Reviews (page 4 of 7)
thematisch bei liebe klar orientiert, sehr melodisch und stimmig, teils in richtung melancholisch mit drang zur hoffnung aber auch verzweiflung, dangerous als erster song direkt ein brett (der auch relatable gewesen ist), performance sehr emotionaler song (geht auch in richtung trennung, einsamkeit, selbst am leben bleiben und nicht ertrinken, thema getting to the shore, wirklich unfassbar schön gesungen; fand den vibe insgesamt recht stimmig und auch technisch (vermutlich) top, aber bis auf 1-2 bretter fand ich es insgesamt etwas langweilig und tendenziell uninteressant, daher 6,5/10
Favorite Track: On Hold
I enjoyed this
Meh
ultra-chill indie pop for people far cooler than i am. there are some nice songs on here but few rise above the level of pleasant background noise for me. sounds pretty samey within the context of the album and all the other music coming out from this genre in the 2010s. it's fine. favorites: say something loving, replica, on hold, i dare you
Album was fine.
I could see their first or second album on here, but this one I don't agree with. Boring songwriting.
Fun and different for the time.
We got their 2009 album earlier in this project, and I wondered if this one just doesn’t hit as hard because I’ve already heard them. But I do think their style has changed here. Couldn't get into the first part of the album but I like 'Replica' and especially 'Brave For You' from the second half.
I like the vibe of this as I was listening, but ultimately it didn't have enough substance to stick with me.
Strong start, great throwback to old FIFA soundtracks. Dangerous and on hold are tunes. I thought I'd enjoy it more than I did as I like a few XX songs but I got quite bored. Appreciate the quality of the music but the voices annoy a little. 6/10
There’s a couple of standout songs. But for the most part this faded into the background and I forgot I was listening to it. 3/5
Nice electronic album, but I don’t see what made it deserve a spot on the list.
Vibes fun but not the best of The xx
Jamie’s back must hurt from carrying those two goobers. If he didn’t exist, this would be the worst band of all time.
I found a lot of this quite boring, actually.
Very atmospheric. Very average produced pop.
Það var eitthvað við þetta sem minnti mig á Of Monsters and Men lög sem er ekki slæmt nema að þetta minnti mig á auðgleymanlegu lögin. Ég ætla samt að gefa þeim þrjár því það var ekki leiðinlegt að hlusta þótt það gleymdist fljótt
Ok
Sensual beats.
Not a bad album. A lot of it sounded the same, but was pretty chill. I could listen to this again. 3.5/5
I liked it when it came out. An entire album is a bit tiresome.
2.5/5
Relaxing
Not a bad listen, but I don’t get why it’s on this list. Sounds like pretty generic indie pop.
Have heard bits and pieces of The xx over the years (pushed to me by algorithms) but never gave one of their albums a full run. The upbeat songs on this album had me groovin’, but the slower songs were nothing substantial. It started like a lion and out like a lamb.
It's okay - nothing struck me
I have really liked a few of these songs for a while now, but the album is just too plain and boring
I love the XX but this my least favorite of their albums
Totally get why people would love this album, the style just isn't for me.
Pretty and sweet. Sounds all the same though. Clear lyrics are always a plus to me.
Very triple j? I enjoyed it, but nothing really grabbed me.
an album from 2017? god I wish this was a lot more interesting. the first song was really good and then the rest of it is just, meh. there's some catchy hooks but I kept forgetting there was music playing in the first place. favorite song: "dangerous" overall: 5/10
Yeah, alternative stuff. This is the first I've heard of this band. Not bad. Good stuff: beats, voices, production. Just good. Not Awesome.
The cover rules, 10/10. Happy to have heard this. I think this high quality atmospheric music is pleasant but doesn't have staying power. Like a Netflix series with a big budget, but ultimately after you watch it you'll forget you ever saw it. I could be wrong. Particularly liked the Hall and Oates (I Can't Go For That) sample. Gonna go listen to that.
Overall, the romantic vibe is strong on this one. The dreamy space pop is really unique & the duet vocals have serious chemistry. I dare you is a great tune With that said, it was a difficult album for me to "stay with". Id groove with it for a couple tracks and then I'd want to spin something else... Maybe if I had this on a chill Saturday night, it would've hit a lot harder. I'll cut it some slack because it still managed to satiate my appetites while hacking away my normal work day to day work tasks.
This is my 1 year anniversary of the 1001 Generator. Through the working weeks, weekends, vacations, welcoming a new child, parental leave - this music has been a beautiful constant over the last 365 days of life. Some nice totally new discoveries (Can, Talk Talk); some nostalgic revisits that take me back to a very specific moment in life (LCD, Chili Peppers, Pavement); lots of bands that I have known by name or just the hits, but have been wanting to go deeper on (Zeppelin, CSNY, Beach Boys, Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel); and then, the category that shines the most in this process: a bunch of bands that I've known by name but never expected to enjoy for an entire album (Iron Maiden, Go-Gos, Elvis, Dusty, Muddy). Yes, there is a ton of horrible and average junk in this list, but its been so fun to insert some randomness and ritual into the thing that brings me some of the most joy in life - discovering, listening to, learning about, and sharing new music.
yeah it's ok
I don't know how to fairly rate this kind of thing and struggle to get into electronic music. I didn't enjoy it on the level of 3, but I'm feeling generous this morning I suppose. 3/5 #114
Good, but does sort of fade into the background, for me.
3.5
pure joie de vivre... /s
It was definitely pretty boring. But there was some cool stuff happening in there, I wish it had stood out more.
times to times interesting but not intriguing at all - too pop and too 2017 for me (however good production and attention to details)
Using Spotify, I liked four of the songs especially. It seems at first listen to be an album that I might like over subsequent listens. Their is a lack of dynamic tension between songs--some may view this as a strength; to put it differently, most of the songs sound the same. I appreciate most the vocal harmonies that sound almost like "parallel organum" in Latin chants.
A bit dramatic again, just like that James Bond like album I heard a while ago. I kinda like it.
The album was pleasant to listen, although it's not my music genre. A little bit melancholic mood.
Mood specific, wasn't in mood
a 3 so far, i like it, but it's not the greatest; felt kinda Whitney, but I like the music and their voices. Hard to take as a whole album.
Really liked the music on this album, it was poppy, driving, tension building; really good. The vocals being the xx style of kinda monotone, emotionless, brought it down just a bit, but I really enjoyed this album.
nice! I didn't realize it was jamie xx... learninggg!!
24/06/2025 I understand there is talent here, it's just a bit slow and boring.
got repetitive after a while, liked it though
The first thing I noticed with I See You was the vocals. The two leads have fantastic voices that play well off each other! The genre is indie and dream pop with the slightest touch of electronic/house/dance. The entire album was so dream-y and flow-y that it ended rather fast. Really, even though the album flowed well, too easily did the songs blend into one another. Not enough stood out, but I vibed enough to round up the 2.5.
There is nothing inherently wrong with this album, but it is very easy for it to fade into background noise and essentially become one continuous 40 minute song. I found it easy to listen to, but overall pretty mid.
fine
Beige
I wish I was writing a different review but this feels a bit boring. It's like candy; it is well built and easy to enjoy but there isn't any real substance that keeps you going. Well done in that space. Could be me missing something. I didn't dislike it.
A lot of this sounds so close to being something special, but not quite getting there. I don't dislike it, I'll just forget it. I liked A Violent Noise and Brave for You.
Listens: 3 Standout tracks: None A lot of duets on this album. That's pretty uncommon. This is also probably one of the most recent albums (chronologically) I've listened to on the list. It all sort of blends together. It was fine. Not terrible, not great.
The music utilized sampling very well and created a nice quasi club-like atmosphere. The musicianship was all fine but the album sounds like it should have been released about five years prior. The vocals are just dreadful though. The male voice was better on this album, but I just cannot stand the female voice. There's a fake soul-like quality to it that is just grating and thin sounding. The affection in general is just puzzling and there is an occasional awkwardness to syllabic placement.
Interesting and enjoyable enough.
They found a way to make a really boring yet somehow interesting album. Sounds like one long minimalistic song other than "on hold". Not bad, but their prior albums are much better.
great. 3.5
This was boring. His mumbling and monotone voice gets old pretty quick. At times it seems the vocals and music don't line up. I've heard 'On Hold' before. It’s weird they sampled Hall and Oates in this but there aren’t any other samples that prominent in the rest of the album.
One or two songs I’d listen to again, but typically “meh” from The XX.
Pretty good, it didn’t grab me the way their first album did. It’s almost like less is more with the xx, but this, I have to say was good stuff.
Decent, but a bit boring.
I really wonder about this list past the year 2000. This album is great in many ways, but does it also need to be included when The xx takes up another spot with their debut album? Both of those over Jamie xx's In Colour? Hmmmm. Anyways, landing somewhere between indie pop and light club music, this album is very easy on the ears. Romy has an incredible voice and seems to constantly be singing about matters close to the heart. On that note, this album is total grammy fodder - very clean, often mellow, and undeniably safe. At no point in this album did my jaw drop or head turn, but to be fair I didnt hear anything worth skipping. "Say Something Loving" has a lyric that goes "before it slips awayyyy" that's sung in a way that makes it sound sooo much like "The Less I Know The Better" by Tame Impala. "A Violent Noise" has some echoey, wobbly synthwork a la Rival Consoles who put out an album about a year later than this one. "On Hold" is my obvious highlight for its production being a little more dancey and bubbly. My prediction for this album is that it may be remembered fondly by those who listened to it in it's heyday, but it will fade into the background as time crystalizes the musical landscape of the late 2010's. It all just feels like music meant for episodes of a netflix romance/slice of life show. Excellent singing by Romy, super clean and harmonic production, but very safe. As mentioned before, I'd rather see this spot on the list go to Jamie xx's In Colour, go listen to that instead
This one is worse than their debut. There's no funk or hard edge. Consider me disappointed, I guess I missed this one when it released. But Jamie xx does better music than this solo. I don't dislike it! But I was excited and find myself bummed.
Daags na het festival der wansmaak krijg ik dit voor de kiezen, het past er wel een beetje bij. Songfestivalmuziek voor hipsterige mensen die normaal naar hele saaie housemuziek luisteren maar nu even toe zijn aan wat tekst. Met veel emotie in de stem gebracht allemaal, een wat ingetogen maar toch pompeus geluid, zweverig en hijgerig. Als dit de '2500 albums you must hear before you die' lijst was hoefde dit album er voor mij alsnog niet op te staan, maar tegelijkertijd is dit ook geen heel moeilijke huiswerkopdracht. Ik kom hier zonder pijntjes doorheen. Vanaf track 6 of 7 geloof je het eigenlijk wel. 3 sterren.
I liked the music more than the singing. 2.7 rounded up.
Can’t really tell the difference between this and the last xx album but it was decent. Nice in the background. High 3.
Vibey as hell. I think I liked this more than the other one we heard but neither were truly memorable.
Decent
What a pleasant, charmingly upbeat album. The duality between the male and female singers is very unique and their voices work tremendously well in tandem with each other. Nothing amazing, but very consistent from song to song. Nothing bad worth skipping, just a solid 3/5 the entire way through with a relaxed, chill vibe. I could see myself listening to this more often honestly. My only experience with this band previously is the song “Crystalised”, which I am already very fond of. This is another album that doesn’t do anything outstanding, but achieves its purpose of being chill very well. And to be honest, I think this one is probably going to stick with me for a little bit. I wish I could give half points, because this is a solid 3.5 stars, but since nothing amazed me, is still very much a 3. Simple album art, but the theme of an identically placed x that they use for all of The xx albums makes them all very cool to look at as a whole. Favorite song? I don’t know. “Lips” and “Replica” are both very pretty.
The woman singer is too sensual brah
Happy to listen to it and will put it on from time to time. Not as good as the debut.
Gentle, atmospheric pop
I liked the duet sound; the songs were rather basic and not memorable.
Good enough
I didn't really know this album at all, my interest in The XX began with their debut, made a sort of token attempt to engage with their follow up, but promptly deceased. Anyway, it's a shame, because this is pretty decent and up my street. It's not got the intimacy and the emotion of the debut, and is probably leaning slightly too far into the dance and ambient end of Jamie XX's solo work for my preference, but it was certainly pleasant to listen to.
Nice album. Spring evenings suit it good.
I think their other album is better.
ganz OK bisschen sehr radio
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. Favorite songs are “Dangerous”, “Replica”, and “On Hold”
Not much to say about this one. I liked it. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Some songs verge on trip-hop (which I like), but others got a bit too typical modern pop. Did like the interplay of the two singers. Favorite: "Brave For You"
This is a really nice album. I don’t really have a bad word to say about it; however, it doesn’t really meet the heights of their self-titled debut. To an extent I think some of the disappointment I feel with these songs is that the XX don’t seem to have demonstrated any notable growth or evolution in their sound since 2010. I See You is no doubt super easy listening, and tracks like ‘On Hold’ are stunners of course, but for me it falls short of the kind of excellence I’m searching for to really fall for a band like this. Three stars ✨
Another band I had never heard by in this case a band I had never heard of. I love the randomness of the list at least 36 albums in. This reminds me in a way of Portishead and also Evanescence. This is a positive and not a negative for my tastes. I'm impressed with the females singers voice and would listen to this again. 3.25/5
Not unpleasant, but washed over me.
5/10 This album had some good ideas, just not a great execution. This album could’ve been special. Every time I thought it was leading up to a payoff, it left me disappointed
DECENT, NOT REALLY MY VIBE BUT SOUNDS GOOD
Perfectly nice in parts, quite relaxing but equally quite boring. Vocalists a bit unmemorable (although a couple of times reminded me of someone else). Can see how Jamie xx is seen as a good music person.
Very ambient and swoopy, most prominent in Performance, with its sad sweeping Hans Zimmer style strings. Unlike Hans Zimmer, they don't have the oomph, zip or pep to bring it all home. Just airy sadness.
This was all right. Favorite track was Performance
It's very much unlike the other xx album. And very much like any other album. Okay really, but truly faceless
I like The xx and I hadnt heard a single one of these before. Probably for a reason
Nice background music
I might be remembering wrongly, but I think there was a buzz about The xx in the mid 00s, amongst Gen X-ers like me, because they were apparently being influential in bringing back electronic pop. Saying that, I was too busy wrangling small children to check them out, and I'd evidently lost track of them by 2017. So I was interested. Unfortunately, I spent the first two tracks trying not to be annoyed by the subdued vocals; Romy and Oliver, I gather, singing an octave apart (a sound which has always irritated me, for some reason) or taking turns as if in conversation (also annoying, in this case). I realised that I did like the sound of the instruments on track 3, Lips, which has a proper late night feel. So I can sum up by saying that, generally, I enjoyed the instrumental backing, but not the vocals. R&O seem terribly miserable. Some cool moments, but not an album I'll be digging out again.
I think this album is good. I'd give it 3.5 stars, but I can't give it 4. It doesn't feel particularly outstanding to me, and I think there are much better examples of even British bands doing a similar style like London Grammar, who deserve to be on this list much more than The xx. I cannot fathom why The xx have two albums on this list...
A very soft indie song. Girl sounded scared. Guy sounded bored. Not bad, but it didn't hook me or anything. Felt like it didn't do too much. Played it a second time and it grew on me. Girl sounds sultry at times. Some solid grooves here and there
I had this group’s debut album a while back and I thought the album sounded like 1 boring, long ass song. So I wasn’t expecting this to be any better, but shockingly they really improved. I won’t go so far as to say they belong on this list, but overall the album was a much more enjoyable experience. 3.25 / 5
Nothing this group did ever captured the heat that their first album stirred up for me. The ingredients seem to mostly be the same, but it just doesn't have the zhuzh that the debut had. Not bad but if I'm going to listen to xx I'm going to listen to self-titled.
Another unknown to me and decent enough to listen to
Favorite songs: I Dare You, Lips, On Hold, Replica, Say Something Loving Least favorite songs: Test Me 3/5
Some of the tracks give me Sufjan Stevens' vibes, but overall a bit anonymous. 3 stars
I think this is a perfectly fine album, though it's hard to make a case for it being essential in any way. I actually think the xx's debut is great, but I feel like they were running out of steam by this, their third LP. That being said, I think "On Hold" is a really cool song, and the rest of it is pleasant enough. My favorite tracks are the ones with both Romy and Oliver on vocals as I like the interplay between them. The songs where it's just Romy tend to be a bit sleepy. 3.5 stars.
Never checked this band out before and happily surprised to see such a recent album included in this project. Listening now, this sounds NOTHING like what I expected - for some reason in my head I had them lumped in with all those early-2000s bands from New York and they are definitely not that. I don't know that this was an album I needed to listen to before I die, but I like this. It's a little more electronic than I am into, but good album, glad I listened.
The xx zit voor mij echt in de hoek van bands die ik opzich wel ken qua naam, maar waar ik nooit echt in ben gedoken. Ik ken natuurlijk Romy en Jamie XX goed als solo artiesten, en dat vind ik super dik, dus ben wel echt benieuwd! Ja het klinkt absoluut als Jamie XX, heel erg moody, heel erg trippy. Ik merk wel dat ik de vocals best wel meh vind. Als dit een solo Jamie XX album was geweest had ik het denk ik een beter album gevonden. Het begint wel erg sterk met Dangerous, maar het valt voor mij een beetje van een klif in het midden, daar is het gewoon echt hele trage en een beetje saaie Indie pop. Het is een ok album, was hier niet super erg fan van maar heb me niet actief zitten irriteren ofzo. FAVO: Dangerous, A violent noise, On Hold
Seems they took a turn towards the mainstream. Not very interesting but listenable. 3
On first listen it kinda washes over - but it was enough to maybe get a repeat listen sometime
On Hold was the best song of album,
Das Album zeigt eine Band, die bereit ist, neue Wege zu erkunden, ohne ihre Wurzeln zu vergessen. Der experimentellere Sound im Vergleich zu den minimalistischen Alben davor ist erfrischend, doch nicht immer vollständig überzeugend. Solide Lounge Musik zum berieseln an Strand- oder Poolbar. Tracks wie "On Hold" stechen durch ihre Innovation und Eingängigkeit hervor – vor allem durch das inspirierende Hall & Oates-Sample. Doch andere Stücke wirken mitunter etwas unfertig oder zu zaghaft, um wirklich im Ohr zu bleiben.
This is maybe slightly better than the other The xx record on here? I don't see how they deserve two spots when there are so many better examples of albums everyone should probably hear before they die that aren't on any version of the list so far.
Some decent moments.
Ok the lyrics and the singing is a little bit of a let down at times but really overall feel and energy is great! Some really cool beats on here too. 3.5 but gonna go down.
I mean there are two The XX albums on here and I'm not sure why. I apparently enjoyed the last one (it got a 4) but remember absolutely fuck all about it. This is fine, it's noise, she's good he's not...
Nice album but no real standouts. Worth a listen but nothing to get excited about.
Fine
Ta lista totalnie nie potrafi przewidzieć, które z nowszych albumów staną się klasykami. To nie jest ponadczasowa płyta. Damski wokal jest piękny, delikatny i dość wyjątkowy. Ale męski już męczy, a same utwory są proste i niespecjalnie chwytliwe. Typowy pop pierwszej dekady XXI wieku. Do zapomnienia. 5/10.
A surprising album to see included on this list. I only knew 3 of their songs beforehand, which all came from their debut. So why this album was chosen...? 🤔 It was alright. I liked the beats but not the singing/talking Made pleasant background music, but very bland and forgettable 3 ⭐️
Think my values are slipping, not with his album but the idea of the list. I’m likely to repeat myself here too. Couple of listens and I am thinking my initial view is wrong and this is kind of ok. And that’s a problem because to be in 1001 etc you shouldn’t be ok, I may not like a genre (thrash) hate it even, but appreciate it did something different and so it’s on the list, but just being ok, pleasantly bland isn’t enough surely to make a must hear list, though didn’t mind hearing but I can say that about a lot of music. This is supposedly a lauded, modern indie esteemed band and album, sorry didn’t know old sod. Well if it is, thank you but no thank you. Just can’t imagine people saying you gotta hear the new XX album it’s so … what exactly, it’s so alright to have playing, it’s so err prosaic. Don’t want to use the word, but someone else has done the synonyms - it’s just boring, ok but ultimately at the end of the day, boring. The clear production is spot on, and it kind of ticks boxes, but nothing makes you stop and go, oh that’s so good. Songwriting is paper thin, just ideas done before, better. It’s not unpleasant but it’s just an empty ready meal of a sound, ok taste while eating, not your favourite to return to forever, low calorie fluff from start to end. 3 Stars, it’s not a bad listen in and of itself, maybe a bit music montage on those teen dramas my daughter watches when they don’t have the licence for real classic songs, but I just think it’s inconsequential, can’t imagine the 25th, 40th or 50th yr anniversary rerelease ( whatever that may be then) or someone years from now finding as a lost gem. I know that I like every generation thinks what follows is mainly shit, and that’s how it should be, but this just keeps making me say, a not unpleasant watered down version of better predecessors, wrapped in the fug of the 2010s music ideals. Yeah I have become my Dad and I feel fine.
It’s not bad, but it’s not good. Hay canciones buenas pero muy 2017 y gas
I Meannnnnn it’s alright
Agree that it’s inessential. Still really nice though! Their debut got a undisputed five and is definitely essential on a list like this. But I never really got into any of their follow up albums except for Jamie xxs solo stuff. I especially like ”in colour” and his treatment of Gil Scott Heron on ”we’re new here”. ”I see you” is almost a four for me as i dig the the whole album, but ultimately I don’t really need it in my life and would rather listen to their debut instead.
This is not the xx album I would have included in this list. I love the first one.
I like the XX very much but this wasn’t really an album that fits the list. It was nice on a sunny but chilly day, but compared to a lot of albums on here, it doesn’t reach that level. Still good
It was OK
A good record, but not the best from The xx. Really just more of the same from them and once you’ve heard it you’ve heard all of it.
I was excited to listen to this because I liked the first album so much. But this was ... boring? It was fine, I guess, but nothing I'm clamoring to listen to again.
Hadn't heard this one before. Took me some time to get used as it had a soulless, bougie sound. Buuuut, it grew on me. Very chill vibe and enough musicianship to keep it interesting. Couldn't justify a 4, but it was close.
[7/10]
Not something I would normally listen to. Their vocals compliment each other very well, and there's some good songs on here but I wouldn't consider it an album you must listen to before you die
Yup, enjoyed this one!
twas ok.
3.5 it was good, just not completely my type of thing!
My standard is not paying attention to lyrics, like even songs I think have great lyrics I have to be kindve locked in and emo to notice the lyrics. I noticed these lyrics and I wasn’t locked in and that wasn’t a good thing. Enjoyed some of it tho
6/10 - It was pretty much the same as the other one but a little bit worse.
Really pretty but I found a bit boring. You can listen to any single song off this and know what the rest of the album will sound like.
Thoughts before listening: These guys are okay. Moody indie pop that I believe reminded me a bit of the Cocteau Twins on their first album. Review: So I believe I was thinking of Beach House in my Cocteau Twins comment. The xx is somewhat similar in vibe but there is definitely more of an electronic vibe to the instrumentation on this album. Overall it's not really my favorite sound...too minimalist for my tastes I think. There are a few good songs, but nothing is really standing out to me. It's always tough for me to rate albums so far out of my interests so I'll give this 3-stars...I'm sure that for fans of this style it's great, but I just can't get into it.
Something new. Some parts I liked, but something missed. There are moments it reminds me of Portishead
Not bad
Some pleasant songs
I didn't hate this, it's just boring. On Hold was already in my rotation, no additional songs to listen to later.
Unfortunately the voices are a bit boring to me :(
Pretty cool album would listen again
One of those albums that I know in theory should be up my alley, but I'm not wild about it for some reason? Maybe it's their voices that I don't jive with for any reason? The highlight for me was the song "I Dare You" but the rest of it wasn't that memorable.
Moody but good.
The cover artwork for "I See You" by The xx features a visually striking design that reflects the band's unique aesthetic. The use of abstract shapes and a reflective quality creates an intriguing visual experience, inviting viewers to explore its layers. However, while the concept is compelling, it may come off as somewhat ambiguous and lacking in direct representation of the band's identity. The color palette, predominantly silver and muted tones, aligns well with the album's introspective themes but might not resonate with all fans. Overall, it's a solid effort that captures attention but doesn't fully convey the emotional depth found in their music, earning a three-star rating. Album artworks rated: 15 Idk about the music
I really don’t mind Oliver Sim’s voice. But the real attraction of the xx for me is Romy Madley Croft. And to a lesser extent Jamie xx’s beats and production. So Oliver’s voice is best used as a compliment to Romy’s. On “I See You,” sometimes there’s a bit too much Oliver. Those Jamie xx beats, meanwhile, are too often boring house or some weird take on 80s hip hop or 90s R&B? And upon some quick research, Jamie xx said the album’s sound and aesthetic were influenced by his club-influenced solo album, so that explains a lot. I greatly prefer the xx’s self-titled debut.
Better than I thought it would be, given the low ratings I've seen everywhere. It certainly has no place in the 1001 albums you must hear before you die, but it wasn't too bad.
Interesting
Recognized a few songs. Not bad - some decent creativeness and is a nice album to work to.
Bleh. Don't get the hype. Classic 2010s wishy washy stuff that sounds deep at first but drags when you hear the 50th album that sounds identical to the last. Decent background music at least. Torn between 2 or 3*
I never listened to this "The XX" album to all that much. I felt that when it came out that the times had moved away from the sound a bit. Listening to it now it just feels like a worse "In Colour" with Jamie XX. You can really tell he was a big part of The XX. Still it has the iconic "XX sound" which is laid-back groove. I just feel it is basically the same structure as the other albums but with more poppy samples. The clear best song for me is the opening "Dangerous". Those horns really breath life in the track. I hope we get one the earlier XX albums on this list.
pleasant but I don't feel the need to hear it again
I don’t like it as much as their debut, so this pales in comparison. There are still some great, finely produced pop songs, and their sense of atmosphere continues to be a strength.
The XX have always been on the edge of my musical consciousness. I was aware of them when they first appeared on tv music shows and charted. I liked the vocal style with the interchange of two different singers along with some distinctive guitar playing. I have their first two albums on CD bought fairly recently cheap at charity shops. I just digitised them for random playback without really taking the time to listen to the albums from start to finish. If I’m honest I would struggle to name a single track. This album is in the same mould as the ones I have so didn’t offer any surprises. Still an enjoyable listen but won’t be buying the album. At least until I’ve actually become more familiar with the ones I have. Credit to them for achieving a very unique sound which is also evident on this album. 3/5 30/11/24
the other album was better
Still love their sound but the lyrics were pretty bland and uninspired compared to their debut album
A second album from the xx? Sure. Why not. I liked their debut well enough. That album was good and so is this one. The sound is solid. It's got a good blend between mainstream pop sounds and a general indie vibe. I can definitely hear an evolution in sound from 2009 to 2017, so that's good. The singing is alright. I like the presence of two vocalists. The songs are good. This album isn't excellent or anything, but it is pretty good for what it is. I really don't have much to say about this album. High 3/5.
Boring
Solid music. I enjoyed it but didn’t really jump out at me
3.5 Moody House
Enjoyed the album, was nice and chilled. The tracks were well produced and some of the music really was clever like at the start of “Say Something Loving” where the vocals/piano went in to a short loop merging with the guitar really made me smile. Other than that it got a bit ‘samey’ towards the end and I wouldn’t say it was outstanding.
Disco medio electrónico, muy tranquilon. Muy de consola por partes, muy fisura por partes, cositas lindas por partes.
Вот это удивительное включение. Значит ли это, что предыдущие два альбома the xx тоже здесь? Как бы группа хорошая, и альбом в целом ничего, и конечно же это приличный такой свич в музыкальном стиле группы. И всё-таки я чувствую, что здесь есть какое-то наебалово, которое создает очень многов вопросов к списку. Но допустим. Альбом ок, но будто бы без энтузиазма. Чувствуется затянутым, но, удивительно, в первой половине; вторая мне кажется более сильной. Лучшая песня - Replica.
i can sum up The xx in one sentence: they are a band of incredibly creative people who are truly, without a shadow of a doubt, the sum of their parts and nothing more. this is not a band -- this is a supergroup of three people who set a limit for themselves, hit it, and clock out immediately. basically, imagine a group of Boris Diaws who are bored and simply do not want to do this because it's beneath them -- they're probably right. it's not bad, of course. there are flashes of something beautiful, with the samples on tracks 2 and 8 betraying a bit more of Jamie xx's influence and Romy's guitar contributing very well to the more "dreamy" tracks. i think that this is a perfectly serviceable thing, but i also don't think it could have really been anything but serviceable. i'd like to believe that The xx have a Rumours tucked somewhere in their collective mind, a work of screaming passion and anger and beauty, pushing boundaries, blowing minds, changing lives. i'd also like to believe in the Tooth Fairy and reversible climate damage. it doesn't mean these things are coming true any time soon. i hear Jamie's new album is good. i think people will be saying the previous sentence more than they would about a new album by The xx.
It is a perfectly fine album that you hoped was better. The XX’s debut was a 3am slice of vibes. Their coming back together after on this album showed a ton of growth, but an inability to capture what made that first and to a lesser extent second record special. I still enjoyed this album, but the solo output from all three members of the band are personally more memorable than what is here which is honestly, a good thing.
Including the third album by arch-millienial-miserabalists seems a bit much. The first album deserves inclusion for it's laidback jumpstart to the British indie scene in 2007, however this album is more of the same. Disinterested vocals, synths and haircuts. I can't help but think this band is *very* lucky to have Jamie xx behind the boards as without him, I'm not sure they'd be quite as big as they are. Best Tracks: Dangerous; Performance; On Hold
Like dreamy Alan Walker.
For a minute I thought we had transcended the main list and were starting with user submissions since this felt so new and fresh! 2017, a little electronic, very cool. Turns out this is a British band so that answers my questions. Even though it sounds like this was recorded in the US and some felt familiar. Lips was the highlight for me, but the entire thing was great.
I really liked In Colour, and I can’t remember if I’ve ever listened to The xx before. It’s…got potential, I wish they leaned into the clubby dance side more. This feels a little too slow to hold my interest more than the initial listen
Pretty good sound
meh
chill, slow
Nice to listen to but didn’t make an impression
Enjoyable, but not remarkable.
I thought I’d end up with more songs I liked but some was just slow
Eh this one was ok. I think I enjoyed it more than their other album on this list. Wouldn’t add it to my normal playlist of music I listen to.
Pretty cool, but is slow at times despite being a short record.
This was whatever.
Listened to before. Highlights: on hold, I dare you
For such a talented group this felt unimaginative and too similar to a lot of alternative/electronic indie that was coming out in 2017.
I like this one more than their second album but still think their debut is best. Decent to listen to but a bit too drab for my taste Rating: 3.2
No creí que un álbum de 2017 me sorprendería tanto.
It was nothing special.
This is fine, but it's crazy to have a musical group evolve so little over 18 years. Their first album was magical in its own way. This one has no magic.
Mild and unobtrusive.
Safe sounding album. Not as exciting as their first 2 but enjoyable
I thought I liked The xx more than I do this album. Maybe I just liked the singles.
Not as good as the other one but pretty good. Poppier.
3
Never quite able to make it there with the xx. They're cool... but something is missing.
Good! As far as "indie rock" bands from this time go, I think they did pretty well. Favorite Tracks: On Hold, Lips
This is the second album I've got from this group, and I keep thinking: what was really so important about them? I mean, they had cool, slightly quirky indie pop production, but is it really that groundbreaking? And were they even that famous? I've certainly never heard of them. This album is very similar in sound to the previous one (which I think was their debut?). I liked it more, although I'm not sure if that's because of quality or just my mood (I can't even remember the other album well enough to know). About half of the songs had interesting lyrics, but half of them were uninspired. Musically, the song writing is average and the production carries the whole thing. All the songs feel kind of plodding. Depending on my mood, it's relaxing or boring. Today it was relaxing. Still a 3, but a higher one than the other album. Favourite tracks: Replica, Brave For You, Performance, A Violent Noise
Not bad, but a little boring. Not my taste. Favorite song: a violent noise
Interesting album. Not a bad listen but a little too poppy of a sound for me. 3 stars
This one doesn't have the same umph that the first XX album had for me. Songs sound great but just don't really go anywhere for the most part. I feel like this would be a grower of an album for sure, but as I'm rating it right now its in the middle ground.
I like the xx but this is not their best
Less immersive or transformative than their earlier stuff.
This is very nice. Clearly made by very well trained musicians. But there’s just something not really working for me. I think that I’m too old and jaded. There’s an earnestness to this record that speaks better to younger ears. It’s all very polished. Also, breathy singing has been way overdone in the last 20 years. For pop music, this is very good. But I am not the target demographic. Dangerous and Replica are good. 3/5
Pop. Pretty good, I liked the male and female leads together. I could easily see some of this on the radio.
Sounds like a modestly cool band overreaching for immediate relevance in an overcrowded and always cross-pollinating pop landscape. Yes, it's more expansive than their previous work (which isn't saying much), but some songs are incongruous. The guest flows on "On Hold" (hip-hop or Hall & Oates?) feel most out of place. The generally hushed vibe and subtle to the vanishing point are very consistent with the quietude of the first two albums, and as are the sluggishness and listener boredom that sets in not infrequently. Overall, the vocals seem balky and talky, a little awkward (as if they don't trust themselves to actually sing). On the plus side, they do a nice job upcycling '90s bass riffs (see "Replica" which cribs from the Cure). While not gruesome, this is considerably less than great. Bonus points for brevity, however, as modesty might be their strongest musical attribute.
this doesn't feel like a 2017 album but rather a mid/late 90's album or even a early 2000s album.
I do like the music interludes a lot, what you usually get in JamieXX other project but not too much enjoying the lyrics or singing here. nevertheless a relaxing and chilling album
Not as good as their debut, but the spirit is still there.
Pleasant, subtle but not too remarkable - it pulled me in but didn’t grab my attention. Struggle to even remember a song from it.
Perfectly fine to listen to, competently written and produced, but why should I listen to this over the million other competently written and produced 2010s albums that sound like this? My main gripe is that so many of the quiet songs made the bass guitar really prominent but then gave the bass absolutely nothing interesting to do, just eighth-note dicking around on the root of the chord or something. I assure you that your bassist use more than one finger fellas
At first I wasn’t really feeling it but as it went on the album just got better and better for me! Glad to see an album from the last 10 years on here I was beginning to wonder.
When Oliver sings solo this is quite dull. However, Romy has a wonderful, warm tone that saves this album.
Nothing special, didnt hate it, didn't enjoy it much either.
I like Jamie XX "In Colour" but never listened to the XX before. This was oK but nothing really stood out for me
Copy and paste my other XX review: Jamie XX is a dote. I find the XX a bit boring. I do like this album a bit better than t'other though
I didn't care for this album as a whole, but individual songs I think I might enjoy as part of a mix. Production and instrumentation was good, it's just not a style I was really digging, at least not for an entire album. 2.5/5
I didn't care much for the last xx album (s/t), and this one I feel much the same. That being said, I do like this one more. This is passable, and even enjoyable. 3/5
‘Salright. I love when pretty male and female vocals mix together, so I’m a sucker for parts of this. Just not my speed for rock, but it’s a breezy listen. C
Not bad - 3 stars
A little over seven years ago at the time of writing, the trio of the xx released their third album, “I See You”, to rapturous applause. I don’t know much about this album in the context of the band’s discography, but reviews and press indicate it marked a turning point: after producer Jamie xx branched into electronic and house music on his solo debut “In Colour”, here they were opening up a little more, becoming more extroverted, shimmying out from their bedrooms onto the nearest moody dance floor. There’s still plenty of introspection lyrically: “A Violent Noise” seems to skewer the EDM-lite pop they’re moving towards, while I’d guess that “Performance” and “Brave for You” are alluding to the increasing gulf between the bands’ personae and their real lives. But tracks like “Dangerous”, “I Dare You” and “On Hold” come tantalisingly close to anthemic, with skittering beats, sharp stabs of brass, and instant choruses snatched from the sunlight. Despite the sense that the xx are changing their own personal game here, the biggest drawback of “I See You” is that it’s still played fairly safe, with a sluice of mid-tempo navel gazing, soft-around-the-edges arrangements and tried and tested lyrical ideas. The vocals from Romy Croft and Oliver Sim lack a huge amount of character: while I prefer Romy’s, they still end up blending in amongst the electronic soundscapes to produce an overall beige effect. At times it feels like a watered down version of other indie or electronic acts: the keyboard tones and slide guitar in “Brave for You” are very Beach House, “I Dare You” is Robyn-lite pop, and so on. While much of this record may be strong (“Say Something Loving” and “I Dare You” are actually my highlights) it ultimately washes over me without much further comment, making me wonder whether I should be listening to something else instead.
Started off with a strong sound with a cool bass line but tapered off almost to the point of plodding. Okay but not anything I see myself doing a deep dive on.
This was better than anticipated. May actually listen to some of this again.
I always found the guys voice very affected, like he thought he was from New York but actually he’s from Surrey or something. They take themselves too seriously but I didn’t hate it. This album shouldn’t be on the list though.
I was excited about this one because the last XX album was one of my favorite discoveries of this whole 1001 project. This album has the same kind of vocals, a similar haunting feel, but with more varied instrumentation. But the melodies just don’t hook me as much.
I appreciate that there is a little more variety on this album, but it also lacks the quality that was so immediately arresting about their first album.
I dont nk this or the previous album match the impact, innocence or tunes of the debut which I much love. Its decent but seems a poorer re-hash. Sorry.
Since I disliked the first album from "The xx" so much, I got on the list and had the lowest expectations ever. Maybe because of it, I enjoyed this one a bit. It's still far from what I consider an excellent album, but it's very well produced, and some songs are almost good for a second listening session.
I was around when The xx were hyped. They certainly fitted a time that seemed to go too fast and needed some calmness. With some reminiscence of old Massive Attack songs but technically more pop (you can hear it in some ways the parts of the songs are connected to each other), it was often the simple man's version of "deep" music. Well, is that assessment fair? The album is certainly OK to listen too. It's relaxing too. But something in me misses something. The dramatic setup of every song is very similar to the one before with the same instrumentation. It's this kind of music that gets you in the mood to listen to some different, better music.
I expected more from the XX but I was very dixappointed. It was not my cuppa tea!!!! Well maybe a little but overall it was, as I alwayx say, forgettable. Xorry! cuppa cuppa cuppa
Much more entertaining than I expected when I first saw the genre. Like the varied sounds on the album. All very relaxing.
Enjoyed this
3/5. A multi-faceted pop album, with experimental yet intentional diverse sounds creating a nice collection of electronic songs. It's smooth and chilling, keeping us anticipating each note. I did like it but not sure I would keep it a repeat listen just because some of the songs do sound similar, each vocalist creates their own unique sound yet over several songs, hard to differentiate their respective songs. Best Song: Hold, On, Say Something Loving, Brave For You
I wasn't particularly crazy about singles like I Dare You or On Hold when they were new (and I'm still not a huge fan honestly), but the album tracks actually go a lot harder. Decent little indie pop album, I like it. But I never quite felt the hype around The xx. 3.5/5
Another middling addition from 2017 that took the spot of something more deserving. Hold On is an absolute banger though
A little disappointing. Some compelling elements, but the package doesn’t come together for me.
I’ve always enjoyed The xx but never really been wowed by them. At least until Jamie xx released his solo album In Colour which leaned much more into electronic dance music than The xx’s indie rock/pop. I See You definitely shares some dance vibes with In Colour, especially on “On Hold”, my favorite xx song. I hope The xx will get together again and release more, it’s been 7 years and I’m hopeful since Romy had a 2023 solo album and Jamie xx seems to have an upcoming release in 2024. Maybe we’ll see them record together again soon.
This is pleasant enough. Male/Female vocals. Minimal pop tunes. Soft indie. Good modern sparse hip hop-ish production. 6/9/2024
Enjoyable and chill, it had one main hit for me
Nothing about this album really grabbed me. It was fine, I guess, but it felt like being at a spa run by Radiohead.
Not my favorite album of theirs, but I still appreciate their sound
Wasn't bad.... Nice vocals
Not the The XX album I’d put on or tell people to listen to at all. Couple of great songs that I’ll listen to multiple remixes of on repeat. But more indie club sound rather than a great album. It’s probably a 3.5 for me.
Mostly just okay, but topping out at okay-plus. This is very different than their earlier, hushed work – and good for them for trying to grow. But often it feels a little canned/synthetic like a lot of late 2010s pop, making it perhaps just not one's thing anymore, if ever. One doesn't simply hear as much of the much bruited influencers (primarily Smiths and Cure) as critics seem to. Still, there are moments (or perhaps "effects" is more accurate way to describe) worth acknowledging. "A Violent Noise" and "Replica" (the latter's bassline being a rather direct lift from Disintegration-era Cure, previous comment notwithstanding) are both dreamy and cool, but may require very controlled listening circumstances. All the frippery on "On Hold" demonstrates the problem; this is other artists' sound, not xx, in one's own HO. They were only ever going to moderately cool, no, and to get two chart-topping records seems a great deal more than their modest (by design, granted) capabilities could have led them to reasonably expect.
3.5
Nice Indie offering
Dangerous Lips Clubby vibe. Good chill vibe calm feeling. Not much to say. Solid vocals and an eerie feeling behind some melodies.
Just fine
I listened to this back I. 2017 and then forgot about it. Good record and has great moments but it is quite forgettable. I don’t think it will be on the list long
This mostly made me want to take a nap.
A very clean and well-made album, though not an especially memorable one. A few of the songs were intriguing and the production was slick throughout. Best song: On Hold
It's fine. Test Me is a terrific song and an excellent album closer. I prefer their first album over this one though. Still a worthy listen.
Here is another one I wanted to enjoy more. It's fine. For some reason, this album doesn't do much for me. It lacks some drive and I didn't find it very memorable. I'm not going to dismiss this band, though because I kind of see what they were going for and I might enjoy their earlier albums more.
# Playlist track - On Hold # Notes - If I had never listened to anything from the XX before, I would rate this album higher. - It's a good album, no doubt about it. It's dreamy, electric, chill pop in a very good way. But it's not GREAT. You kind of float through it and there's not much happening until "On Hold" hits. - Final Rating: Go listen to "xx" instead. 5/7 stars.
More accessible than the previous album we had, for sure, but still not really my cup of tea. Always feels like it's about to get going but never quite does. 3/5, it's interesting, but doesn't do enough to get a good score.
This band reminds me of an old friend who liked them. A decent group never really my full vibe but I like a few of their songs. I really like Say Something Loving on this album. They had sweet performances back on Jools Holland’s show back in the day
ICU, comatose.
I twee you
Lovely stuff
Dig the groove on intro song. It's a semi-airy album and I like that. They remind me of a chiller Sofi-Tukker. This album is a bit more dramatic than some of their other work. I think this suggestion has turned me on to the band in general, so that's nice.
I'm not a huge fan of this genre, but The xx made something unique here. I dig it.
Cool, very very cool, but maybe a bit too cool, perhaps even a little boring...
I don't have many opinions about this album. The production is good, but most of the songs start to sound the same. This reminds me a lot of mall / forever 21 music. I wouldn't care if it came on, but isn't very interesting and I wouldn't seek it out. 2.5
Not their best album, but chill enough to lighten your day.
Could not get into this. It started out as background music and really never captured my interest enough to progress from there.
Ok 3/5
Slow for my taste, but I like it - solid indie pop vibes and some of the beats reminded me a bit of the postal service. Good not great
On sait pas trop en quel honneur ils se retrouvent une deuxième fois dans le générateur, mais au moins c'était audible
not too bad- good to work to
Wallpaper
Fun album! Will listen again. 3/5 for solid pop and laid back vibes
great productions here, and On Hold is a wonderful song, but others stay so inoffensive it can be frustrating
This is a pretty decent indie pop album that starts off pretty great and slowly tapers into the less enjoyable. The rhythmic beats and poppy sound is very enjoyable but after about 29 minutes the tune gets a bit bland and lacks variety. Overall it was easy to listen to and fun but nothing spectacular that would have me really wanting to revisit more than a song or two. 6.3/10
Non-offensive and a little dull, but I can appreciate the production.
Not bad, but I like their other album more
Background introspection vibes
This album has a certain mood to it that will be just what I want to hear in certain situations. Very unique, with pretty melodies, A little bit of a 70s soul music vibe, a little bit of a folk vibe, very modern overall sound.
Pleasant enough but kind of boring. It makes me think of the early/mid-2000s, so I was surprised it was as recent as 2017. Best track: A Violent Noise
3.25
First song is great but the album is overall decent. I think I’d appreciate more if it was more my style
Although their debut album made a bigger cultural impact, I think that this might be a better album. A really great release.
Pas tellement plus aimé que l'autre. C'esrt vraiment très inoffensif et safe comme son. Bien qu'il y a un mélange de plusieurs styles, ça sonne comme quelque chose vraiment fade et fait pour facilement plaire à un large publique. J'ai oublié de quoi ça avait l'air à la seconde que ça a fini. 5/10
Meh
Meh.
Good techno-pop music. Hypnotic beats. I liked the songs Lips, Replica, and I Dare You. Overall not my cup of tea.
Did not like
Chill album with some good songs. 3.4.
Don't really know what to say except, yeah it's fine? I really don't think I needed to listen to this before I died, but it was fine. I don't remember much of what happened, but the sounds didn't offend my ears, they were fine. Yeah, it was fine.
Singles: --------------- On Hold (#37 UK; #7 US Rock) Say Something Loving (#60 UK) I Dare You (#100 UK, #23 US Rock) Dangerous (#75, UK) 5/5: On Hold 4/5: Dangerous, I Dare You Rating: 3/5
Favorite tracks: Dangerous, A Violent Noise
3.75
Different from what I'd imagined. Rather chilled
Lovely voices, songs a bit too spacey for me.
this indie pop album has its fans; apparently one of the tracks was used as menu music for fifa 18. can't really say i found it too interesting of a listen though, even with the often relaxing electronic beats and moderately interesting lyrical content. sorry, it's just not my thing.
It's a nice sound but it's very shallow.
It is quite odd to get two albums by The xx in two days, but it has actually been a welcome surprise. It has properly introduced me to the band and made me pay attention in a way I had not before. I See You feels a little brighter and more open than xx. There is still that minimalist core, but the production has more colour and movement. The hooks are stronger and the songs feel slightly more immediate. On Hold is incredibly catchy and easily one of the standout moments. I Dare You has a warmth and confidence that really works. The whole album flows well and is an easy, enjoyable listen. Favourite songs: On Hold and I Dare You Least favourite: None that stood out negatively Album artwork: Simple, bold and instantly recognisable, very much in keeping with their aesthetic
I like The XX when they do their faster songs, like On Hold or I Dare You. Sometimes it’s too ethereal for me.
Tätä tuli julkaisun aikaan kuunneltua paljonkin, mutta tuntuu jo nyt vanhentuneelta. Sisältää silti edelleen pari bändin parasta biisiä ja niiden voimin ansaitsee 3/5. Kaksi levyä näiltä on taas mainio esimerkki listan brittibiaksesta.
Ihan jees indie-elektro-poppislevy, mut tää on vuos jollon kuunteli jo aika paljon uusia levyjä. En ehkä itse olisi nostanut tätä vuodelta 2017.
Enjoyed (my wife Enjoyed more). Talented band, love the sound, the voice...lyrics are just a little bit repetitive for me. 4 tracks added to 1001 Experience playlist
Smooth, a bit somber. Feels somewhat over-wrought. The vocals don't have the strength to carry the so-so lyrics. Some songs like Test Me have a knock-off Taylor Swift feel.
Sehr minimalistisch, schwebend, melodisch, hat mich anfangs ein wenig an New Order erinnert. Der Wechselgesang gefällt mir. Das Album habe ich mir gleich 2x angehört. Passiert mir bei dieser Liste selten.