Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Nah, this ain’t it. The first one of these I had to listen to from this band was at least decent generic post-punk. This is just generic meh pop music. No idea why they’re on here at all, let alone twice.
We've done both these XX albums within a week, and I definitely prefer this one. It is a lot poppier, and less focussed on mood, and the prominence of the male vocalist lifts it higher for me.
great. 3.5
Guess what? If you sing every song like you’re in a coma then it sends me to sleep Avoids a 1 because the soundscapes are interesting
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.
This album always makes me feel warm inside
Showed promise but ultimately disappointing. Felt too artificial and I'd hoped for more. I like indie and electronica so this should have been an easy win.
One of those albums where you just can't help but SMILE when you see it come up. Haven't listened to it end-to-end in years, but it's so good.
Good stuff, not their best, but still good.
Not the best bangers
I like their other album better
One or two songs I’d listen to again, but typically “meh” from The XX.
I’m really fond of the XX.
The first few songs I liked the beat but then it got kinda sad and slow as the album progressed. Skipped a few songs.
😴
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
4.0 3x great album and less listened to by me from XX
Honestly it's not bad. Peaceful background music while I dusted my bedsheets. Would I revisit this though: nah. To be honest this isn't really a gripe with this specific band or album, but with this list in general. I don't mind a 1001 albums list being mostly anglocentric. Thing is, if you're gonna make it anglocentric, you might as well pick the best of the bests. It's pretty sad how so much good music from all over the world is probably being overlooked in favour of some mediocre record like this. This album could have easily been swapped with something from the Japanese music scene.
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.
Another fine but unnecessary album, especially since they have another one on this list.
Vibey as hell. I think I liked this more than the other one we heard but neither were truly memorable.
Unfortunately a very bland record imo
Loved this!
Alright
Decent
Not for everyone but I really liked the vocal interplay.
mielestäni tämä on aika hyvä mutta olen närkästynyt. närkästyttävä. luulee että sykähdyttävä mutta ei ole koskaan sellainen, se että laulatte retardimaisesti ei tarkoita että sydän pysähtyy hetkeksikkään figuratiivisesti... ei ole atmosfeerista vittu vittu, liikaa laulamista.. haikea instrumentaali = omg atmospheric ambient awesomesauceness.. ei. ei. omg so sad tho. niin surullista kuitenkin, vaikka, vaikkakaan, vaikk', vaikkakin... omg itken niiin perkeleeeestii täs.. perkeleesti itken vaaan omg... haista vittu. sydämeni on lempeä mutta tämä mitään saatanan tunteita tuo esiin vittu.. herkkä on sieluni mutta saatan mitään pinnalle saa uppoaa vaan kaikki.. performance
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.
Boring. Sounds like the songs were made for a soundtrack. No real energy. Total lack of passion. The song Performance is ironic because I was listening to it and thinking that I can’t imagine seeing this band perform live. Everything is so produced, all the sharp edges are rounded off and it just falls into the background. It’s fine for that purpose but yet again another album that no one needs to hear before they die.
The woman singer is too sensual brah
Meh
Good album, but not 1001 albums material.
I quite liked the music. I doubt whether it is good enough to make the album one of the so-called 1001 best. But that also applies to many other albums on the list. Following a tip-off, I rummaged through the known editions of the 1001 albums and didn't find this album. Strange. Well, it's not one of my top favorites anyway, but maybe I'll listen to it again. 3/5
Happy to listen to it and will put it on from time to time. Not as good as the debut.
Gentle, atmospheric pop
l’ve never understood the appeal of The xx and now I think I’m realizing that I kind of hate their voices together. The songs are probably fine, but not like this. I’m actually surprised that I couldn’t stand this, but I despised everything about it.
Un-remarkable indie pop. Listenable but nothing stands out. High 2/5
A couple of tracks weren’t that bad. But for my taste, I will go with arcade fire when I am in the mood for “indie pop.“. Which is not often.
I liked the duet sound; the songs were rather basic and not memorable.
This is pretty good, but it's not something I'm likely to seek out in the future. Lovely female vocalist, in particular. 3.5*
Early on in the challenge I was fairly conservative with ratings and wouldn't really use the full scale. I felt I'd done this album an injustice, and I was very pleased to find out that it's possible to edit ratings. Finally, I can give this album the review it deserves. Godawful boring shite. It shouldn't be a mile within this list. It's easily the worst album I've heard for this challenge, and quite possibly the worst I've heard ever. There's not a hint of passion in this. God I hate this.
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
Ned meins
I gave up half way through and decided to put on some actually decent music (Bastro).
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"
I really had a hard time staying awake through this one!
I'm straight up offended that this is on a list of albums you have to hear before you die. There have been bad albums on here, but I can always at least believe there's some greater context I'm missing. But this is cardboard. Porridge. An homage to a high street Apple store. I hope I never have to hear it again.
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.
I like a lot of Jamie XX's other stuff, but this is pretty flat and sounds quite generic.
Eh? Oh, right. I knew this was coming just thought I had meh'd it already. For a second I thought there were three XX albums in the list which would be frankly insane. Anyway, this pretty much slipped by without incident or any particular emotional connection. Most of the songs sound more or less the same and so I thought I'd accidentally stuck 6 Music on for 40 minutes. If I wanted some music to put on in the background to ignore while I worked this would fit the bill, but I have much better alternatives.
I…don’t enjoy this
I didn't know this was them. I think it's better when they don't sing.
This was an interesting album for me. It gave me new age club vibes.
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
4/10 Another album that doesn't need to be on this list. I counted 18 yawns during my listening. I can't put my finger on particularly frustrating tracks, it's just as a whole piece it is massively underwhelming.
The xx’s first album is their best contribution to music, and even that is a little boring and barely a must-listen. This? I mean it sounds nice. I guess if you were a big fan, it would have been exciting to hear them get a little more dancey or whatever. But there’s nothing about this that screams influential or iconic or standout in any major way.
DECENT, NOT REALLY MY VIBE BUT SOUNDS GOOD
I don't think the album itself is a 2, but I don't understand why I had to listen to it in the first place. While I can make sense of their titular album in the list, it wasn't even fantastic. Someone else said it best: not unpleasant, but boring and uninspiring.
That hushed, breathy singing style — half-whisper, half-pant — was fresh on the debut, but by the third album it feels corny and restrained. And while Jamie xx’s fingerprints are more visible, most tracks feel more like exercises in clever production than songs with real bite or urgency.
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.
I like some of the music and they do done interesting things, but the vocals all sound like they want to be either the trashiest 90's techno you can imagine our the whiniest 2000's indie garbage, so the positives are pretty much wiped out.
Like earlier one better
I started listening to this and the word "indie" materialized in my mind like a genie out of a freshly rubbed lamp. It got me thinking about the concept of an indie band and I was all... Wait, what does "indie" even mean? You know, you hear a phrase or concept and you just accept it without ever stopping to examine its origin? For example, there's this book called "the art of the deal" which is supposedly about how to run a business. So I'm all, what does art have to do with business? I have a business degree and clearly says right there on the front in calligraphy "bachelor of science" and not "bachelor of arts". Maybe that's why the author of said book is not doing a great job because he doesn't fully understand the difference. Sorry, got off track there... What were we talking about? Oh yea, so I googled "indie" in the context of bands and it stands for "independent", as in independent from the influence of record labels. Self produced, in other words. Turns out, when you try to take the business aspect out of making music you create art. This album is art.
Very good album. Everyone showed up to play and remind everyone why they are the xx. I think "Say Something Loving" is my favorite. Jamie and Romy's voices are made for each other. Their harmonies are like audio honey. Love it.
1. Dangerous - 6.8/10 2. Say Something Loving - 4.5/10 3. Lips - 4/10 4. A Violent Noise - 4/10 5. Performance - 3/10 6. Replica - 5/10 7. Brave for You - 5.8/10 8. On Hold - 6/10 9. I Dare You - 6/10 10. Test Me - 5/10 4.8/10
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.
The best thing about this album is that it's only 39 minutes.
It might be that I listened to this while driving on a sunny day with a long weekend to look forward to, but I actually enjoyed this; it made for a very pleasant and relaxing drive. Other albums on the drive weren’t as enjoyable so I have to give this a 4
I liked this! Have always enjoyed The xx vibe. Simpsons: No
These guys are just great vibes. Massively helped listening outside on a hot sunny day.
This was all right. Favorite track was Performance
Maybe it deserves a 5 and it may have got it on more listens. Loved the use of male and female vocals, felt very unique.
I feel like this is the wrong XX album. The first one was actually a bit novel at the time. This is just a worse version of that album that more people have done similar versions of. As far as the music goes, good in small doses. A whole album was rough
1.5
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
no middle school nostalgia for this one
I absolutely love how creative Jamie xx is. I know him from his solo production work, and to see him harness those inclinations into some smooth, funky, relaxed pop only makes it more accessible, not less interesting. Perfect use of duet, and my personal bias -- I love women with deep, raspy, or unique singing voices. When a record is this fully and completely realized -- I have to respect it. Did not expect to give this a 5, but here I am. What a pleasure to listen to.
Really enjoyed the first track, the bright horn samples and inclusion of sounds inspired by garage and house really invokes memories of British summers. The vocal trade offs are great and the bass work is a standout. Unfortunately outside of this track not a lot stood out to me as particularly memorable or groundbreaking. It’s clearly competently made and the sound design and production is often stellar, but the actual writing and stylistic choices leave it feeling bland. Very inoffensive though and I wouldn’t necessarily feel the need to skip the album if played in the background. Overall 2.5/5
Nice background music
I know of one song from this artist (Intro) and nothing else. I generally tend to overlook electronic music of this era, scoring it lower than perhaps it deserves. Hoping this is the 2010s electronic project that finally clicks, if not I hope that there's at least something unique about it. Dangerous Interesting bassline. The vocal layering is pretty cool, the male/female vocals combination with the swapping between lead and backing vocals is a pretty neat idea for this track. Suffers from generic writing. Instrumentally a bit uninspired, the horns are kinda rough. Fine. 3/5 Say Something Loving Opening buildup sounds pretty nice. Slow. Boring writing, by the numbers vocal performances. An absolute snoozefest of a duet. Feels manufactured and forced, evoking zero emotion. Did not like. 2/5 Lips The claps are awful and sound dated. Hate the backing vocals. Same boring writing, different instrumental. The chorus at least has a bit of a kick to it, but otherwise this bores me to sleep. Did not like. 2/5 Violent Noise Has one instrumental part perhaps worth caring about, the rest of the song is slow, repetitive and formulaic. Bland, low energy instrumental with vocals that do nothing for me. Did not like. 2/5 Performance More of the same bland, uninspiring drivel which does absolutely nothing for me. Another piece of disappointingly unintetesting songwriting, and another track which goes absolutely nowhere. Get me out. 2/5 Replica Some long awaited variety in tempo and instrumentation. Has some pretty parts in the post chrous instrumental. Chorus has a decent melody, and is produced really well. The lyrics aren't great. Fine. 3/5 Brave For You At this point I'll be more entertained listening to static or whale noises. Stop it. 1.5/5 On Hold The sample is interesting? Structurally it does something different from the previous few tracks. The bassline is decent. Fine. 3/5 I Dare You It's pleasant enough, goes in one ear and out the other without leaving an impression. Feeling sleepy all of a sudden, cannot for the life figure out why... Average. 2.5/5 Test Me The part in there that has quasi-ambient qualities, where it's pretty calming and nice sounding, more of that please. Genuinely the first and only time throughout this entire record where the track actually resonated with me. Has a bit of repetitiveness and tranquilty as well as a nice little melody to let your brain follow with that synth line. Decent. 3.5/5 I don't want to talk about this further. Forgettable and generic, with boring songwriting, safe and by the numbers instrumentals and vocals that don't produce a single memorable moment. It's pleasant to listen to, and for sure competently produced, but lacks any personality or edge. Goes in one ear and out the other and leaves you with nothing. The only positive thing I can say about this album, is that its acceptable background music if you're feeling tense. Really brings down your energy levels and makes you sleepy. Will not return to. 2.5/5 leaning more towards a 2/5. Fave track. Test Me Least fave track. Brave of You
Not for me.
1001 ALBUMS- # 26 I can only see why this record shouldn't be on the list! Yet another egregious inclusion from a UK band further cementing Mr. Dimrey’s blatant bias for these artists, regardless of musical quality. The XX are not a bad act, but please make the case for how this mediocre offering deserves to be here, let alone their much better self-titled debut? The introduction of more catchy dubstep sounds mixed with their defined romantic bedroom dream pop is palatable, however nothing that moves the needle in any dramatically interesting way forward. 🎧 Classic Track: On Hold 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Brave For You 🚫 Skip Track: Performance 🖼️ Album Artwork: To sum all things up here very simply, MEH. Hit the Thumbs Up icon below if you enjoyed my take on the album :)
Gutes Album, bisschen Slow manchmal
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
It's richer, it's fuller, it's more expressive, but it's not The xx I'm looking for. While a big change of pace for the group I feel it ultimately takes away from their uniqueness and leaves something to be desired. A well-done indie pop album, but lacks depth to be what it is
Nice, always liked this album. Short but soft and somber with great beats
At best it's a budget Weeknd, at BEST! At worst it's meddling, forgettable dirge.
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
For being indie pop, this was pretty boring. Felt unenthusiastic. Production-wise, great, but man it feels like there isn't anything here of substance. The best song on here is On Hold for me, and even then, I would give it a 3. Album rating overall, 2 stars.
Just awful. Reverb-heavy, sequenced drums, synthy, clean guitar instrumentation, with the breathy bright clean vocals. Terrible naive lyrics, the whole album seemingly about a relationship? Awful cringey rhymes, like written by a child. It's like Ed Sheeran's Shape of You but a whole album and worse. 1 star Best track - Dangerous/Replica
Favorite songs: I Dare You, Lips, On Hold, Replica, Say Something Loving Least favorite songs: Test Me 3/5
I love Jamie XX so much i dont know why i have never given the xx a shot. But I really like this album. IDK why i was sleeping on them as a band.
retail music
Great album, but a weird choice as they made 3 albums and I'd suggest this is the 3rd best. It doesn't have the same atmosphere the first 2 created.
2.5
1.5
This album tried my patience for an hour and a half... which is pretty impressive for a 39 minute album. (4.25) ★★
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.
2.5
If you’re after frumpy girl/boy fronted indietronica then Everything But The Girl do it much better. This is just very soulless and stifled, where mostly every song drags and every element from the stiff and unfeeling modern-style vocals and the cold, frosty, cheap, generic beats and the disconnected track list with no flow at all is designed to induce torpor as much as possible. The song where they take a clubby Hall and Oates sample and slow it down to make it sound stupid and with all the fun sucked out is one of the worst I’ve heard on this project recently. This band should have been called The XXXX because that’s what they would have scored if they played on Britain’s Got Talent.
Atmospheric, well-produced and packed with interesting moments. However it does feel a bit underwhelming and at times down right boring. As an album to have on in the background, which sadly is the context it was written for, it's perfect. I'll remove one star as a protest of the way the world is moving.
I've said it before. I love Jamie XX. I think Romy's voice is great. But I just don't like the XX very much.
The album gets points for Jamie XX's solid production and I enjoy Romy's vocals, but a good record that does not make. The majority of the songs are drab and feel incomplete. I've never cared for these guy s in general, in large because Oliver sings like someone who didn't have any friends or family telling him he shouldn't and then because of the sparse instrumentation, his vocals are way out in the front (seems to be a choice made by the band as all their albums are like this). I've tried to like these guys time and time again and I guess I should just accept the fact that I simply don't and won't. Also it's worth pointing out that this album is actually NOT on the original list, nor has it ever been.
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
not for me. It's just style over substance, but the style is predictable and borrowed. so the lack of substance has nothing to hid behind. I imagine them writing songs struggling to find a rhyme for "me," so they just end up rhyming it "me," saying the mood will carry the song, and calling it a day.
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.
Really? Like I know 1001 is a lot but there's some incredible albums left off this list but we all have to be subjected to this cuz... idk whoever made this list felt like current music was underrepresented? Everyone knows rock attained perfection in 1974.
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.
Ok so yes from a technical standpoint, it's good. It's actually a really well-produced album. But man is it boring. Every single song has the same vocal arrangements over and over. And like, it sounds good. But you hear it once, you hear it again, and then you hear it again and it gets old real quick. Some of the tracks really veer into more of a pop sound, which I really wasn't expecting. I didn't really care for it. It seemed like there was a lot going on from an emotional standpoint in this album, and I just didn't care. Like I really didn't connect with it at all. Feels like another act that got two albums on the list because they're British. Sorry, but not really. I didn't need to hear this before I died. Two stars. Standout Track: Dangerous
The xx are very easy listening and minimalistic. I've always liked Romy and Oliver's soothing voices. My favorite here that I didn't already know was probably Dangerous. It's a pretty high energy song for this group and I just like the groove in it. Some of the slower songs sound similar, but they're still nice to listen to (On Hold and I Dare You are very similar).
Not for me. At the very end I thought I found a song that I liked but the album had already ended and started a shuffle.
Boring
I saw this pop up this morning and my first thought was "why the hell are there two albums from The xx on here?" I don't get why the first one was on this list, it was totally unremarkable. Surely, there wasn't a need for this one too? There can't be a third? We'll see.... This album shows basically no growth at all from their first album 8 years prior. It's still just as mundane and uncreative and sounds like one 45 minute long song. This is enough of The xx for me. 1.5/5 generously rounding up to a 2.
there was some cool stuff here and there but overall this album has aged terribly. sounds so dated for something that came out only 8 years ago. not a good inclusion for this list
Some decent moments.
The XX brings the ideal version of pop for the modern age. Heartfelt, passionate and musically inovative.
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.
Music for shoe stores
Man. I was waiting for each song to break out and make a statement only to sit through the whole thing without anything. I am sure there are plenty of people might find this intriguing. I am not not that person.
Modern alternative pop album. Catchy melodies with melancholic tone.
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
Yet another album with few redeeming features. Why is it on this list ? I persevered with it but Performance was the only track worth listening to.
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.
The Good: Who doesn’t like a little x-rating? The Bad: It doesn’t refer to that kind of x-rating… The Ugly: Me all ready… WTF? Do we get a medal when we are done? My respect for those who’ve managed to finish this list grows on a daily basis, as I am starting to lose interest on a daily basis when I realize that I am still not at the 1/3rd mark. Yet, then again, this does give great testimony that music is really important to us, as it controls our mood, our outlook on the day, and our general impulses to shout at a computer screen when another shit album is unveiled… I had heard their most popular tune pass on the radio… this was, obviously, a while ago, as I haven’t really been listening to the radio in years; thanks to bluetooth connection, and/or android auto in the cars. No wonder there is a generation of youths walking around all gloom and doom, not seeing that there is a future out there, or wondering if they will ever get lucky? The xx see them… so they say. I wonder if they will see this 1* rating?
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 ⭐️
This leaves me cold tbh. If we’re going for something similar it really ought to be London Granmar who knock this lot out of the park
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
These pretzels are making me thirsty.
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.
melhor do que eu lembrava, acho que simplesmente eu era muito radical qnd adolescente. Contudo, ainda é uma indietronica muito palatável e radio-friendly que abre portas pra coisas que acho bem piores, tipo Alt-J. Prefiro ficar com Broadcast mesmo.
Rating reflects likelihood of listening to album. It just doesn't do anything for me.
Great follow up less moody and more built around a loop, decent evolution of songwriting
This is not the xx album I would have included in this list. I love the first one.
Perfect album.
My heart sank when I saw another album from this lame band on the list. Just awful. Singing and playing both sound amateur. No life to the music. They're quite recent to...what have they influenced??? I cannot for the life of me figure out why they are on the list at all, and certainly not twice.
Omg genre arrêtez j'vais pleurer ça me décourage
There is definitely a line where modern music just become unenjoyable, and while I try to remain enlightened and open minded, these kinds of mid millennial bats over mumbly lyrics just does not resonate with me (also looking at you LCD Soundsystem)
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
This one’s cool, but I don’t like it as much as their first one.
It was OK
More like The zz. Sorry, cheap shot, and also I made that joke in 2012 (!) in what is Coexist's top review on Rateyourmusic.com, so maybe it's time to get some new material. How about..... the band formerly known as TwitterTwitter. I've only seen 15 albums on this list, but I've got to think this is about as inessential as anything gets here. I am kind of bewildered that it could be considered by anyone an album that you must hear before you die. The two listens I've given this add up to 79 minutes in which I could have been listening to, I don't know, Blue Rev? Pet Sounds? Songs in the Key of Life? I increasingly think it's a bigger sin for an album to be boring than to be bad, and that's what's going on here. Completely inoffensive. I like I Dare You, and I can't in good faith call this is a one-star album. I have a sneaking suspicion that The xx's self-titled debut will be on this list, if their middling third album is as well, so I'll save most of my thoughts, except to say that that record produced several songs I listen to to this day, and that actually make me feel something. VCR is a perfect aughts pop song. The band's sound probably shouldn't have left the 2000s.
Mediocre 2010s commercial music
A couple of decent tracks but fairly dull on the whole. Another one where it'd be a 3 on a 6 star system
It's honestly how different his album is compared to this bands self titled debut. It's frankly really boring and melted into more mainstream pop.
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 listened to this when it came out. I'd say I enjoyed it more on this listen. Their first album is still better.
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.
I really like The xx. I’m a huge fan of their first album which is immaculate, and this is kinda the opposite in terms of sound, but it’s still a really good album.
A good indie record from the 2000s
4.5
I have lost my patience for the 2nd half.
[7/10]
Interesting Never heard their stuff or of the, Am I better off? no. totally forgettable once I hit enter and send this review. - poppy, moody, mellow, with a hint of r&b..
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
Some very boring songs. Not all bad but there’s not even one song I’d care to listen to again.
Ah yes, I See You — the perfect album if you enjoy whisper-singing over moody elevator music. Once again, The xx delivers their signature blend of emotional detachment and background noise. If you've heard one xx song, you've pretty much heard them all. Still don’t like anything by this band, but hey — at least they’re consistent.
It sounds like what you would hear when watching a Hallmark movie where the main characters are in a band, so they have original music created for the movie and everyone acts like they are the most talented band ever, but we as the audience have to suspend disbelief for the sake of the storyline because the music is objectively bad.
Listened to this without any context while cooking with my spouse and by the end we were both making fun of it.
It's so rare to get a 21st-century album, and even more uncommon to get something from the 2010s decade (in fact, this may be the first for me, at least according to my history page's decade-rankings, but I think it might be combining 2000s and 2010s albums into 2000s). It's funny, though, as this 2017 album sounds like it could have easily been made and released at least a decade earlier. Given their label as "indie pop", I was hoping for something a bit edgier and less commercial sounding; I think my favorites were "Lips" and "Brave for you" (and somewhat "Replica" too), but nothing grabbed me as much as I'd hoped; I was also disappointed that somehow their videos made the songs seem even more bland and uninteresting. They *do* have a nice layered sound, though it would have been nice if they'd scaled back on the echo/repeater effect and avoided the retro house/club/dance vibe. It'll be interesting to hear their 2009 debut album as well, and find out just how different this album is from their earlier work. I particularly liked this largely-positive review on rateyourmusic.com, as it captures my sense too: "[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. "
okay, reminded me of "easy listening" music from the 80s.
It’s average. Not even remotely my thing.
Most recent album I'm gonna listen in this list. A bit excited. Well, it was pretty average.
I hated this and couldn't be bothered to find out why.
It's been over a hundred albums since I heard The xx's debut. In real-time since that debut for the group, second guitarist and keyboardist Brian Quareshi left the group, they put out a second album Coexist, they contributed a song to the film soundtrack for The Great Gatsby, first guitarist and vocalist Romy Madley Croft took a songwriting course, and producer Jamie xx put out a solo album In Colours. Those last two points are important for developing their third album I See You, as they looked to open and expand their sound. Boy, they delivered that notion in spades. I See You is the natural evolution of The xx's sound to incorporate more alternative dance, and I am here for it. Due in part to Jamie's solo work, the production quality has significantly expanded and there are more samples they're able to incorporate such as the use of Hall & Oates's vocals on the chorus of "On Hold" or the homage to Sade's "The Sweetest Taboo" on "Say Something Loving". Jamie's production becomes the big noticeable factor in this album where he and co-producer Rodaidh McDonald aimed for a more aggressive sound. From the get-go with "Dangerous", there are ominous shrill blasts of synth horns opening a roiling bass groove against the scratchy percussion, leading into the guitars and spurts of jagged synth on "Lips", the use of negative space as musical punctuation on the hook of "A Violent Noise", as well as the elegant strings against the guitars that crescendo on "Brave for You". There's the overall feeling of being at a late-night after-party where the vibes are going but the subtle details seep in and enrich the moment. While the production has been vamped up, the core of The xx's sound is still there with Romy's liquid but defined guitar lines and Oliver's prominent bass, and their vocal chemistry and interplay have greatly improved over the years. I still consider Romy an overall better singer, but Oliver has become more expressive, particularly on songs like "Replica" where he captures the balance of tension and yearning. That takes us to the lyrical content, where in tandem with the expanded sound, I See You is The xx's party record. It's the desire to venture out into the night and find some means of escape, a notion that is populist and well-framed enough to acknowledge the members' own lingering weaknesses and insecurities as they go out to try anything. Romy's hesitant bravery and desperation alongside Oliver's own carefully contained fears and apathy work wonderfully across the board. It's why they would seek the danger in each other on the opening track "Dangerous", why they'd second guess every step in their connection on "Say Something Loving", and why they would share in the disenchantment on "A Violent Noise". It all culminates in the climax of "On Hold", where the relationship falters as Romy moves on after being held at a distance, and Oliver is confused as he is late to realize what they could've had. That's where "I Dare You" and "Test Me" work effectively as closers in capturing the essence of the album title - these two clearly see each other and can almost feel each other's desire, it's just a matter of taking the dare, the risk to genuinely embrace even if there's a chance that it all falls apart. In fact, "Test Me" draws an even deeper parallel for The xx as a band and its members, with the choices in greater experimentation that could risk who they were, to venture into more dangerous territory and more violent noises. I get the notion of "dangerous" for this record might sound eye-rolling for some people, but this is an album about modern relationships for those introverted, a notion that I can relate to as I am trying to push myself out in the world and find that special someone out of the fear of loneliness. In a way, I've found a lot of pathos with I See You as a record. I'll be taking the songs and lessons from this album to heart.
Yup, enjoyed this one!
Tried to be chilled but just came across as bland. Needed a bit more oomph.
Bland pop music! The production is good and some of the vocals work, but it needs more layers and a lot more going on.
Absolutely dreadful that. Contemporary dreary indie pop at its worst. Come on XX at least sound interested when you’re singing it, and/or do SOMETHING musically interesting! Sooooo boring.
Back in the game.... I like some xx but this just goes over the edge into dodgy Euro Dance... Dangerous is a good tune, good start.
the xx did so much for the white british ppl pretending to be r&b singers combined with ableton stock beats-core
twas ok.
I especially liked On Hold, though I had never heard of the group.
Solid Indie Pop album. I appreciated the Hall & Oates sample in "On Hold". Lots of powerful, emotional and raw lyrics. 3/5
I liked this album a lot more when it came out, it didn’t do much for me today though. I Dare You is solid. On Hold is terrific, one of the xx’s best songs. The rest is alright, not particularly great
I didn't dig this one much. I found it an odd mix of dance and pop, with sappy lyrics that would fit in any modern day sad song. Not so suprisingly, this was nothing for me, but I could see the appeal, this record had nothing that was rather memorable. Favorite song: On hold. Overall score: 4.4/10
At least it wasn't too long. I think there was one bit I quite liked, near the end, but it only lasted a few seconds. The rest was pap.
The XX makes music that has wonderful vibes 3.5-4 stars
Didnt enjoy it as much as their first album. Standout song: On Hold
3.5 it was good, just not completely my type of thing!
extremely mid
Enjoyable
Better than the other one, still wack
I remember being really surprised that the self-titled album was so popular because it was so bland and boring. I looked up the band on Wikipedia and looks like songs from the album were used a lot as background music in tv and movies which could explain why it is on this list. But this album doesn't seem like it got the same buzz, and the songs are all pretty mediocre and boring. Maybe good background music.
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.
There is actually no reason these guys should have two albums on the list. Crazy how much great stuff from the last 20 years this list overlooks so the fucking xx can have 2
It’s an ok album but nothing special
This fell a little flat more me.
Completely forgettable
Love the second half of this album
I liked their first album, wasn’t wild about this one.
It wasn't unpleasant, but that's about as positive a review as I can give this album. The music components were almost something, but only almost. The real issue is when the most boring voices on earth started singing. That killed any possible vibe that the music might have been trying for.
Great band, not their best album
This was a complete waste of time and had no business being on this list.
Loved this album. Listened to it while shopping at sherms.
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.
Este álbum ni está en el libro ni merece estarlo de todas formas. Otro LP más de indie pop con toques electrónicos, solo que este álbum (¡de 2017!) no tiene nada nuevo que ofrecer. De verdad que no tengo ni idea de qué hace aquí. Por si fuera poco, este grupo ya tiene otro álbum en la lista, lo que hace este aún más redundante. En cuanto al álbum en sí, pues nada especial. Bastante aburrido, aunque como música de fondo no está mal. Composiciones poco inspiradas, que no transmiten nada, llenas de coros que solo dicen ooooooh con la reverberación a tope. Mediocre y poco original. 1.5, que lo voy a dejar en 2 por no ser cruel.
XX nezklamou, skvela hudba, ale teda ty jejich prvni alba jsem si uzil o trochu vic
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.
Eh?
Yeah.... No, I will never listen to this album ever again
A second record from the xx on this list, which I think is a bit generous. While the group has been pivotal in pioneering the alt-pop genre that would define many radio hits for the past decade or so, the xx never quite found a follow-up that wasn't in the shadow of their debut. It's hard not to recognize Jamie xx's production as he embraces the UK bass style of beats that he primarily explored on his solo record from just two years prior In Colour. Indeed, the production and the beats are the most interesting parts of this record, but everything else tends to come across as middling and samey.
a few notches above car commercial music
Something new. Some parts I liked, but something missed. There are moments it reminds me of Portishead
At this time of writing, it's been eight years since the release of the xx's I See You and when that album came out, it had been eight years since their eponymous debut album came out (not withstanding Coexist). In between those times, a lot can change. Things must open up, as have they and it shows on this album. As of it time it may seem in regards to the urgency and need for inclusion amongst audiences (not that there is anything wrong for that), I See You is chock full of genuine bangers and, for close to forty minutes, that's all one needs. Favorites: Dangerous, Say Something Loving, A Violent Noise, Performance, Replica, Brave for You, I Dare You.
Not bad
Great album, but just falls short of the original
A very special album for me. On Hold does many things to me, as does I Dare You. This is one of my most valued CD's I still have at home and sometimes listen to. I wish the XX would reunite sometime. Until then, I give this album a 5 - because I know almost every single word, because 'On Hold' is one of the most melancholic tracks ever, because it's sexy, because the samples are great and because you really should listen to this with an open mind.
Ja, top album he. En 't is nog niet eens hun beste. Geweldige stem, geweldige beats. 4.4
Enjoyable and catchy
Some pleasant songs
British group the XX make atmospheric pop, with a distinct sound coming from dual lead vocalists: Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. Their vocal exchange is a defining element of the moody, soulful songs they create, with extensive production from Jamie Smith, who performs as a solo electronic producer as Jamie XX. I See You includes a few of the XX's hits, like "Oh Hold" and "Dangerous," which made successful pop songs out of down-tempo dance tracks. Their ballads, like "Say Something Lovely," drift closer to an ambient electronic sound.
I didn't hate this, it's just boring. On Hold was already in my rotation, no additional songs to listen to later.
I'd heard of this group, but wasn't really familiar with their music before this. I like it a lot. The male and female voices sound great together, and they harmonize really well. The music tends to be a bit ambient, which makes for a pretty cool pop album 4/5
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.
Pleasent music, doesn't stand out much to me but I enjoyed the whole listen. 7/10
There is a BIG difference between their debut and this album, I See You. Even though it seems The xx was trying to hit the same tones as on their self-titled record, it didn't really resonate with me at all. Every song sounded like part of a random radio station "sad playlist" on a Thursday night, but that sadness has no depth, at least none that I can feel. Basically, it sounded like a bad imitation of The xx. Which is a shame, because I really liked their debut album.
Quite like a lot of his other stuff, but that's not exactly a complaint
Moody but good.
Twee nonsense.
The first xx album deserves its place on the list, but this one feels like a lazy selection to me. The first two tracks are good upbeat departures from the group's signature sound but I never understood the praise heaped on the rest of the album - it's decidedly average. 2.5
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 don't understand why there is another album by this artist on the list. There's plenty of other artists who deserve a spot and it was taken by this... I'd like this way more if there were no vocals - it's just mediocre singing over okay-ish beats. I don't get it. 2/5
Once again, the intimacy level of this album by XX is 11. They make me feel I've been invited to hover etherial over their bedroom as the conversations of loss and pain and love and passion are floating by me. Absolute delicious observatory of love.
Not at all pornographic and easy listening for the most part. The Hall and Oates loop is mildly annoying on the 'On Hold' track.
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.
The xx certainly expanded their sound palate compared to their debut album. Initially I was afraid they had pivoted into house music. But by the time Performance came around, the songs felt a lot more like the sparseness of XX was back, but with slightly more forward electronic elements. Overall I like the evolution of their sound and appreciate the opening couple tracks knowing that their signature ambiance is still present.
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.
Wow. This wasn't very good. Was another album from this band really necessary on this list?
Average indietronica album. Not bad, but nothing stands out either. And I can't believe The XX are there 2 times on this list while Broadcast and Slowdive have been completely ignored.
Pretty bland Tbh
Like The XX and Jamie XX, but this album was underwhelming.
not for me but there was one song I kind of liked
This is an album I solidly appreciate having earbuds in for. I think it opened a range of the sounds I would not have heard if I was simply playing it through speakers. I liked the mood of this album. A sonic soundscape that was ethereal
Bit boring
Interesting
Wow. So many reviews point out how empty and boring this album is, and yet it is here. It is here as an album to hear during this too short time on earth. I don't know. It is an album. I listened. I couldn't tell you anything about it.
And I hated it. Couldn’t listen to the whole thing. It sounds like a bunch of overproduced garbage.
I think this is the second XX album we've had on 1001 albums. I can't say I was pleased to see them again. I have a vague memory of their first album being extremely boring and over-produced and featuring people singing with that annoying "posh cockney" voice that young people manage to affect these days. I found this one marginally less annoying, maybe because I knew what I was getting into, maybe because it is their third album and they had figured out how to be 1% more interesting in the intervening time. Having said that, I was feeling a bit sleepy and checking to see how long it was after two songs (It's 39 minutes and 17 seconds.) and after three songs I was starting to resent the waste of my time. By the end, I thought it was a bit "meh," sort of okay, but I won't be rushing to listen to it again.
Space and timing used to maximum effect….
I remember seeing The XX a while ago supporting Foo Fighters on a tour and thought they were quite boring then. I still think that. Vocally and lyrically, it's an interesting but the music itself is so monotonous. There's barely a change in tempo/energy for the whole record. Opening track 'Dangerous', like many of the tracks, just feels like it needs to go somewhere but doesn't. It's an overall pleasant enough album but just melds into one, long mid-tempo indie pop track.
Pop dreck.
Boring
Recognized a few songs. Not bad - some decent creativeness and is a nice album to work to.
Nope
I loved the duet and it was beautiful
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*
Interesting to see this, in my opinion, worst The XX album on the list. Maybe we will see the other albums as well then? Regardless, it was still much better than I remember it. Obviously I have quite a sweet tooth for The XX. The opening track 'Dangerous' is a really good way to kickstart this album. Cool horn sequence that goes straight into a very cool beat, and then we the familiar XX vocals we love. Following up is 'Say Something Loving', which is also a good song, but not as groovey as the first. The mid part of the album is perhaps the weakest part of the album, but it's still quite good, and 'Replica' is an example of a really good song that sounds like something from the previous XX albums. The album finishes very strong with 'On Hold', which is perhaps the coolest song of the whole album, and then 'Dare' which is also lovely. This whole album definitely sounds different (perhaps more poppy?) than their previous albums. I remember being a bit on the fence when it came out, but hearing it again now I am not sure why I didn't like it. I also can't really come up with any reason to not give it a very high rating, it's just that good. I am obviously biased, but to me The XX is a band that has managed to be very consistent throughout all of their released material so far. And all of it is very very good in my opinion. Was debating between a 4 and a 5, but unfortunately 'A Violent Noise', 'Brave For You', and especially 'Test Me,' are not that good, which drags it down a bit. So it's going to have to be a strong 4. Time will tell if I regret it or not.
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.
I like The XX. This album is also good.
Really enjoyed this album. Would definitely listen to again
pleasant but I don't feel the need to hear it again
On their third album, the London trio finally sheds the excessively hushed and incredibly influential electronica of their 2009 debut. Instead, they turn to the kind of vintage samples producer Jamie xx has long used in his solo work, setting richer, more uptempo backdrops against mournful dialogues about romantic disappointment and isolation.
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
Virkilega góð plata. Smooth og slakandi. Hugsaði samt þegar síðustu 3 lögin komu með smá beat hvað restin væri betri með smá stuði.
Einhver allra besta vinnutónlist sem til er. Mjög fín og þægileg plata, þó hún sé ekki alveg jafn góð og fyrsta platan þeirra.
Probably the worst XX album, but that is still decent overall. 4/5
no thanks
2-
There was a lot I liked about this one at first. I liked the horns in the first song and I liked that it was almost electronic, but still very indie and alt. It seemed like it would almost fit betters in the 90's. The other problem is it kind of drug and just went on and on. I would prefer to listen to this band with one or two songs at a time, but not the whole album. I enjoyed pretty much all of the songs but just too much of one thing.
None of the songs have good melodies so nothing really stands out. Pretty monotonous. Sparse instrumentation is uninteresting. It's drama without passion. Aside from being boring, this also sucks.
I like xx’s earlier album (xx) much better than this one. This one feels like one big relationship drama broken out into individual songs. The songs are pretty and well composed, but just kinda feels over the top and sappy and like a lot of the same thing over and over.
3.5 Moody House
Songs i knew: 0 Songs i like: you've had your fun koffo, now give us the good stuff The whole album is just one continuous blurb, hard to tell when one song stops and the next starts. I assume this album was the end for the xx. I remember enjoying the first album at the time because it was something different, their sound is just tired though at this point and I didn't enjoy any of it. I was today years old though when I found out that Jamie xx is Jamie from the xx though. Everyday is a school day. Mid 1.
This is like a fart in the wind. I’m not even sure I listened to it. It slips by so inconsequentially that it’s actually impressive. It also undoes a lot of the stuff that I liked about their first album, the low key vibes, the intimacy. All that’s gone and now it’s just loud, overproduced and a bit boring. They’re not a dance band, as much as it seems like they want to be. There are also some really poorly chosen samples like in On Hold, which is otherwise a decent enough tune, but has this completely incongruous sample. Didn’t love it, but it’s so dull that I can’t say I particularly disliked it either. It just exists. Highlights: On Hold Lowlights: Not a single other song stood out to me.