Reviews (page 5 of 7)
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.
A nice baroque pop album with 3 stars
OK
Kind of reminds me of Gungor! Not too bad but not something I’d have in my collection, I will say the lead singer had a great voice. 2.8
Solid album. I enjoyed it. Good music for a tired morning.
Starts well, but a bit the same after a while...
Good but not their best. By 2017, other bands were doing their sound better than them.
Started this record as a stranger to xx work. By the end of it,i was sold to their sound. Not my type of "rode", i admit,but really gret qork on the albim Loved the atmosphere, the vibes,the journey to meet that platonic love. Great work
I See You is very fine and pretty, but it rarely resonates with me. It feels too sunlit and airy without any sense of consequence - the exception being “A Violent Noise”. It’s not bad, don’t get me wrong. But I would probably rather put this on in the background while competing chores.
Just okay
3.1.
Interesting soulful sound. Enjoyed it
why did this album edge me into thinking it was gonna be amazing and just kinda fell on its face, at the start of each song I felt it was gonna be good but damn I felt like it didn’t unlock its potential
You know in hotels when they have a resort channel and it has some non descript indie indicating fun and adventure in a non-threatening way playing in the background
Probably less relevant than the band's debut, this records still profits a lot from Jaimie xx's stellar solo adventure two years before--which saw him exploring electronic and EDM soundscapes in a successful way (*In Colours* is surely an "essential album", there's no arguing about that!). As a result, The xx manages to create a rather strong tracklist that also grooves quite a lot, even if it's a subdued fashion more in keeping with the band's initial aesthetics. Yet is this result, as "nice" as it is, the stuff of legendary albums? I don't think so. You have nice vocal and instrumental hooks everywhere, sure. Yet you also have unobtrusive songwriting, with some (wittingly?) frail moments, lyrically and vocally speaking. Such frailty may charm quite a few listeners. But I still think it will very rarely truly *impress* the bulk of them. 3/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums". Which translates to a 8/10 grade for assessing albums in more general terms (5+3). Number of albums left to review: 341 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 298 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 158 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 212 (including this one)
I didn’t much care for this album but I think if I was in a different mood I might have enjoyed it more.
I'm mad at it only because I've been in an ornery mood to brand something with a 1 rating. But goddammit, this thing won me over after just the first two songs. It's brand new to me and I'm already confident in declaring this outfit as the thinking person's Everything But The Girl. I'll give it more time to see if it keeps. And who knows. Maybe I'll hear this playing in the background of Banana Republic and realize I don't like it enough to throw $150 down for a new pair of pants.
This is right up my ally in terms of indie but it was just meh. Allegedly they are back in the studio to release a follow-up and maybe that will get me into them but this was just meh.
Not sure if it deserves a spot on this list, but it was pretty enjoyable. Fave Songs: On Hold, Performance, Dangerous, Lips, A Violent Noise
The sparser songs are better than some of the later ones. Overall I love the sound and the hidden complexities XX weave into even the simple sounding songs. I think lyrically this album gets weaker as it progresses. Not as stunning as their debut but still beautiful.
Mixed bag for me. The good: It was interesting how all the songs flowed into each other, so it sounded like the album was one continuous song. The music didn't fit into any genre or decade, so it was very unique. The bad: It didn't really pull me in. There wasn't any part of it that stood out for me. Kinda sleepy.
Not nearly as good as the last album I had by them
One description said this was atmospheric. That seems spot on. I like the songs like Violent Noise that have the male and female vocals sang separately rather than in duet. They both sing well.
This is not music for me per se, but the bass playing throughout the album is pretty great. I am not a bass player but there are some very tasteful bass parts on this album that sound very nice to me. Other than that it's not too special.
This didn't do all that much for me, proficient and slickly produced as it was. The vocals and lyrics in particular I just didn't warm to.
Ok my first reaction is/was "wow" because after really not liking their first album (emo to the point of self-caricature; boring, etc) I was not expecting this melodic explosion at all. Modern as hell production, sampling, loops, etc; i.e. an electronic album in every conceivable way yet song construction fully in the standard 20th century pop-rock vein... much more variety in songs and mood than on their debut. I think my problem was that I listened twice. I loved the first pass. Yet the second go-around sounded... sterile. Seems like the first time around I was blinded with the apparent energy and melody and as I settle in and really digest the songs...none are bad (although I'm not a fan of "On Hold" - more of a tarted-up cheesy 80s song that tries to hard to not be and fails) but there's a clinical precision to the crafting of each of the tracks that overall it becomes too polished. I can see how people might love this - overall it does have a great sound and makes me re-evaluate the band overall, but I need more...daring? edge? a guitar solo or sense that it's not all/so crafted "in the box" - it's too bad because why should I hold a "group" up to a standard that I don't hold a stereotypical electronic artist to. I suppose standard-form songs like this for me come with some expectation of feeling the energy and that's what's missing here. 6/10 3 stars
Love this album and band in general. They really expanded their sound a lot with this album. You can hear the influence of Jamie xx’s solo project quite a bit. Definitely won me back after their lackluster second album. That said, I still think albums this recent should be excluded. I don’t think this album has really had the influence or cultural impact to justify its inclusion here.
3.8 + Jami XX does more of the heavy lifting on this one, filling out the minimalism from the first album into something deeper and richer. But somehow, though the results are more nuanced, they’re somewhat less catchy and this one doesn’t have quite as many ear worms as that first record. Still, I do love “Say Something Loving”, “On Hold”, and “I Dare You.”
I don't particularly resonate with this brand of mellow, emo indie pop. When "On Hold" was on the radio I found it mildly annoying.
I remember tangentially liking their debut album, but as I've gotten older I find it just a bit too straightforward and poppy for me. This album just continues more along those lines. Production-wise and vocals performances are good, but don't appeal to me at all. Regardless, it's doing what it is trying to do; not my thing.
A pretty and vapid singing album that Is pleasant to listen to as background music but I probably wouldn't seek this out. Enjoyable and there were 2-3 songs that I actually throughly enjoyed. 6/10
Pretty inoffensive
synth-pop beach lounge with breathy indie vocals. Fine but forgettable road trip music.
Easy listen. Pop/ambient electronica. Nice melodies and vocals. Not very interesting though. Includes radio hit On Hold.
a little boring. but strong album. 3-4 3
Pretty solid for a pop act and an indie act. I had low hopes but this was actually pretty good.
This reminded me a bit of Deee-Lite. You can argue amongst yourselves if that's a good thing or not. Seriously, I did enjoy this quite a bit. Some of the later tracks on the album were a bit uneven ("On Hold," for example), but it opened really well. "Dangerous"" was good and "Performance" was haunting. Wish the album stuck the landing at the end better, though. Still it was short and didn't overstay it's welcome. Enjoyable.
I mean sure? Let's throw Bastille and the 1975 in there too. Who else you got in England that puts pop and dance, and maybe rock together? At least I've heard of the other two bands. I'm not sure what makes this album (or this band) special. Especially because this was their third album and is pretty late in the game as far as this genre goes. So I'm not sure what makes it groundbreaking. Their sound is easy on the ears but it's not overly complex or impressive in its composition. Meh.
Each year's indie-club record comes roaring in with some kind of character. The xx do it interestingly here, with horns shuttling us from Sinatra (providentially, in list terms), and remembered songs dispersed and somewhat grayed. That suits the record well, the strange loss of bombast from singles-in-memory. Most indie-club producers don't bother adding the depth which Jamie did here.
Good background music Heard it done better, but also a lot worse.
Ambiente. Dance. Pop.
Da hora, me lembra uma sexta feira que eu agitaria a galera pra ir na Pixel. Muito música de baladinha indie. Gostei da energia. Depois virou uma música tranquilinha, que parece ter naqueles cortes de cenas de filmes de romance, uma chuvinha, e essas músicas no fundo. Legalzinho.
Some nice electro pop. But sadly rather uneven.
Great album by a great band. I love the vibe, the energy, the inherent coolness that runs throughout. The vocals feel more present in this album. I don't know if that's just an evolution of their production style over the years, but I think it's a good choice. The balance of their mix is a standout feature of theirs that I really tend to agree with often. I am holding out hope to hear their self titled album on this list as well.
Think the voices complement each others very well to give quite a calming sound. Good album overall but abit basic, kind of sounds like 1975
Still lovely, with bigger, deeper beats and stronger vocals from Oliver (Romy's remain delicate, charming and beautiful). Very good progression, but I'm going to give three stars since it doesn't have the wow and newness that stunned me with their debut.
Their third album proves two things: dance pop can have true emotion, and that just because your first album nailed it doesn't mean you can't hit a different target square in the middle. Romy is captivating as always, and Jamie's production has continued to evolve, better capturing both bigger rock and more soulful electronic elements. What really strikes me is the continuity of the album. While this sometimes negates the element of surprise I think it shows a mastery many who try to make music in this space fail to achieve. Personal highlights are "say something loving", "violent noise", "performance".
This was a little too experimental for my personal taste. Nice production value, but too many tracks just sounded like someone tossed a bunch of samples from a random noise generator together and hoped to produce something unique. It was... unique, but not particularly inspiring.
Meh.
Somehow slow and one dimensional, but at the same time it’s not actually bad and is somewhat enjoyable at times
Not bad.
Not aware of this album (or band), so I had no expectations before listening. A Chill, cool record that isn't flashy or in your face and it's a good solid pop record. Not sure how this would be categorized, but I'm a sucker for co-ed vocals and it was an easy and somewhat relaxing listen. Actually, listened twice, once in the afternoon and later at night and it's enjoyable either way. Essential, probably not, but not a waste of time.
meh, generic - 6/10
It reminded me of the early 2000s indie EDM genera like Chvrchs or something else in the genera. I give it a solid OK!
I had a hard time placing this one on my musical map. Alternative? Easy listening? Electronic? Duet? Slower pace than expected for sure. Kept expecting the bass to drop but it never really did. Might grow on me if I listened more times but not sure if I will. Three stars.
Nothing too special about this album. I think there are better songs by the xx. I think overall their 2009 album xx is better and has more iconic songs. I do like modern music and how full the sound is with the electronic instruments and mixing
Quite pleasant in a dreamy sort of way, but doesn't excite me.
eh it's fine I don't think they've ever been for me but a pretty cool atmosphere building, just not an atmosphere I care for
Never heard of them, but I kind of like it actually.
I See You is the third album by English indie pop band the xx - their first in over four years. The music on this album is progressive and wide-ranging, making it more accessible to the general population than their first two albums. Released to critical acclaim, this album was the No.1 album in the UK, No.2 in the US, and reached the top 10's on many charts worldwide. It has been certified gold in the UK. I love this band and am shocked I did not know about their third album. This was a pleasant surprise for me to listen to this album for the first time. The xx did a great job of evolving their music for this album without subtracting from the intimate style they're known for. Please give this album and the previous two albums from the xx a listen, because they're amazing.
Fine. Clearly British favoritism here.
I’ve been looking forward to getting an album by The xx because in the contexts I’d heard about them, I had a feeling I’d like them. I was surprised this was billed as alternative because it seems like straight pop to me. While I found it pleasant and inoffensive overall, it didn’t really do anything for me. I would give them a chance on another album, but I doubt I’d listen to this one again.
Saw them live few years ago so was familiar with this album. Not bad, 3 songs I like the rest I don’t mind.
It lacks the outright excellence of their debut, and honestly drags a bit by the end... but the intelligent craft of it still makes it a pretty solid experience. I just can't help but feel a tad disappointed.
Not exactly my favorite style of music, but for what it is it's very well done. It has a nice feel to it. 3 stars.
Zoals al vaker gezegd hier; dat andere plaatje van deze lui is beter. In dit geval nòg iets beter, want dit is ook al behoorlijk tof.
Dit vond ik wel lekker catchy
Heel fijne vibe weeten die XXen te creeren.
Prettig, maar ook een beetje zouteloos.
This is another group I had never heard before, and I'll likely never hear again. The album wasn't bad and it wasn't good, ultimately falling into the unremarkable, forgettable, middle of the bell curve that represents my ratings on the 1001.
Kakkosen ja kolmosen välis. Annetaan nyt kolmonen, en tiedä pitäiskö.
Perus ok
Not great, not terrible.
Enjoyable.
Yeah, very 'nice'. Calming and that...
This just isn't my thing. I can understand why people would like it.
Best Song: I Dare You. Feels like the most similar to their earlier work. Worst Song: Brave For You. Melodramatic and emotionally overwrought. I find their schtick more enjoyable when it's more subtle and subdued. Overall: Not as good as their earlier stuff, which I'm more familiar with. This feels like more standard indie pop. Nevertheless, the interplay of their two voice timbres is always nice.
I'm not sure I'd ever listened to this in full! But it was a good listen, a lot more optimistic than their second album right? I enjoyed listening to it but I don't think the XX is my bag completely, doesn't always put you in a good mood but definitely apt on certain occasions
Their debut album is so good and it will be so hard for them to make anyhting else as good. It's a very difficult task. I don't think they lost the fight here on this album, but it lacks something. Not very mystic, nor mysterious. They try go in this direction, but I personally think they should make some slight changes in their style.
The xx are pretty good. I have no idea why this album was deemed more culturally significant than their previous albums that really defined them.
They’ve certainly honed in on their target sound. 6/10
A very okay pop album. I felt mild satisfaction during it.
Surprisingly good!
Didn’t really find this interesting some vaguely pleasant stuff tho
Never really gave this band a fair shake and while I did enjoy parts of this I found it a little one-note and drawn out.
I feel like this fails to have the same impact on me as the original xx album.
This was so boring!
And now you don't
Definitely a chill album. I think the vocals are meant to be the strength of this album but in reality they are pretty bland. The spacey beats were nice though. I appreciated the tempo change in "On Hold" which just left me wishing the whole album sounded like that. Overall, this album was okay. Forgettable at worst and mildy interesting at best.
A pretty superfluous inclusion, not as iconic and just not as good as their debut. Though On Hold is probably the xx song I get the most repeat listening value from. On full listen I really find most of the rest of the tracks to be very tame. Its boring. 2.3/5
Das isch so langwiilig gsi
Ich hätte mir wirklich gewünscht, dass es mich mehr abholt, vorallem bei dem großen Namen, aber das hat mich wirklich nicht erreicht, wobei ich den Gesang am meisten mochte
I See You feels almost colorless to me. There’s a certain elegance in its restraint, but after a while that restraint starts to feel more like emotional distance. The sparse arrangements, hushed vocals, and understated rhythms create the familiar xx atmosphere, yet the album rarely surprises or pulls me in deeply enough. It’s not a bad record by any means—it’s carefully made, atmospheric, and occasionally beautiful—but I found myself admiring it more than actually feeling it. The mood stays so consistent that, for me, it becomes a little monotonous and even slightly boring. Almost everything is in its right place, but there’s not enough contrast, tension, or messiness to give the songs much color. Maybe that cool, minimalist quality is exactly what makes I See You appealing to some listeners. For me, though, it left very little behind once the music stopped.
Why this album? I see that xx is in here - correct answer. If there's going to be a second xx album (which, I mean, sure), why not Coexist? So, anyway, a mildly unique indie electronica album. This one is the album that came after the wave of popularity, and I don't hear anything new or anything that must be heard before you die.
Not bad just very bland.
Mehh I mean for pop it’s alright I just don’t really get how it’s in this list
Most of the songs were the same drum beat and vocal style
As bland as a three day old microwaved bolognese that’s been in the fridge a little too long
1. dangerouz - 2 2. loving - 2 3. lipz - 1 4. noize - 2 5. performance - 2 6. replica - 1 7. brave - 1 8. hold - 1 9. dare - 1 10. tezt - 0
Their first album was fine, in it's time, but when it came up in this list I realized I had utterly forgotten everything about it (and I listened to it quite a bit). This is a much less fine album with one song that I remember and many songs that are also on the album.
Airy synth music with wispy singing. It’s just soft and boring background noise to me. I just don’t get into this kind of music. This is certainly not an album I needed to hear.
On hold va kul Beste sag: On hold
Inte dåligt, men väldigt tråkigt och intetsägande. Funkar säkert när man är sugen på något melankolisk.
Not my thing, unfortunately. Nothing memorable
The album i see you by the xx is not the best album also not good I find it boring it has 1-2 good songs no more
What a drag, I was just waiting for it to be done
Really missing the rawness of their first album. Never got into this one as much.
So forgettable I forgot I was listening to it while it was still playing.
General thoughts: Right at the moment I saw the combination of release year and genre, I was a bit hesitant, not saying newer is worse per se, but the creator of this list has demonstrated so far a lack of taste in some gaps in the history of music, in this case, in this decade and genre. Music can be minimalistic, can be slow, can be deadpan even, but you can never be boring, never, and this is boooring. 'I See You' is so plain and boring, and don't get me wrong, I like minimalistic arrangements, but this is not it, this album is spiceless and very artificial; the few signals of life get shadowed by the worst writing decisions I've seen. What I mean is, whenever I have a hint of hope for a track, they somehow mess it up. The lyrics are pretty mid; voices aren't bad, but same again, they dont add much life to the songs. Literally, what they did on "On hold" is what they're missing, not saying they need to sample or include rap, but to add some touch of originality that strays from its current state of background music. The album gets progressively worse, and the closer is the worst; they had a nice horn arrangement somewhere, used it for 10 seconds, and then threw it out the window. Outstanding song(s): On hold Weakest song(s): Test Me Cover: As bland as the setlist. Seriously, who suggested that cover art? Ed Sheeran? Real rating: 2.15
It's not as boring as the other xx album, that's one positive. It didn't have the beauty of the other album they have on here either however. I didn't really dislike any part of this, but it feels like such a forgettable and inconsequential release that I find it hard to say much about it. Did it do anything wrong? Did it do anything right? Who listens to this? Have those people ever heard other music?
As with their other album, I'm finding this just way too stripped back and wafty. Particularly in the vocal delivery, which stays the same across the whole album. I don't mind some of the musical / atmospheric elements per se, but they don't have any real impact outside of a very gentle texture. It's hard to engage with this when it's so slight, and again, as with their other album, it's just so fucking boring.
Good when woman. Bad when man.
god so corny
nah
The first one was boring drivel. This one is too.
почему-то прям очень неприятные для меня ребята, что он что она(
The xx is just the Millennial version of Everything But The Girl.
I think I'm too old for this
I didn't find anything to like here.
Dit doet me iets denken aan een moderne versie van Everything but the Girl. En die zangeres werkt op mijn zenuwen. Ik heb hetzelfde bij deze zanger en zangeres. Het is neppe emotie die ze erin leggen, ik geloof ze niet, artsy fartsy dromerig gedoe. En dan staan ze er ook nog 2x in. Tja, het is wel typisch zo'n snobbandje natuurlijk. Er zitten genoeg momenten in om even wat meer los te gaan, maar dat doen ze dan niet. Misschien een keer met een extra elektronisch beatje ofzo, maar dat vind ik echt te matig. Avicii of David Guetta hadden hier wel raad mee geweten gok ik. Het is nu vooral heel veel slappe hap (of zoals Eric al zegt, het had meer peper kunnen gebruiken). Ik ga dit 2 sterren geven, dit is niet aan mij besteed.
Sounds like an album trying to sell me shoes and overpriced shirts
Music for a soundtrack or for a sad teenager to listen to on the bus while staring out of the window. The track Performance was extremely underwhelming, a very straightforward metaphor, if it even rises to the level of metaphor. Jejune. The same goes for Brave For You, its moral and message is something you might see in a cartoon for children.
Harmless enough but very samey. In fact not only is this album samey, it’s also pretty much identical to their first album which *also* appears on this list. Marking down as a 2 as I don’t this this one has any merit being on here
..
oooooooooooke
++: Dangerous, Brave for You +: Performance, Replica, I Dare You, Test Me +-: Say Something Loving, Lips, On Hold -: A Violent Noise 5,0/10
Someone singing over your mum’s Pure Moods CD
This is a pretty uninteresting album. I didn't feel anything from it, musically it didn't grab me, and I didn't notice anything thematically engaging. It very easily fell into background music even when I tried to hold attention. Even as someone who listens to ambient music at times I found this to be something that bored me.
Eugh I mean the first track was good and the songs that have music videos are ok the other songs just sound the same
Some really interesting ideas here that I just felt were ruined by repetitiveness nonsense. Some of these songs truly could have been 30 seconds long.
Quite some time back I had to The xx’s debut album generated. I had seen it being praised on several occasions but I mostly found it to be pretty underwhelming and boring (although I might listen to it again sometime in the future). I feel similar about this album. It’s really repetitive and doesn’t change much sonically. The vocals are really monotonous and subdued, and overall not really engaging. There were some pretty moments in this (I liked “A Violent Noise” and the outro to “Replica”), but overall this is just a boring album to me. Luckily the runtime is quite manageable.
Didn't really find much of note or interest here. Felt middle of the road trying to be emotional. Might need more listens.
really fucking boring
“Oh! Its finished” was our most pertinent observation.
Probably the most "meh" album I've listened to so far on this list. Not bad, not good, just did not stir anything in me at all. Really, really, really boring.
I fell asleep listening to the last few songs on this album, and I have absolutely no desire to revisit it to hear it out. I wouldn't call this DNF though - I really did try to get all the way through it. Just wasn't my thing. At times I thought - that's a great baseline, or this is a fun little melody, but then the song carried on without it.
Don't know why TWO of this acts albums are in this list. Granted, there are 2-3 passable tracks with better tunes, but this to me sounds like stripped back bedroom laptop recordings without a great deal of substance or 'wow' moments. Not my cup of tea, sorry.
I have no idea why this is on the list. There is nothing special. It’s not bad. But it’s boring pop music.
This didn't really click for me. It just sounded a bit generic or even corporate to my ears. I wasn't a big fan of the vocal performances, and I wish it leaned more into the weirder, dreamier, or poppier places it could have gone.
It’s not terrible, it’s quite pleasant, but that’s about the best I can do for it as it was just a little bland, like Everything But The Girl reinvented for the next generation. Ironic band name really as they are getting The ⭐️⭐️
Ew. This is the type of music I would think of if I said I dont like modern music. I dont say that now but maybe 10 years ago I would have. Its not horrible I guess. Like its not a thing I would even think about if I was shopping at the jc penny and it was on over the speakers. But sitting here and listening to 40 minutes of it really got to me by the end. Its just so generic. I dont hear anything new or interesting. Its the popcorn marvel movie of music. Its fine to like it but i just cant see it as fine art. Its art of some kind just not good art for me. Its just so smoothed out. Its perfect. It makes me feel like a robot made it. It grosses me out. I just cant really find anything worth it for me. The music just stinks all around. But its not a 1 star stink I guess. It took a long time for me to get mad at it at least. Only in the last 2 songs did I get the come on wrap it up feelings. If it went on much longer I might have been able to justify a 1, but as it is if I heard it I just wouldn't notice it instead of fly into a blind rage. Still not good though
Second album proposé après xx que j’avais plutôt apprécié (noté 3/5, sympa sauf voix masculine). J'ai un peu moins accroché sur cet album, je n'y ai pas retrouvé les ambiances qui m'avaient séduit dans le précédent album. Le premier morceau et sa section de cuivre m'a plutôt déplus. L’accompagnement s'améliore par la suite mais sans retrouver le niveau du premier album. Je ne suis pas sur d'avoir envie de l'écouter une seconde fois. =>2/5
For one song it's fine, but man, this album drags on. It kept feeling like it was going somewhere and then just never arrived.
I'm not a fan of The XX and I wonder how they became popular. Every so often you realize that maybe the music you like is not the same that other people like.
Nothing too crazy, I enjoyed the female singers voice for a couple songs so I will bump it up to 2 stars.
I didn’t really leave myself much room to manoeuvre by giving their debut 3. This didn’t really develop that sound in an interesting way for me and feels a bit disjointed.
Jamie is still carrying the other two, but in trying to reach his level they've actually regressed. While I appreciate the craft, I wanted this to be over for most of it.
I kind of hated the singing on this. It sounds like they're trying a lot harder than the first album and it rubs me up the wrong way. Production really good in places, like the drums on track 1.
Jamais écouté avant. Quelques morceaux assez accrocheurs, ambiance dance mélancolique, ne suffisent pas à effacer l'impression d'un album mesuré au millimètre, calibré et lissé à l'extrême, où chaque beat, chaque ligne de basse, chaque nappe de synthé, chaque harmonie vocale, est exactement là où il doit être, dans les cases prévues à cet effet. Résultat : toutes les émotions sont stérilisées et on s'ennuie ferme. Franchement dommage, d'autant que la production impeccable et les quelques fulgurances pop laissent penser qu'en prenant plus de risques, en lâchant les rênes, il y aurait des choses à faire... Top : Lips Flop : Brave for You
If you're gonna write shit like this, you'd better be Cindy Lauper. Or at least Madonna.
Lame.
2/5 - I could not recall one thing from this. Why is this here?
I don’t really know what to do here. How does one be unbiased when they just don’t like the type of music they are hearing? Vocally weak but fitting for the type of music. The music has glimpses of dancehall beats and it definitely leaves the door open for remixes to bring life to some of these stale songs. Am I comparing this to the Black Eyed Peas? These guys lose Pet Shop Boys? These guys lose Armon Van Helding? Tie or whatever his name is Wet Wet Wet? Is that a band? Either way, these guys win. It’s just….this album….and being selected for this list….i just….i don’t….. it’s meh
First album was great. More of the same here. No evolution. A bit dull
2/5
Didn't finish but seemed soulless. Terrible lyrics
Not in my edition of the book! 2017. 2 stars Pleasant but instantly forgettable electro-indie pop. No idea why this is on the list?
1.7
Listening session: may 9th, while cleaning Listened to before: no Thoughts: this was just boring, not something that belongs on this list in my opinion Favourite track: On Hold
Kind of boring
dreg
Nah man this is boring. I thought about giving this a 3 but there’s just way too many people in this genre that prove to me I don’t have to convince myself that this album is good. It is not good. It is boring. And derivative as fuck.
ja is ok. bissi langweilig. 2/5
I mean, it is not like it is unbearably bad, and maybe it would be worth the list if was released 30 years before, but it really doesn't make sense in this context. 6/10
I found this pretty bland. Just not my kind of thing.
Not my style. It doesn't hurt either.
This is very plain. I don't see myself listening to it again.
Review - this album is nowhere near as good as their debut. Maybe the production was wearing a bit thin, or it's just that the juxtaposition of their calm quiet voices and the increasingly bombastic production was a bit much for me, but stylistically I just found it didn't work for me as well as their debut does. Some good songs here and there but a lot of forgettable songs. Just have their debut on the list. Rating - 4.5/10 Need to hear? NO
One of the most overrated artists of the current era. I do enjoy their house sensibilities, but it does sound like music for buying clothes in a mall. A couple of songs are bangers, but this is a dull album overall.
Pop just isn't my thing in general. I could understand and enjoy some songs but it just lacks something for me. 1. On Hold 2. I Dare You 3. Replica
This is pop not alternative in my eyes. Professional writing and recording but not my scene.
I guess overall I don’t like anything that sounds like it would be played by the pool at a “hip” hotel
sorry, je suis du bord de 'je catch pas la vibe' pour les XX. J'ai trouvé ça vraiment downant pour faire de la route, et je sais pas trop c'est quoi qu'on essaye de faire... de l'electro-pop avec une touche hip-hop?
I remember listening to this band way back in the day, but was not still following them by the time this record dropped. I had moved on from their breathy alt pop. I started to feel like they were trying too hard to be sensual and ended up sounding boring. Listening to today's album made me realise that I was right in having those feelings. This is music that desperately wants to add itself onto your sex playlist. To the band's credit, they do try and build upon their minimalist style. You get hit with horns right out of the gate on 'Dangerous'. The beats might be occasionally interesting when they take more cues from dance music, but its hard to get excited with those uninterested vocals bringing the whole project down. Album closer 'Test Me' features a Brian Eno style soundscape, but the album is too far gone to win me back over. Never outwardly offensive, this is just dull and drab.
I See You ist das dritte Studioalbum des englischen Trios The xx – bestehend aus Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim und Jamie Smith –, erschienen im Januar 2017 auf dem Londoner Independent-Label Young Turks. Die Aufnahmen entstanden zwischen März 2014 und August 2016 an mehreren Orten: in der Marfa Recording Company in Texas, den Greenhouse Studios im isländischen Reykjavík sowie unter anderem in den RAK Studios und weiteren Londoner Studios. Genretechnisch bewegt sich das Album im Schnittbereich von Indie Pop und Indie Electronic und markiert eine spürbare Öffnung des Bandsounds. Gegenüber den introvertierten Vorgängeralben xx (2009) und Coexist (2012) präsentieren sich The xx auf I See You deutlich extrovertierter. Jamie Smiths Erfahrungen aus seinem Soloalbum In Colour (2015) sind unüberhörbar: Blechbläser, dichte Synthesizerstrukturen und tanzbare Rhythmen verleihen dem Album eine Unmittelbarkeit, die das Trio zuvor konsequent vermieden hatte. Dennoch bleibt der charakteristische Minimalismus erhalten – vor allem in den Gesangslinien von Croft und Sim, die sich nach wie vor komplementär überlagern. Die Singles „On Hold", die einen Hall-&-Oates-Sample geschickt einwebt, und „Say Something Loving" zeigen exemplarisch, wohin die Reise geht: Intimität und Clubkompatibilität schließen einander hier nicht mehr aus. Auch „Lips" und „Dangerous" belegen, dass die Band ihr Repertoire erweitern kann, ohne dabei die eigene Stimme aufzugeben. I See You ist das mutigste und offenste Album von The xx – ein kontrollierter Aufbruch, der Risiken eingeht, ohne die eigene Identität zu verleugnen.
Wasn't really in the mood for this one. Most of the songs were kinda dull and weepy. And I get that's the vibe they're going for, but it needed some kind of oomph to kick it up a notch. Test Me had a good angry vibe, but it needed to be longer and really hammer it home.
I don’t really like it
Mostly blows
Generic pop
A rainy day made this album an OK companion. Here's hoping for better weather. 2/5.
i was surprised at the negative review, but yeah, that wasn't great. I really enjoyed their first album in college, but haven't listened to anything beyond that. apparently for good reason.
I didn't know a album from 2017 could alreayd sound dated
Blind album, liked the debut album more for sure. This felt off like unsalted chicken compared to the delicious dish I had from the 1st album. 2
cet album émane la décennie trentenaire. je sais pas comment l'expliquer, cet album serait parfait dans une brasserie "roots" pour bobo chenus s'appelant julien ou quentin avec des doudounes sans manche et ils travaillent dans le marketing. je ne comprends pas trop pourquoi cet album fait partie des 1001 albums à écouter une fois dans sa vie. 2.5/5
This was good to make breakfast to but I could not tell you what happened in any of these songs.
The XX gets a 20 divided by 10 from me.
ehhhhh
Not sure if this wants to be dance music, or synth pop, or what, but it stays pretty forgettable for me.
so, the xx have three albums, I have listened to two of them through my first 80 albums on this project. That is 66.7% of The xx's discography. I never asked for this. No Beatles yet, no Dylan, no Zeppelin, no Soul Asylum.... Album is a whatever for most of it and then track eight (On Hold) is a banger
Dos temas y skip. Quizás me perdí de una perlita pero no es lo mío
I think this album is just not meant for me and that’s fine. I don’t really have anything negative to say.