Reviews (page 3 of 7)
I was not as impressed as the debut, but I still liked the vibe of this album.
Although I (music) prefer their debut, this is still a nice and very recognizable xx album.
This album reminded me why I first (along with everyone else) liked the xx. Funny how failing to hear an album at every spa, restaurant, bar, and boutique means I'm not so sick of it that I can't hear it with fresh ears.
Great, rather quiet music.
Easy listening Pop 7/10
Never got around to listening to this when it came out. I think their debut is just an all timer. Loved how it used silence and negative space to its advantage. This one is wider sounding and there’s more going on. Still really good though.
very good listen 4/5
No me ha emocionado mucho. Pero bueno.
Intro!
I’m not sure why this is the first adjective that came to mind after listening to this, but I’m this album felt so charismatic. Certainly vulnerable at parts too (I think Performance may have been my favourite), but the band simply some across as cool. The sound itself felt someone indie pop - reminding me of boygenius and similar bands that seem more in the public consciousness these days (not only because of their love for lower casing the band name). A quick google says The xx are still going, so I’ll be keeping an ear out for them in the future.
Jamie XX is one of my favorite DJ's. In fact I have a couple of his songs in my best ever list. This album has some wavering at first between electro-pop and even a K-pop feel until it finds its deeper groove -- and when it does (!). I think the idea of "unleashing" Jamie's production is the key to The XX's strength. The other musicians are good on their own, but really brought out into the more electronica deeper vibe by Jamie. I think they might have suffered from a too "poppy" sound if not for that marriage. But of course there was, and is that blending, and there are a couple of corkers on this album because of it.
3.5
A few days before this album was generated I was listening to a bunch of The xx for the first time in a while, including most of this album. I am blessed by the album gods. I had this on repeat when it first released. I always listen start to finish - it's a whole mood - but I listen to On Hold by itself a lot. I can't get enough of the way they use the Hall and Oates sample, and it's definitely the most upbeat track. I feel a kind of push-pull dynamic listening to the lyrics throughout. There is pain and loss and vulnerability in expressions of insecurities (Say Something Loving). Performance is heartbreaking and always tugs at my tearducts. I didn't know there was a Deluxe version, so I listened to that. I thought Test Me was a perfect closer, no additions needed, so I'll favor the og in future listens.
3.5 stars. Starts off well with good energy, “Dangerous” is fantastic, but fades and isn’t as good the rest of the way save for “On Hold”.
After a few listens, I could really see why this is included in this list. Some good atmospheric songs.
Lovely indie album. A lot of the tracks are ethereal with a dreamlike pleasant quality. The vocals (especially the female vocals) are quite lovely. My favorite track on this album was I Dare You. 3.6
Smooth and consistent throughout. Great for nighttime drives. “On Hold” was one of my top songs of 2017.
Intriguing but a bit one-note. Eager to compare it to their debut album
Top reviews say it's a bit boring. I guess I'm a boring person.
I've never heard of this band before, but when I looked them up and saw that they are Indie Pop, I fully expected to love this. I didn't though, not really. I liked it...the production was cool and the male vocals were really good. The female vocals didn't do it for me though. Kinda killed the vibe a little bit. Still glad I listened to it though. 4/5
Solid. Sounds like them
竟然听过
The XX are one of my favourite bands, and this is my second favourite album by them, so personally glad to see this on the list today. But not sure if it’s an album that’s really in the same league as their debut, so can’t give it the full 5 stars.
Never heard of them before but pretty good.
Well I wasn’t expecting another album by this band on here but I’m definitely not complaining. If the last one was pure early 2010s indie electro pop type stuff this is pure late 2010s indie electro pop type stuff. It really does feel like these two albums bookended and defined the decade for the genre. Lips and replica were my favs
This is probably my favorite xx album honestly, some absolutely awesome songs and fire production. I'd call this one an easy 4 while the others are like... Just barely 4s, or maybe lower (haven't listened to Coexist in a while). Anyway, it's good, I like it.
Not half bad
Actually enjoyed this - nice sample work and relatively minimalistic instrumental choices. Definitely a bit samey, but I worked while listening to this so that was fine by me.
2017 Indie rock, dream pop, alternative dance 3rd studio album by the xx. First impression: Thumbs up! Very enjoyable. Standouts: On Hold, Say Something Loving, I Dare You Singles: On Hold, Say Something Loving, I Dare You, Dangerous Rating: 3.75
Like the last album from the xx, I also greatly enjoyed their sound on this one. Smooth and dreamy and a lovely blend of vocals.
There is a pleasantness that I found pleasing today.
I used to love The XX. Not sure I’ve gone out of my way to listen to this more recent album though so looking forward to it. 4 so far.
The beats are great the singing is my type with nice male vocals and harmonious female vocals, maybe should relisten but it's missing "something" to make it great. did enjoy though 3.6
richtig gut
I enjoyed this album. Liked their voices.
Very mellow, low-fi kinda vibes. Been a while since I listened to their other main album but from what I recall it is very similar! 4.5
Poppy. Not bad at all.
I found it captivating for its simplicity It really drew me in Didn’t know what to expect but enjoyed it very much !
7 years earlier, these guys changed the face of indie pop for everyone to follow. This record doesn't have that innovation or consistency, instead favoring for something more commercial, loud and proud. It's a short string of summery pop bops, with a crisp indietronica production led almost exclusively by the works of Jamie xx. There are some great hits on here. Several of the tracks, however, are pretty forgettable and derivative of their other work, highlighting the minimalist electronica which can come off as boring, lifeless, and repetitive. Their debut incorporated dreaminess and ambient much better than here. It still sounds tight, but boring. That being said, half the tracks are amazing. Appropriate opener and closer (although "Test Me" could be improved). Nothing drags on too long. It's a really solid album, just cut 3 tracks and fix up the closer. Favorites: Say Something Loving, On Hold
this is the kind of album I love being exposed to if only because it will impress my wife. This was a fun chill listen and I it will become part of the rotation.
Remind me a lot of a band i really love, Oh Wonder. Xx’s vocals a more present than ethereal than Oh Wonder with the occasional use of 808 drums.
Forgot about this band. Vividly recall them performing "On Hold" on Saturday Night Live, which was a blast. Great overall album. Glad to be exposed their other material.
Not bad. A kit of reverb, synth and clean guitar and good chord progressions. Where are the drums though?
Based on the first track, I was really worried that this was going to be an EDM/House/Dance album, which I would have not enjoyed. BUT it was just a fakeout. A real emotional album, excellent lyrics, and instrumentation that supports it. A really wonderful surprise (as I've never listened to the xx before).
No deep thoughts or analysis, I didn’t recognise the band or album but with a blind listen through was pleasantly surprised. Enjoyed this and kept on repeat for much of the day.
I enjoyed this one. I didn’t think every track was strong, but on the whole I liked the sound and would probably listen to it again if I was in the mood. It turns out I have listened to The xx before without realising it (on the Great Gatsby sound track - which is great btw) Nice to listen to something more recent - so far the challenged has been 30% 70s!
First listen for me. Lush-sounding album: the duo's vocals are great. I particularly liked "On Hold", which has the catchiest tune.
A very easy listening album
I really connected with this album.
Jaimie XX carries.
full review on ig: @musicwithnessa
Wow, does this album sound different than their first. I'm pleasantly surprised!
I dig it! An electronic pop album with very solid songs. A nice suprise given the release date and the style
This is my first time listening to The XX and I really enjoyed this album.
Lovely album. Great sonics and powerful lyricism.
It's paradoxical. Their voices are amazing, the vibe is cool, the beat/instruments is lean and ethereal. This so much feels like my jam, but the hits aren't too strong here. It's perfect vibe background music, but there's not a ton that is forever memorable. I like Dangerous and On Hold the best, but it needs a bit more of a hook to get me to the next level. Still, because everything else is so well balanced for me, i'm excited about what comes next.
The XX are very good at creating atmosphere and vibe. The album sits very consistently in that atmosphere. I always like the contrast of male/female vocals together. Definitely enjoyed it. I also appreciate its not too long.
First album that I had never heard of the musicians, but I actually really liked it. I think that’s what this entire thing is about. Yea!!
Dance rhythms. Horns. Keyboards.
Good listen! First new album I’ve really liked
Dream pop, alternative dance. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Zeer aangename sfeer op dit album. Ik hou van hun dromerige stijl
Not what I expected and that's a good thing. I want to check out their other albums.
In the best possible way, all The xx songs sounds like openers or closers. It's grandiose, moody and atmospheric to boot. It also leaves me longing for the actual body or essence of the record which all of the tracks seem to be nicely wrapped around. Like a well-wrapped gift with nothing inside. But damn it's well-wrapped.
I enjoyed listening to this. The pacing / beat is slower than I typically prefer, but the ethereal nature of the music kept me interested and engaged. I struggled between 3 and 4 on this one, but ended up going with 4. If half stars were an option, 3.5
It grew on me. I thought it was another middling English record but Jamie XX created something more interesting by the end. Another sound scape to float thought this season of my life to.
This was almost a 5-star album for me. So close. It's great. Legitimately great. It's just a smidge too dated to earn full marks, though. For an album released in 2017, so many of the songs feel like they were released in the mid-aughts. That's enough to dock it a star. But only barely. It's a great album that I'll be revisiting.
Canciones con un estilo muy ambiental, relajado, con buenas voces y ritmos tranquilos. Me ha gustado el estilo
I've only listened to the first two albums from The XX. I absolutely flogged them. This started out a bit more upbeat and then really settled in to what I remember from them. The vocal work is dreamy and reminded me why I was so into their first albums.
I like the atmosphere on this one and certainly am becoming a fan of The xx. I haven't listened to the other album as part of this list so looking forward to that coming around. Faves: Dangerous, Performance, and On Hold.
Similar to the other album of theirs on the list, yeah, I dig it, and should probably spend more time with it. I think I like "xx" slightly more? It had more of a hushed tone... Fave track - hmmmm, tricky - ideally need more spins before picking. I dug the sample/sound effect on "Naive" though that's apparently a bonus track. "On Hold" from the main disc, maybe?
Occasionally veers into safe car-commercial pop music, but the dance beats and bass save it at those times. I liked it!
I love nearly every song from The XX
Was unfamiliar but like a lot
I like the xx, and I like this album, but it's another case of being a little confused to see this on the list. The xx's music has always been gentle, sweet and pleasant, and it's been nice to put on when I'm in a soft indie mood, but I've never thought of it as groundbreaking or particularly noteworthy. In fact, it could be borderline boring to the wrong ears. I'm still going to rate it highly enough, because it's one of their better albums, and as mentioned, I like the xx. But with the paltry number of recent albums on this list...why this one?
Not heard of these before. Very nice album. Really well produced and arranged. The vocals and the pacing are very good too. At times it like a more indie version of Blue States
Better then I thought it would be. There are some really cool tracks that I would almost call hits.
I’ve never heard a duet album before. It’s pretty good. It feels like they are singing about each other. It works. The beats are all really good. It didn’t give me chills or anything but it was enjoyable. The first song of the album is still my favorite.
This is one of those albums that I didn't care for at first but as I listened more, it grew on me. A very chill electronic indie, rock anthem with glimpses of drone at times. This is possibly one of the youngest albums on this list, as it was released less than 10 years ago, yet I feel like it's inclusion in this list is well warranted. The mixing of the album really makes it good studying and working music. Not necessarily the best in all occasions, but no song, and no album is applicable to all of life's situations. Yet this is a well crafted album, emblematic of its genre and pleasing to the ears. Fave songs: Dangerous Brave For you Performance
Liked it enough to add it to my albums! Good stuff!
Very different from other xx albums but super good with awesome vocals. 4-4.5
Awesome.
Did not like it when it came out. Good songwriting and excellent production. Romy’s vocals is it’s weakest point, at points tarnishing the product quite a lot.
The xx have some of the best-produced albums in indie music today. Just immaculate. By this album, The xx had well-established their melancholy, sexy, bedroom-lights-dimmed-low style but I love how "I See You" also feels colorful, particularly in the opening tracks. They use samples and mix in elements of dance music for some incredible, addictive songs. I love when the vocal sample comes in on "On Hold." I can't get enough of that. "Say Something Loving" is another great song that uses a vocal sample in an interesting way. I'm not sure I've heard another band slip in a sample like this to enrich the emotions of the song. And the lyrics about allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to accept love are heartbreaking and beautiful. The vocals on this song (and every other song on the album) are fantastic. I love the male-female back-and-forth between Oliver Sim and Romy. It's part of The xx's signature sound and it makes every song feel so intimate and sexy. I particularly like Romy's vocals. She's got a solo album that came out recently that I've been obsessed with. "A Violent Noise" is a fascinating track. It's a sad song about going out with friends and dancing in the club but still feeling a lingering sadness (presumably from a breakup). The music captures the feeling perfectly. It sounds like it takes place within a club but doesn't actually feel like club music. It's the sound of being lonely in a crowd. Excellent album. I had it on repeat all weekend. 4.5
I’ve listened to The xx previously, but hadn’t heard I See You until now. This album was a chill start to my morning. My favorite tracks were “Dangerous” and “A Violent Noise.”
Love the instrumentals and vocals
Nice chill music with male and female vocals. I like this a lot. Nice to play with a date 4
I like this. It feels new and experimental and fun. Very cool. Shame they only have three albums, currently. 4/5
Most of The xx sounds like two estranged lovers singing over the phone, their faces tear-stained, their choked sobs off-mike. This was a nice collection of that evocative sound.
Rimelig lækker moderne elektronisk indie pop
Very chill
Another album that I wouldn’t pull first but for a day of listening, this should be on the stack.
I really liked this album!
One of the stronger 2010s albums on this list. Really nice unique sound. 8/10.
Sterkt, men når ikke opp i katalogen.
yeah sure okay!!
Delicate and Powerful, this has a more mature feel to it compared to their previous albums. Dangerous is an absolute banger.
I do like this album and it's definitely got that XX style but it feels like the structure has become much more generic and sounds similar to a lot of other stuff. The vocals and lyrics are definitely them but feels like they lost a bit of what made the XX so original and good in places.
Yeah not bad, not normally my thing but I liked it. Favourite was that one I'd already heard, though; Dangerous
Really enjoyable. I’ve listened to some of The XX before, but didn’t realize how mellow their other songs were. 7/10.
8/10. Pleasantly surprised by a solid 2010s pick. I didn't realize "On Hold" had a good album to back it up, and in fact I liked some of the other songs a fair bit more.
Very enjoyable. It sounds very different to their classic debut album, but not in a bad way. They're able to still sound like the same band but explore some more upbeat songs and ideas
the xx at their best. Best track: I Dare You
Solid album. I've never heard of this band before yesterday. The two vocalists do an excellent job.
Rather typical 2010s movie/TV series BGM. Add a star for I Dare You
A few good bass lines and some interesting ideas here and there, I think I will revisit
Ahh yes FIFA 18. Not a bad album, dos equis but 3 stars
Fine, just kinda the xx.
This was fine, just didn’t hit the same as their older stuff, a little too pop for me this time around.
When I hear this, I think that this is the definition of indie music. Throw in some shoegaze, some ambient/dreamy textures and this is the outcome. It’s okay and that’s all this is. I liked their other album more than this. It had a bit more backbone to the record. I just felt like something was missing from most of these songs here.
I liked it when it came out but it hasn’t aged well. The first album is better.
No one would be upset if this was playing in the background. 6/10
Album 233. I See You (https://open.spotify.com/album/6Zw6NKh3oIUhDRMOyBmsUU?si=3BwmnTF0T56Wb4wL0U44iw) — The xx (2017) Good. Same vibes as their debut xx album. 3/5 Liked: — On Hold
A fine indie pop album, but that's just it, it's fine. Incredible Hall and Oates sample on On Hold
Didn't mind it and I always find electronic music helpful to focus .
It's fine, but yeah... this being immediately taken off the list after one edition makes sense. I don't think it's even a particularly essential album in the context of The xx. It's ok though, I just don't ever really come back to this over their debut or Coexist. So.... glad I had a reason to give this another listen but yeah. Excited to hear their new stuff whenever that's out, though!
I liked the sound, although, it could use some beat drops or something to break the songs up and make them a bit more unique.
It’s fine. Easy to listen to background noise but it’s dull. Nothing remarkable
Totally new to me. Music lacks something, but I like the vocals. Disappointed that one track was in that crappy Essex nightclub style, but fortunately just the one.
Enjoyed the production and creative sampling, and the different feel of this album to XX. I do like her as a vocalist and think she steps up to this more expansive style, but I think his voice worked loads better in their early more confined sound.
вау. скучно
músicas que tocariam na renner
I really liked their first record which would have made a better addition to this list. With that said, there are a handful of strong songs here but also too many that are decent but fade into the background. This has a stronger dance feel which seems to be where Jamie XX true passion lies. Replica and On Hold are probably the best tracks here.
Meh, kinda pop drivel.
Yeah, I mean, honestly, I have no idea why this on the list. Their first album is the only one I would ever consider essential listening. It's fine. It's rich and lush, Romy probably sounds at her best here but this doesn't compare to the rest of the list. This was a great album for 2017, not much else.
Great vocals and cool beats. Reminds me of 80s New Wave but with a newer sound.
They've been popular for so long, and I even dated a girl who had previously dated one of the singers, and STILL this is the first time I've actually listened to the xx. Or perhaps not, because it's not the most memorable music. Has the potential to be really great but sort of misses every opportunity to be exciting :(
Utterly inoffensive, perfectly pleasant but not very interesting. A generous 3.
Not that interesting actually, ⭐⭐⭐
Catchy techno-adjacent dance-y with a slight trip-hop bent. Singers Romy and Oliver tag-team with soulful vocals, and steer it a bit toward house and adult-contemporary. One or two songs get a little annoying.
They tricked me again I liked this one better than the first album we had from them, I thought the first song on the album was actually good and almost made me forget what I hated about them. I think the vocals have a bit more energy put into them this time, they’re pretty pleasant for the most part. I Dare You is also alright, have definitely heard that one before and is probably better than any track on the first album. After the high of that first track, they go back to their old tricks of whispering softly, not taking any musical risks, and just being the La Croix of modern pop. It’s just so boring, feels more like the music they’d have playing in a shopping center or apple commercial than something they intended people to listen to. I’m more upset that I actually got my hopes up and thought they turned a corner Again it’s still not as bad as I remember them being, and maybe I was a little too harsh in my initial review, but this is absolutely not my kinda music. Pretty certain this will be my final time listening to these people by choice
I would kind of vibe with it and then get that overwhelming feeling that this would play in a Macy's
I like this album and hate this album. I love how it sounds, but there are moments where I just despise how it sounds. I’m so torn on how I feel about this album that it just has to be given a 3.
Again The XX is not really my type of music but it is an enjoyable listen. The soul sounds of the music provide a a smooth backdrop for both singers. Their harmonies and interplay back and forth on the songs makes the album a cut above other soul albums. Loved the lyrics on many of the songs but the music wasn’t that engaging to keep me occupied and the song became forgettable. Overall I liked it, but how many times I would listen to this album is likely very low.
This one just existed.
When I heard the first few beats, my immediate impression was 2 pushing 1. But this was better than that. Kind of reminds me of Everything But The Girl where it sounds like dance/club music at first, but it goes deeper than that. It's solid music with a club veneer rather than club music with lyrics. Wasn't love but still a pleasant surprise.
The xx passed me by a little bit, think I've said before that I dont think their quiet sparse sound is the best option for that sort of thing. This album must be a later one I'd reckon as there is a bit more going on, which is a potential straight situation when your whole thing is not having much going on. Was very listenable, first track particularly came together quite nicely. Unlikely to return to it mind.
The XX - a band beaming in from a different dimension! The first album was a solid 5 stars, but this feels a little bit like a faded copy, similar but less ambitious Its now more like dinner party background music, which is just fine, but less satifying for a closer listen in headphones
I stopped paying attention 15 seconds in and then came back and thought the same song is playing
Immaculate production, mid songwriting
It's fine trancey, melodic EDM. A few good songs, but overall kind of disappointing. It doesn't really blaze new ground or even refine upon 90's and early '00's electronica. Not as good despite having more powerful production tools. Interestingly, the tracks I liked the best ("Performance") were the ones that set aside the MIDI instrumentation and used physical strings to create the sounds that were then processed. That sounded cool and was a more unique sound that would have been prohibitive with earlier tools. But... it still falls behind other contemporary bands like Glass Animals.
Pablum is the word that comes to mind for the vast majority of this album. Ground down to the simplest easiest to digest basic pop music. However, the final track Test Me absolutely saved it. That was quite good.
Standouts Dangerous Performance
None of the songs stood out. Decent indie/electronic. Appreciate the mixed vocals. Couldn't tell if any "hits" came off this album.
I See You is essentially a pop record with its themes and production. It's not ultra-hyped, glossy pop juiced with synthetic hormones in order to appeal to the tween market, but it's still pop. The arrangements and presentation have opened up to hail the listener in a particular way that signals a desire to connect. That is, if records can be said to have desires, and I think they can. This album wants to communicate its feelings. It wants you to know things about it. It lets you know it sees you because it wants you to hear it. Tracks off this album can be played in cocktail bars and chill clubs without losing the mood. Not strong enough to tip the scales of my own personal preferences, but not a crime against my ears either.
Not my fave xx album but good
Interesting record. Not my style and probably nothing I would seek out, but I can see the appeal
Well produced album with a collection of songs I found fairly forgettable.
51/100. Musically this project is not really that interesting and while the singing is alright it doesn't do much to elevate the material. The dark and mysterious production is probably the strong point for this record as it creates a very specific atmosphere that feels polished and modern.
#110/1001 🇬🇧❎️❎️ I loved their first 2 albums but never got into this one despite having a CD copy. It has a fuller sound than the others with lush soundscapes but just doesn't feel that essential. Best Tracks: Lips, A Violent Noise, Brave For You.
Clearly this is about this album by the XX, but it also gives me an opportunity to talk about Hats by the blue Nile. That’s an album I’m familiar with, this was new to me. However, they occupy the same space of sophisticated pop. Music that soundtracks furtive glances, and poor decisions. Music that glories in the beautiful in the mundane. Is it as good as Hats no, but this is a smoky, shifting thing. That’s good honestly
Not a big fan of the xx but this album is fine. Just not my personal style so it's hard to get past that.
Bittersweet memory from the past, catchy tunes.
I can see the argument made for the other xx album, but this one's certainly a biased introduction. By the time this came out, their influence was already very felt across pop, but this record didn't push that already existing reach very much I think. It's still well produced with beautiful textures throughout, definitely coming back to it.
++
I had never heard of The XX. From the name I somehow got the impression of something all doom and gloom and maybe metal. Completely wrong. It was light, bright, poppy stuff that sounded enjoyable. The two voices thing was a nice surprise and the playing was pretty good. Having said that, after listening to it, I am having trouble remembering anything specific about it. So, light bright poppy stuff that went in one ear and straight out the other.
Solid enough dance pop. Missing some bangers
Sounds like a hipster Disney musical
kind of interesting but kind of unremarkable
Much stronger than their more iconic debut. Sounds a lot like 1994-era Portishead but with a dancier vibe.
Decent overproduced crap. Enjoyed it once. Won’t return
The neo-soul influences are very pleasant--but enough to make this album feel like it belongs on this list? Jury in deliberations, doesn't look good for more than 3.
I liked the songs — I think. The production was really lacking. I was curious to see if there was some story to how this was recorded, but I don't know that it matters. I don't think it served the material at all.
This was fine?
This album made me realize what a big number 1001 is. This was OK but inclusion in this list? Not really hearing it. Brave For You downright bugged me. Still a 2 is not fair.
esto está tan atrapado en su momento...... creo que me gustaría para sentirme en esa atmósfera de voy en coche, cualquier cosa puede pasar, el mundo es infinito en este momento de madrugada.... o para bailar en mi cuarto como una chica blanca. yo no sabía que está banda era así... interesante escucha.
Fine
3 Stars. 2-3 really good, maybe even great songs and then the rest is just okay. Yet another, "how is this on the list" entry
Pretty good chill-vibes on a quiet morning. My daughter is trying to get me to go see them (and 200 other acts) at Lollapalooza. We’ll see.
I found this an odd entry and one that I can't see surviving past the 2026 update. Not because it's bad by any means - but because it doesn't have the same impact of its predecessors. That being said, I like the attempt at pepping up the formula of their debut with processed beats, and synthesised horns (particularly on the opener 'Dangerous'). At times the beats can feel a bit too much like polished 2010s 'RnB', the really soulless stuff, like in 'Lips'. Other times the beats make the song such as 'On Hold'. It's an odd inclusion and an inconsistent album but, like Mary Berry's meringues, has several fine peaks.
I thought Performance, Brave For You and Test Me were boring. The best song was Lips.
decent album
Really darn good!
I really enjoy this duo. I.have yet to meet an album I dislike. Very good listen.
Not bad
A lot of great music came out in 2017. Surprised to see this one here and not albums like The Ooz and Big Fish Theory. Regardless, great album. I think On Hold is a perfect song. The record drags in certain spots. It's a solid 3.5/5. Not having In Color by Jamie XX on hear is criminal. One of the greatest records of all time.
I really love Jaime xx's stuff, and I was aware of the xx during their initial couple albums and enjoyed the singles at the time. I was a little let down by I See You. it was fine, and some of the tracks I really enjoy ("Say Something Loving," "Replica," "On Hold") but most of the rest felt well-produced without being particularly memorable or demanding repeat listens. I couldn't help but feel like there are plenty of other albums from this era that could have easily taken this one's place. I'd put this at a 3.5.
Glad I gave this one a second listen. In the first listen I didn’t really like the Jamie xx production paired with the two singers. I like their first album just fine, and a lot of what I like is its simplicity. The first listen few songs just didn’t seem like the different parts of the band meshed well. Somewhere around the fourth or fifth track the production gets a lot simpler and kind of clears out for the vocals. When I put it on again, something clicked and those first few tracks sounded fine. It’s weird how music works like that sometimes. I’m not liking an album, then I hear a song and the rest clicks, or I didn’t like an artists’ latest album but then see them play the songs live and all of a sudden like the studio versions.
Too much emoting.
Its nowhere near the level of their more famous album. Infact if i heard both back to back, I dont think i would know it was the same artist Its nice enough but its very lightweight, and very thin. Inoffensive but forgettable Standard 3
'Say something loving / I need a reminder, the feeling's escaped me'; 'Now you've set the scene / High on intimacy / Drawing me a bath.' Tho the xx's third release is not especially interesting or memorable, it's better than the debut b/c it's less sleepy, less dreamy, more embodied, more about bodies & love & the necessities of intimacy, no matter how potentially dangerous or violent. 'Every beat is a violent noise.' Romy & Oliver have some soul to express on this one - it at least feels as if it comes from something real - & I find my ears perking up to hear what's next. It's no soulful masterwork, & at less than forty mins, it yet drags & variegates little, but for what it is, I do not disapprove. 'I will be brave / I know you want me to.' Sure, why not?
More dynamic and poppy than there self titled album, which is good. A chill indie pop album that veers heavy into pop a little
Another surprising inclusion on the 1001 list. There are some really good tracks and some really forgettable ones all sandwiched together. It’s at its best when it moves in new directions like incorporating EDM elements.
I liked the sound overall; one or two songs stood out to me.
weird mix between house and pop and indie. fucked w it heavy tho
Seems ex(x)cessive to have two albums by The xx on this list.
Nice songs but to much the same tone
its a vibe, some songs are a bit boring tho.
I feel a bit conflicted on this album. On one hand, I thought it was beautiful. This was vocally so much stronger than the other xx album I got on this generator. On the other hand, it lacks any excitement. It stays at that soft, melodic state throughout with little to no variety. That made it, perhaps, a little boring at times. However, I like that this album actually committed to that sound. I gave the self-titled album a lot of grief for being a bit lifeless and inconsistent with its sound. This was the opposite. It was a pleasant, pretty album that I think I might be open to re-listening to at some point.
When I think of The xx, I think of "Intro." It's a great track from an album that is otherwise just kind of... fine. I thought this album was an improvement overall over the group's debut album, but I wasn't really impressed by it the way I was when I first heard "Intro." Favorite track: "On Hold"
3+
An ok album that I didn’t NOT enjoy. But I don’t think I’d be in any rush to listen again or to more xx stuff. Just ok.
No idea who this is. Nice groove to start. This is a good pop album. Nothing I will seek out. I don’t hate it though.
intro ruled my life as a #tumblrgirl but this was just ok. i dare you was the best one
It's not exactly bad, just boring. It's not background music either unless you are trying to go to sleep. 2.5
Some songs sound vaguely familiar. Nice to listen to.
Inoffensive pop. Nothing too interesting, but I’m an idiot so maybe I missed it
This was fine, but not an album I'm going to seek out again or recommend to others.
Warm and mellow indie. Nothing special, but I liked it.
I gotta say, this was very very well made for what it is. The production is super clean, with some pretty rich and full instrumentals. Doesn’t push any boundaries, but does a great job of being what it is.
6.5 / 10
Very VERY of its time. Reminds me a bit of The Chainsmokers, a little more mellow. Maybe that's just because of the alternating male/female vocals. I agree with a lot of other people; its not bad but kind of boring.
Kind of bland indie/pop. A Violent Noise stood out. 3/5
I like The xx, but always found this album a bit forgettable - the heavier sample sound not quite working for me, the songwriting a bit lacking. Listenable enough, with some moments I liked, but it shouldn't be on this list. Inessential.
6/10 Favourite: Replica Least Favourite: Brave For You
Fine as background music in a coffeeshop.
I mean there’s nothing unpleasant here, but also nothing interesting
This is not what I would thought it would be at all and I was pleasantly surprised! I want to listen to this one again but I’m surprised none of their songs became more mainstream.
Coldplay left me well, cold
I much preferred their debut album; this got rid of everything that made them interesting to me and left a very average album
This had more groove to it, so I enjoyed it more than their debut album. Ultimately you'll never get me to really like an album where the songs are mostly about love and feelings, but I'm happy that they found the percussion tracks this time around.
Better than the debut at least!
There's a bit of a nostalgia factor for this one to me, while I never listened to this album in particular, I smoked a lot of weed the year this came out and this album, or every other album just like this at the time, was an absolute staple of any session playlist. I wouldn't say that it's particularly ground breaking, but it is a pretty good representation for the time. Feels like everything coming out from like 2015-2019 was just low energy. This is the same time mumble rap was really big - I guess this is the peak of minimalism. Not sorry to see those times go to be honest.
Pretty good I like the woman's voice. 3.5
I mean it started good but got relatively one note. Just a bit bored by the end. But I gotta listen to more XX songs cause there were some bangers
not as good as the original
Okay, but not a standout
the indie darling Monarchs of Monochrome and Mid inject their material with new attempts at actual color and light. the results are probably labeled cleanly by some people as either Artistic Expansion or Selling Out but perhaps its both and neither. its totally fine in either case, definitely some good production and arrangement ideas (with synths, samples, and a variety of instruments) that would probably hit me as especially vivid if i was more bought into the band's music language as a whole but i was never rly into them sadly. nothing against it though...besides just being a random-ass pick for the list itself
No strong feelings, nice background music for my commute.
Fine background music.
This is some very forgettable pop music. It’s perfectly inoffensive, I don’t mind giving it a middle of the road score, but I certainly could have lived without hearing it.
Tut nicht weh. Reißt mich aber auch nicht vom Hocker. Hintergrundmusik.
Music was both pleasant and depressing. I feel like you gotta be in a pretty moody mood to enjoy this. But it also works just fine as music to listen to while working. On Hold was my favorite.
I wanted to like this but it got slow and boring!
That was all right. My girlfriend was more excited about it than I was.
an album i listened to a lot when it came out because my sister bought it on itunes, so some nostalgia for this one. I’ve never thought it was mindblowing, but some nice tracks on here.
wow a 2017 album i’m shook -the sound is VERY 2017 immediately i feel like im in high school -say something loving is pretty good WAIT LOWKEY BYLER CODED OMG -i like a violent noise also lowkey byler if you read the lyrics -brave for you is lowkey mike coded but like someone saying it to him get it -ON HOLD BYLER ANGST OMGGGGGGGGGG "my young heart chose to believe we were destined young hearts all need love call it a lesson" LIKE COME ON -i date you is lowkey will coded and that’s tragic
Good album and I’m in no way sad I listened but not sure about it being a must listen to.
61.91
An enjoyable album. Brave For You is a great song.
I love the xx! It's always such a groove. I prefer the debut album over this. Also, the arrangements are excellent but I don't love either of the singers voices. They sound like they are trying very hard to sing.
Solid pop and compared to the previous albums I had the past few days, it wasn't too grating on the ears. Mostly relaxing vibes.
The interplay between the voices combined with airy guitar lines form the backbone of some very radio-friendly, pretty, indie pop. I'm missing a crescendo or catharsis from these songs but maybe I'm being overly critical here.
For me The XX are a good example of a band capturing something really special with their debut and never quite getting there again. That first album was so singular and intimate, but the band has never really been able to better it. Each new album has added more, but it's always been a little diminished as a result.
Textbook definition of "fine", don't mind it but would probably never put it in myself
Unpopular opinion (apparently): This is NOT boring. 3.5⭐
It's ok, I guess.
Prvi mi je najbolji ali mi je i ovo simpa
Meh it’s very ok
Not bad, but some of the songs felt a little empty. 3
Not bad
An average album from an average band
Completely ok
OK I listened to the wrong The xx album since they all kind of have the same cover. I liked the one I listened to first (2009's xx) a lot and give it 5 stars. This is less for adding more to the deal. The former makes the scene and doesn't exist at all. This: meh pop music.
Things get off to a good start with the leadoff track, with its trip-hop breakbeat and clarion call (synth?) brass refrain, but I kind of lost interest after that. The electronic production techniques are interesting, but the breathy-dreamy vocals lend the album a poppy, easy listening feel that just doesn’t speak to me.
Nice chill music
Decent but quite generic modern pop music with some good performances.
This felt very ambient and unremarkable. It’s the kind of music that blends into the background. Vocally unremarkable.
It’s fine, but not my xx.
I liked it. The duo created a well-crafted and genuinely high-quality record. The sound is balanced all the way through, and there is a calm confidence in how the music unfolds. At the same time, it felt a bit held back, as if they settled into a safe space instead of reaching for the full potential you can sense underneath. Still a good listen, just not as bold as it could have been.
The XX er fint, men har svært ved at svinge sig op på mere. Deres force er for mig klart vokalen. Både Olivers og Romys vokal både fænger og drager. Musikken er mere bare noget der ligger der i baggrunden.
Enjoyed this less than ‘xx’, found it a little boring and nothingy rather than intriguing.
2.5
Decent. Production value much enhanced when compared to their (Amazing) debut album, but some of the charm and novelty of their barebones production style is lost.
Album #959 First time hearing of The xx. The male and female voices sounded good together, but there wasn't a lot to get excited about. I liked that it was clean. Favorite track: I Dare You
More interesting than their debut, starts better than it finishes
Pleasant surprise or am I lowering bar?
For pop music, this is very good. But I am not the target demographic 3/5
Unfortunately, the addition of more present electronics does kill a bit the very bare dreamy-moody soundscape the xx were successfully creating. The album is overall repetitive and lack the originality of the 2 precedent ones
An electronic pop record with some immaculate production and interesting instrumentation. Crystal-clear recording. The vocals, especially the female vocals, are beautiful. But..is this really one of the albums you really must hear before you die? I'm not so sure. Don't get me wrong, it's a great listen and worth your time, but it's not life-changing. When the album finished I found it to be rather forgettable. I bet this got a lot of radio playtime.
6/10
Poppy
Lite alt rock. Good vocals
Still do not get the hype around The xx. It's fine music but nothing groundbreaking.
I loved the first album, and appreciate their minimalism, generally. This seems like more for the same, with some fun sampling in places. Quite like the artwork.
This is a very different album. Unique style.
Didn’t mind this one at all. While it didn’t blow me away, it was an easy listen. My daughter owns at least one of their albums, so there’s a bit of familiarity there. The female vocals stood out—felt familiar somehow, though I couldn’t quite place who they reminded me of. Overall, a decent album, but not one I’d rush back to.
actually liked it A LOT better than the first xx album, they actually wrote songs and used dynamic shifts here lol Fav song: Lips maybe?
I liked this more than I felt like I should. It was at times cheesy and operating with the sound of the 80s and 90s, but also kind of sweet and well written. The textures really throw me off, but the songs are kind of beautiful, especially “Say Something Loving”.
Alguna canción suelta me ha gustado.
By no means bad, but not great either. I always feel with the XX that once you’ve heard one song, you’ve kind of heard them all. Their debut album is still their best, and that speaks volumes in itself.
75% Best: Dangerous; Say Something Loving; Lips Must-Hear? Nah
Didn’t know this album existed. Fun listen
It's crazy how much better Jamie XX solo music is compared to The XX's. This album is fine, but definitely bland and often boring
6/10
This was fine, but all the sings bled into one another. I couldn't pick out a highlight, but it was bad either
Está bueno como un todo aunque no sé si a primera escucha hubo algo que me llamó la atención 3,5
i've already had one album by The xx and i was not a fan, so when i got this i thought oh noooooo. however! this one is actually a bit more interesting and varied i think. it's still a bit too much in the vein of "random indie music that shows up on a spotify-generated playlist that sounds fine but doesn't blow my mind", but it's pretty good overall and basically the kind of thing i listen to a lot when i just want something vibey. so ok i'm gonna give this a 3. Angels is still their best song and is somehow not on either of the albums that have appeared on this list. where is it?? do they have other, better albums?? are they here???
Overall, I liked the electronic production although the tempos didn't vary much and there was a lack of dynamics and any sort of edge. Like most -pop music, a stiff breeze would blow it over, but there is a time and place for that.
While pretty one note, this was a relaxing listen.
A band that I had not dug deep into and really had only heard in passing. But a focused spin really made me like them more. The duel-vox sharing is a nice balance, and you can also definitely hear influences like Yaz, Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and even some Everything But The Girl popping through. All filtered through a modern Tycho-like lens. This was a very chill listen and of course situation specific, but something I’ll return to. I dig it.
I like The xx even though I have no idea how to say their name. Not sure if this is my favorite of theirs and I probably listened to their self titled album more. Regardless this is a chill listen and I enjoyed it, especially the vocal style with the two singers playing off each other. Nice. 3.25
I was surprised to see this album over their debut. Then discovered we’re getting that one, too. Ok. Not sure they need to be on here twice. This album is fine. Nothing special IMO. 2.5/5
Great Songs: On Hold Good Songs: Dangerous, Say Something Loving, A Violent Noise, Replica, I Dare You Mid Songs: Lips, Performance, Brave For You, Test Me Bad Songs:
I really like the xx, but I don't think we needed a second album of theirs in this book. Actually, we hardly needed a second album from them at all. The band truly arrived fully-formed with their eponymous debut in 2009 and both their subsquent albums failed to live up to that standard or expand on its sound in a satisfying way. I See You is the better of the two. It has a slight UK Garage sound brought in from Jaime xx's solo work. But even if some songs are quite good, I can't help but feel that I would rather be listening to their debut again instead. Key tracks: Say Something Loving On Hold
Incredibly same-y this album is, and just monotonous like the debut album. I do believe if The xx has to be on this list, then it should've just been their debut, I have no clue what this album brings to the table that the debut doesn't.
this opens strong and then rolls its ankle in a gopher hole during a full sprint. Its fine I guess. Nothing really sets it apart from its peers. I find indie pop to be either really cool or just trash garbage, yet this somehow sits in the middle. They do some cool things that make their sound unique but its the lack of energy that sinks it for me. At least sound like you care, guys!
After hearing those horns on the first track I got pretty excited but this album was mostly forgettable overall. Just kind of breezed by and left very little impression in its wake. I’m guessing this is another “iconic English album” that will be removed from the list in future revisions
I wasn't as impressed as other albums in the category but definitely some elite genre blending here. The xx is for those looking experience a myriad of musical influences without going and doing the hard work. And thats okay.
Spade music good vocals and melodies not very upbeat
Not clear why this makes the list. That said I can listen to it if someone wants to.
Vabbè begli gli XX. Bella I dare you e on hold, però st’album un bel po’ sotto the XX.
Honestly just fine
Very good - surprised to see it in the 1001. I don't feel like this is a true 4 or 5 in terms of albums that changed a genre, so I gave it a 3 (maybe unfair) because I feel like if this wasn't my type of music I would have been less likely to give it a high mark. I also feel like the music is fairly repetitive/formulaic to their other albums - it works great for 'trance' experience but I expect would get boring if they released many more albumes
yet another example of this list being random as hell.. the xx' third album? what the hell lol. anyways their first album was really good i listened to it last year and still liked it and this one i didnt listen to since 2017 and its just totally fine and i didnt need to hear it before i died imo
Very similar ethereal feel that their first album has. Not sure if it’s any sort of an improvement over the first, or that’s just familiarity creeping in.
This was an average country album. Nothing special.
Not bad, couple of bops
Great!
Music is good the singing is fine, not intriguing to me for the most part. Good vibe though.