimately kind of mundane.

Music made to be played in Pac Sun c. 2015 Faves: Intro, Fantasy, Infinity Indie Pop. August 14, 2009. British/English. 11 tracks. 38:34 runtime.

Heard the first song before, Intro. Was very familiar, maybe from a commercial. This album was pretty decent and chill. Listened to it in the car and it made for a nice car ride.

No doubt it influenced a certain sound in early 2010s British music but I find this a little boring and one note. Some great tunes that would score dramatic scenes in teen dramas for years, but the overall experience is only okay.

Never got into The xx, even though I feel like I should have. There was a small window a little after the time when this came out that I got into this type of indie-ish sounding music, but I think I was a little late to the party and was exploring other artists on the rise. Fast forward to today and I just don't really vibe with this type of music anymore. It's definitely not bad and I can appreciate it for what it is, but I won't listen to it again.

That was some pretty good vibes from an indie band I've never listened to before

Well thought out. Has a consistent flow. However after multiple listening I didn't like the vocals. The music is melodic and nice. But samey

Groupe inconnu. L'album commence bien, avec une introduction quasi instrumentale sympathique (+1). Les voix rentrent au second morceau, avec un accompagnement assez minimaliste plutôt réussi. Mais ... je n'aime pas trop la voix masculine. Même constat pour les morceaux suivants, j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à m'habituer à la voix masculine, mais j'ai bien apprécié l'ambiance (+1). Donc découverte intéressante, mais qui ne rejoindra pas ma collection. =>3/5

Desde la inconfundible “intro” hasta “Hot Like Fire (Bonus Track)” “XX” de The xx es un álbum completo de música alternativa antes de que este género saltase masivamente al mainstream en la década de los 2010s. Un sonido muy limpio con instrumentos tocados de forma muy sutil y las voces de Romy, Oliver y Baria casi susurradas que cantan sobre el amor en la juventud, la soledad. Sin ser mucho mi estilo musical, se me ha hecho ameno y reconozco que es un sonido que ha inspirado a muchos de los artistas que crean música a día de hoy; incluso a Rihanna que sampleó “Intro” en su tema “Drunk On Love” de 2011.

Good stuff

Oddly soothing, considering how monotonous and bland it is.

A bit repetitive

it just sort of plods along but i dont hate it

Alright, not my favourite genre.

This is a very nicely produced, chill, atmospheric indie pop record -a late night album because of the calmness and simplicity. Perhaps it is a bit too soft for my taste, and not as melodic as I thought it would be. Not sure I'd listen to it again, 3 stars overall.

I enjoyed this one, nice listen and very chill/atmospheric.

This album starts out great, big tunes in the first half then gets less great and samey towards the end

Decent. A little too slow for me. Poppy, just not something I’m gonna promote.

As much as I have listened to the opening track aptly titled "Intro" and think it is a great song to write or code to, I didn't know much about this band, but I had high hopes. Sadly, the album did not live up to the expectations at all. The music was so stripped down I thought my audio balance was off and I was missing a channel.

Chilled, not my fav but decent

Good enough.

Definitely a little slow, but it felt like this kind of indie pop was a nice change of pace on this list.

Not what I usually listen to, inspired a lot of music you can tell tho

아.. 잘 모르겠네

The delivery and production works for me for a song at a time - as an album it drags

Fine.

Pretty good!

This is a solid contemplative pop album. I like the vocal duo, but their strength is in the strong, deep, brooding vibe they create. Not a lot of hooks or clever lines, but they hold your attention with their sound. At times it feels borderline ambient, but you still get the impression that even in those moments, they are intentional.

I really enjoyed this. I kind of read the description for the album and rolled my eyes a little bit, mostly because I think there have been enough English pop albums already on the list, but I did end up enjoying this for being a little moody and atmospheric jam chill record. 3.5/5

If you've consumed popular media in the last 15yrs, you've probably heard the first 4 songs from this album. Beyond that, the album will feel brand new if you can stay awake for it. Also- I refuse to believe the intro isn’t a Blue Man Group track.

Great voice, does what it says on the tin.

The first album to kick off this list. I feel like all my notes throughout this journey are going to be "very chill" or "good jam," so I'll try to write something more haha. This album reminds me of the kind of music I would drive around late at night listening to. I particularly liked the songs "Shelter" and "Night Time."

I have no idea where I have heard these songs before, maybe some kind of medical drama? It’s mellow and soothing but a little sad to just throw on randomly.

I listen to SiriusXMU as background music while I drive, so I knew the xx as a pleasant enough transition between songs. There are a few decent tracks here, bt it's most just drifty less-than-dream pop. Good in bursts, tough as a whole.

Chilled album which has good parts

Pretty solid album, loved the vibes honestly. Nice open sounds and rhythm, chill but not too chill. Basic Space was lit. 3 stars

PARKOUR???!!!!!!! I truly didn’t know that the xx was even a band

Liked it better than I did when it first came out.

Decent background music, but probably not one I'd revisit.

Intro does a great job setting the vibe for the rest of the album, the reverb guitar really stands out. Some of the songs are a bit too sleepy.

Good starting, an iconic intro. But the rest of the album fell flat and I was ready for it to be over.

It's fine

I like the xx this album is perfectly fine

De intro schept verwachtingen die de rest van het album niet waarmaakt. Op een paar korte momenten na gebeurt er te weinig, zijn de melodieën te simpel of te saai en zijn de stemmen wat te zeurderig. Toen het album uit kwam werd je doodgegooid met de Intro, en snap nu waarom ik al die tijd enkel dat nummer heb geluisterd.

This album got me curious. I liked some of the songs more than others. Easy to listen to the whole album. Not quite grabbing me.

I’m with Elizabeth on this one—I feel like it’s fine? Easy to listen to, but minimalist in the wrong kind of way for me or something. Strong coffee shop soundtrack vibes, so maybe if I’d listened to it while I was working and I would have felt differently.

Nice, tidy, little indie joint. I liked it

Very boring for me, but I see its appeal Edit:relistened at night and it's actually a pretty enjoyable album, I don't love it but it's decent at least

This was pleasant enough but felt really insubstantial. Just one mood throughout that was fine, but not exciting really.

This album holds a lot of nostalgia for me and I'm glad it's on this list. Even so, I can only take so much of this. Intro and Crystalized are great but the back half of the album did seem to drag on a bit. 5.5/10 (2.75/5)

Fine

New to me, band and album. And yet, when the Intro fired up to open, it was a wait, what? who? moment. Overall, it's a pretty subtle, chill album, not remarkable, but also not awful. It's got a cool vibe that gets it over the 3star hurdle.

Legendary track to open the album, rest of the songs were okay. Not really my style. 6.1/10

Remember this album from years ago and it was nice to listen to it in full. The standouts are “Crystalised” and “Islands” for me, and probably the main songs I’d return to. I can hear influences from the White Stripes but can also hear how they influenced 2010s indie/ pop with simpler guitar riffs, vocals and beats.

Did I like this? I did. Surprised as anyone

This album was very fun! It reminded me of middle school and how Indie music was at the time. I had never heard this album but have been a fan of Jamie xx. 6/10 Favorite track - intro

i kind of enjoy a lot of the sounds. the intro is soo good. but i really can’t get with the vocals. i don’t know why but i just find them too boring and sleepy, unfortunately. fave song is shelter. i don’t mind the vocals and it’s a really nice song.

Was okay. May listen to more.

eh...... falta tempero. mas tem algumas pedradas pra ouvir enquanto compra roupa na renner

I think crystalised and the intro hold up, but I had forgotten how sleepy most of the album is.

Okay.

The sound is very sparse and clean. Sounds very ethereal, dreamlike. Something that rewards close listening, but also works fine as something to zone out to. The lyrics don’t stick out much to me. The vocal duetting adds a nice touch. Everything sounds like it’s floating. Fantasy sounds like a conversation with a ghost. Perfect album for a rainy day. It is not exactly my kind of music but I like it. I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it again but if I heard it I wouldn’t mind. Also the cover is perfect for the music, aggressively minimalist.

Doesn’t feel at the same level as the rest of the list but it was relaxing and I liked it.

Somehow never listened to it before, it's nice enough but I can't say I'm fussed

This wasn't bad, it was just forgettable. It's ambient and overall pleasant, but none of it really stood out.

Not bad. I recognize it from the 90s. It’s completely 90s.

Its pleasant but didn’t really leave me with anything.

The intro is great, probably the best song on the album. The rest is pretty good. this is one that I'd like to give a half star to, so I guess add that to the score.

Moody blues

Decent indie electronic. A little slow for my taste but consistent. High 3.

Very 2000s. Not essential but didn’t hate hearing this album. I can’t say anything about it stuck with me after multiple listens but I remember this being “cool” when it came out.

Very mellow again, very minimalist but by accident 😅

They were one of the most popular bands around back in the late 00’s but I don’t really see the appeal of this lo-fi electronica. It’s ok for a single spin but it’s not engaging enough to be repeated often.

Not as bad as I expected - I had the idea I disliked this band. This was pleasant sounding stuff, just nothing that interesting either. I still have a song from the album before this in my head but that won't happen with these songs as I forgot them all immediately after listening. Still, they were nice, chill songs.

Nice and chill. 3/5

This one is tough because on any other day, this would be a 5/5 (including when the album first came out and Intro was mindblowing to listen to), but for some reason my brain registers these specific soundwaves as void of emotion, too simplistic, and annoyed at the guy's singing voice for sounding too much like a weed addict bum ex.

Felt like it was close to a 4 but fell a bit short. A lot of good melodies, lyrics, and singing. Overall a good listen.

This is too breathy for me, but I get it. I'd love these guitar parts over a driving fuzz bass guitar and drums.

Intro is a really great song that I have heard many times before. Other than that I haven't heard the XX at all. I kind of get why today. While the other songs aren't bad by any means they just aren't as good as Intro. The whole album has a great mood running throughout it that I enjoy and Infinity is one of the songs I added to a few playlists for the future.

I had never heard of them lol but Cool album awesome trancelike atmosphere. Guitar is so fn cool and weird. Vocals are pretty good too just some resident sleeper tracks. Intro Is phenomenal (In my rave experience I have heard this mixed in a couple times)

good production, very smooth/chill pop

I thought this album was okay but it didn’t do a lot for me. The intro sound I knew and the entire record reminded me of a silversun pickups album (granted, probably influenced them). Nothing wrong with it, but 3 stars

cool listen

Slow, relaxed and semi fun. I don’t think it’s a bad album, I can see it’s for some people - just not me

Yeah not my thing really

Good vibes. (31 known/61 new)

sound like banger 2010x

At its best when it's presenting you with small, minimalist and frankly pretty cute indie pop songs. At its worst when it sounds like they plundered the sound bank of some multinational firm's PR team, missing only the voice-over ensuring you that this corporation believes in a better future for us *and* our children.

Intro is awesome. Then the whole album falls off a cliff into a sea of boring.

Great music but I didn’t enjoy the vocals

3/5 all songs where decent

This album has three amazing songs in a row where the sparseness of the vocals and production serves to build emotion and tension—Crystalized, Islands, Heart Skipped a Beat. But sadly, that same sparseness is too simple and lacking to carry the rest of the record.

it’s okay. nothing i’d turn off if it came on, but very bland

Actual review date: May 6, 2025 Well that was a long and unexpected break from reviewing. I listened to a bit of this before life got in the way and I kind of liked what I heard. I listened to it full today and it was decent. It started off promising but did get a little boring for me. Still, I didn't mind it but it's probably not something I'd keep on my phone. More of a 3.5.

I liked this in college but found it kind of annoying on relisten

Mid alone but good based on the significance in the industry

this album is okay not my favorite but the songs are actually pretty good just didn’t really like it too much. it just wasn’t very compelling and stuff.

Chill beats and cool vocals.

Surprising.

Sì boh carino, con alti e bassi non particolarmente degni di nota

I like the chilled vibes and slower pace. Makes a change. The guitar is catchy and fun. Vocals seem a bit flat / lack depth though.

I never really “got” xx even though I was alive when they became an indie sensation. A handful of their sons are enjoyable late night driving songs. But ultimately I’m always waiting for the beat to drop or a hook to start and it never comes. 3/5

Ah, the quintessential Tumblr album. I don't know if this has aged the best but it does make me very nostalgic in a sad way. Very vibey and chill, minimalistic album.

This album is cool because it's different. But it makes me feel sleepy. I could definitely see myself listening to this on a rainy day, looking out the car window, just vibing and being melancholy. Will I come back to this one? Maybe? Probably not? Am I disappointed that I gave this a listen? Nah.

this is so industrial house but no

Beautiful perfect...background music. The intro is incredible and so evocative, and there are some more standouts - fantasy (that outro!), basic space - but on the whole the sound is too shy to listen to regularly. I'll still round a 3.5 up to a 4 because it's an album I will be returning to next time I'm doing physics homework.

I've meant to relisten to this album, I don't think I've heard it since maybe 2012. Intro is cool. VCR is cute and great. Crystalized is a really great song immediately followed by Islands which is just as strong. If it was just these four songs it would be a 4/5. The album starts to nosedive a little after Islands for me with each track progressively getting worse. The MIDI harp on Heart Skipped a Beat hurt me. Fantasy is a great idea but a bit of a snoozer, I'm sure it's stronger live. Shelter rights the ship slightly but there is only so much Direct In Reverb Guitar I can take and it never really reaches the climax it was building to. Basic space gave me false hope again that they were going to pick it up but nah. Infinity did bring an improvement finally, though those claps were infuriating. The melody is the same as Party All The Time by Eddie Murphy. Night Time is like a good attempt at making a band focussed Crystal Castles song, I liked that. Stars is another song that I want to like but the idea is so stretched out that it's difficult. I think if I listened to this album nonstop all day I would come around to like it, it definitely needs to grow on you. There is a lot to like about the songwriting on this. I often see people cite The XX as a gateway to Dreampop which I did not understand listening back to this. I don't think Cocteau Twins or Loveliescrushing is going to magically make sense to you after listening to this if it didn't before. I think the main appeal of Dreampop's lofi sound is that there is such strong intentionality and production behind those bands where this xx album feels like they just didn't know how to record and instead of learning to mix they called it lofi. I'm probably being too harsh, it can take this light 3 and we can move on.

When I saw this album on the list, I was like, yeah, sure. But having two XX albums on here is pretty crazy. I know this album was huge in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but it hasn't aged with me too well. This album definitely hit for me back then, but the lack of diversity across the project makes it kind of boring. The sound of this album is as if The Edge took his guitar effects and applied it across the entire band. Not saying that it's bad in that sense, just super reverb-y, delay-y, and monotone. Definitely an album that hits hard for depressed people. I think I'm giving this a strong 3, but this is a hard one for me to rate. PSA: probably giving the other XX album a 2 just because I don't think this band is deserving of two spots on the list.

Only knew islands and the intro song before coming into this, and after VCR I wasn’t sure about this record. I ended saving about half the songs. This album is a particular type of vibe and if you’re in the mood it’s great. I don’t think this is an absolute must listen though. Still good. Strong 3/5

It was fine… I got really sick of hearing so many duets, and the best part were the instrumentals, riffs and all.

Me costó la primer mitad, pero luego empecé a apreciar las sutilezas y lo juguetón de las voces. Quizá deba recolectar un tema para poner en lista, pero me falto alguno que sea explosivo. Habrá que ver la evolución de estos artistas. Nota: 3.0

Decent background music.

Chill, nostalgic

ну такой фончик

Nice enough, the songs blend together a bit. I remember the tumblr girlies being obsessed with this when it came out. 3/5

I like this kind of music - strange and emotional and vibey. But it did feel a little dated, imo. Islands was the standout for me; the others blurred together a bit.

It was fine.

It's ok. I remembered it being better somehow?

I liked the atmosphere created at the start, but it doesn't really go anywhere with it and I was surprised by the end. I felt like it was a lot of promise unrealised.

It was good, just kept fading into the background on me

I have tried to listen to this album soooo many times but every time I get bored. This was probably my 10th listen. Islands and Intro are classics but then the rest gets a little samey. I’ll try it again soon but for now a 3.

Atmospheric and faded into the background. A couple of instantly recognizable tunes.

Meh. Its cool. But boring. Its mellow. But not in an interesting way

Good

Had never heard of them and immediately wanted to not like them because they were English, but I was pleasantly surprised. Has a chill vibe to it.

Another album that I actually was pleasantly surprised by. The vocals were good and mixed in well. It kinda reminded me of evanescence jumping on what otherwise would have been instrumental tracks, but adding to them instead of detracting from them. Glad to have heard it!

-i need to stop judging albums without listening to them honestly… came into this expecting bland coworker music but ended up enjoying it quite a bit. such pleasant and ethereal instrumentals -got kind of dull at moments and the vocals are more of an acquired taste, but i came to like them too. especially the female one. not bad at all -Favorites are Islands and Heart Skipped a Beat

Very breezy electronic and indie record. Has some hiccups production wise, but still pretty good

It's alright

wel chill, maar toch een beetje saai

I've heard intro thousands of times - the rest of the album was sparser and more yell/stomp-y than I would have guessed.

Not sure what to think of this after the first three tracks. I can appreciate it but it isn't exactly captivating, might be owing to the fact that so many other artists have copied their vibe that it doesn't sound special anymore. Still pretty cool tracks, not a standout quality that makes them hit hard though. I honestly don't feel compelled to finish this album lol I think it's just an issue of being willing to accept the vibe/atmosphere of the album, bc if you can do that it's a smoother listen that you can just sit with, but otherwise it's mostly just boring

xx is an album that is just squandered potential in my eyes. The first 5 songs were all great with them each having an otherworldly indie sound with beats that did the job well and just a general vibe that you could easily relax to and get lost inside your thoughts. However, tracks 6, 7 and 8 were all lacking due to music that was trying to hard to be ambient and vocals which sounded like Romy and Oliver were just getting bored of this and while tracks 9, 10 and 11 were good, they just weren't able to hit the heights of the first 5. This album is the embodiment of the saying (I don't know if this is a real saying or not but who cares) "You had it all but lost it somewhere along the way". Best Song: Intro Worst Song: Shelter Side note: I love the music video for Islands, I love how it tricks you into thinking that it is just going to be a simple visualizer but then everything goes awry and it was just a really cool subversion of my expectations

Chill