Fans review: Haim’s 'Something To Tell You' album.
A lot can happen in four years. In the nearly four years since 'Days Are Gone' was released, Haim’s fanbase and impact have grown exponentially and affected people from every corner of the Internet. And, despite being from different age groups, ethnicities, localities, and identities, there was one central question: when do we get more music?
It turns out that the wait was worth it, and in more ways than one. The day 'Something To Tell You' was released, Haim’s producer Ariel Rechtshaid revealed that he struggled with cancer during the album’s making, thus impacting its release schedule. The information underscored that the four years represented more than just another tour cycle or album release missed: that the time was formative for making a deeply personal album.
'Days Are Gone' represented seven years of development and work, growing into three individuals with three unique points of view. 'Something To Tell You' refines these perspectives and is multifaceted yet cohesive - just like the women who made it.
So, in celebration of Haim’s new album, we asked some fans to share with us some thoughts about their favourite song on the album...
Following up hot on the heels of the raw and tempestuous take-down ballad 'Right Now' (which was a bit of a curveball for their big comeback), 'Want You Back' was the thumping Summer jam that Haim fans were craving for.
The song builds around Danielle Haim's fervent delivery, nimble harmonies, MJ 'Bad'-era hand-claps and guitar licks that layer up, reaching maximum heart as the sisters join vocal forces in the last minute with one helluva big sing-along chorus that you’ll be humming in your sleep. God, we’ve missed you, guys.
- Ramsey Hassan (@RamzeeRawkz)
The impeccable harmonies that litter 'Something To Tell You' have become as synonymous with the Valley Girls as their long middle-parted hair. 'Nothing's Wrong' though, takes them a step beyond into a career that will no doubt see them rise to the top of the world stage.
It works as both a link to their early days of Fleetwood Mac covers in five bars, to the sparkling production of their debut, 'Days Are Gone'. But 'Nothing's Wrong' is far from a lateral move in past directions. Danielle Haim's first immediate opening lines mark a newfound confidence, that is akin to the confidence Haim fans have in their three favourite sisters. Haim have subtly, but so strongly built themselves from the ground up, and to see them achieve the shiny pop goodness they always wanted to make is a joyous occasion.
There is heartbreak in the harmonies and sadness in the sleekness. Recent revelations about producer Ariel Rechtshaid give a fresh pair of eyes to what on the surface, is a cut and shut break-up track. This goes deeper than that, and may strike a chord with anyone who finds familiarity in having had a loved one battle ill health. Danielle Haim can tame heartbreak of multiple levels like no other, yet still dress it up in a joyful sounding package.
- Rachael Scarsbrook (@andthe_machine)
*****
I waited what felt like a lifetime for 'Something To Tell You' to be released and let loose on my ears. I wasn't disappointed by a single track on this album.
'Nothing's Wrong' was my favourite song from my first listen to the album; it's still my favourite song after many listens. There's something so special about this song for me. It's my song of the Summer, that's for sure. Whenever I hear it I get such a happy feeling, it makes me so excited to imagine hearing this live and at festivals.
'Nothing's Wrong' is the song we have all wanted but never knew how much we needed it. The lyrics are some of Haim's most relatable yet. The almost robotic sounds of "it's obvious / be honest" are one of my favourite parts of the song. Also, the super catchy chorus makes it perfect for a sing-along.
- Amy Gilmour (@aiimes)
Haim first played 'Little Of Your Love' live in Santa Ana, California on May 17th 2016. It’s a painful fact for me, as I was meant to be at that show. That should have been the final night of my year studying in California (and what would’ve been a more perfect way to round it out than with the ultimate Californian experience, a Haim gig?), but circumstances changed, and I had to fly home a week earlier instead. I woke up on the morning of May 18th in London, with videos sent over iMessage from the friends I should’ve been there with, of two new songs, one of which would later turn out to be 'Little Of Your Love'. I did finally see it live, just over a year later, at the London show that features in the band’s new Apple Music documentary. It didn’t disappoint one bit.
As one of the older cuts on 'Something To Tell You', 'Little Of Your Love' formed the blueprint for the maximalist approach the trio took to production on their sophomore album. From the distorted opening bars, to the drum piles and the gorgeous glissando that begins the first verse, it’s a track that is stacked with delicious sounds. I love the titbit of studio wizardry that co-producer Rostam Batmanglij revealed via Instagram last week, that the rich drum sound Danielle plays on the track was created through recording them at a higher BPM and then slowing the tape down. It’s also the most unabashedly joyous song on the record: it’s hopeful and excitable, totally divorced from the pain and regret that characterise many of the songs around it. Not every song on this album will leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step, but if that isn’t the effect that 'Little Of Your Love' has on you, it’s probably worth giving your pulse a quick check.
- Rory Horne (@rorhor)
'Ready For You' is definitely my favourite track on the album, and not just because of the obvious reason that it’s a certified banger, but also because it resonates with me in a way that very few songs do. Calling it a love song is not wrong, because it absolutely is, but it’s a lot more than that. To me, it’s an ode to the kind of love that requires a lot of patience and growth. It’s a song that loudly and bravely proclaims that timing in life really is everything. The thing about timing is, it's a scary and daunting prospect because you want so badly for things to work out, and it feels cruel and defeating when they sometimes don’t.
The bridge really hits the nail on the head, especially with the lyrics, "Keep thinking about you / thinking you almost slipped through / there won’t be another day I’ll let you get away." It describes those moments when you’re looking at your person, and you feel so grateful you made it through hard times and obstacles. You feel calm knowing you’re both ready now and it’s like you just kind of know that you’re not scared anymore. You’re ready and you’ve grown up.
'Ready For You' looks at love from an especially interesting perspective. It’s brutally honest, but there’s a certain sweetness to it. It celebrates the kind of love where you're not sure what it looks like, but when you find it, it makes you go, "Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you." There’s so much bravery in being able to admit that you weren't ready back then, but you are now. And I love that Haim wrote a song that portrays this so beautifully.
- Sofie Lulu Barslund (@thewlre)
This song shows a love about to be lost and the thought process behind this difficult relationship. Where even when things were at its best it was still a struggle; however, they still gave it their all.
The keyboard and drums in the beginning almost give a sense of spiralling as Danielle beautifully sings the first line, "On the way down, a fall from grace." You can feel the frustration through this entire song, especially starting in the pre-chorus when she's singing, "Tell me how you feel." Then when all three sisters are singing together you know it's about to go down. Este and Alana's vocals in the chorus seem like the voice in the back of your head singing, "I'VE GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU," through the frustrations being faced in the song.
Along with being one of my favourites off the album, it's definitely the song I'm most excited to hear live. The drums and slap-bass are incredible and shine through in a way only Haim can do. 'Something To Tell You' proves a fact from their first album that communication is still the hardest thing for them to do. It completely embodies Haim, making it the perfect title-track for their sophomore album.
- Kylie Rosero-Ozawa (@KylesHaim)
After listening to the album on a loop for nearly a week, the verdict is in: 'You Never Knew' is my favourite track. It feels like the mellow part two to 'Forever' from 'Days Are Gone'. Its place on the tracklisting also grabs my attention every time I listen to the album from start to finish. Going from 'Something To Tell You' into 'You Never Knew' is the type of musical emotional rollercoaster that keeps me coming back.
I am not a musician, merely a music enthusiast, and I base my faves off the way they make me feel. Haim has a gift for putting some bummer lyrics to some very dreamy and calming vibes. The lyrics, "Was my love too much for you to take? / I guess you never knew what was good for you," are extremely relatable for anyone who has dealt with a failed relationship that they put everything into. I actually feel that way probably once a week; now these thoughts have a beautiful soundtrack. Whichever sister these lyrics apply to, I hope she knows that she's great, she's doing everything right, and I thank her for this flaw-free, spirit-healing song.
- Allison Makarewicz (@allisonmak)
'Kept Me Crying' really does stand out to be one of my favourite songs. It starts off quite delicately, and then the drums greet you with a punch in the face.
This song is clearly about heartbreak. The lyrics show how weak one must have felt whilst dealing with this so called 'heartbreak'... "If you want me, I'm waiting for you. If you call me, I'll pick up. Know I shouldn't, but I can't give up as usual." Danielle almost shouts, "So don't call me just to tell me you don't love me anymore." The song then starts to grow in strength and shows you that time can heal you, "Kept me crying for so long my tears have dried."
What I particularly love about this song is that towards the end, Danielle rocks out with a guitar solo and then the song goes into repetition with a bold statement of, "I was your lover, I was your friend." I am so proud of 'Something To Tell You' and every song is so special to me.
- Paige Greensmith (@PaigeeRagee)
Most days I feel confident in the decisions I make because no-one else knows what's best for me, except for me. But there are those days when I'm left thinking, "Was that really the right decision to make? Could I have handled that differently?" And 'Found It In Silence' fortifies the sentiment that I don't need to find myself in anyone or anything else, despite the fact that sometimes I may feel like I have to. What's more, it's especially empowering to listen to this song as a woman.
In a society that consistently tells women what we need to do or who we have to be, it's easy to forget that we don't need validation from others and have every right to make independent choices. This song makes me feel like there is power in bypassing indecision and taking charge of my own narrative. "There's no turning back / I know what's good for me," is a perfect one-two punch of a lyric that serves as the emotional reinforcement we all need to hear when we're unsure if walking away from a situation would be best. Este, Danielle, and Alana manage to entwine the perfect amounts of both strength and vulnerability here and that's not a easy feat!
- Marissa Reynolds (@nice1marissa)
The ninth track on Haim’s new record... what more can the band have to offer on their ninth track in? A lot, obviously. A simple but effective melody starts this track with vocals reminiscent of older tracks such as ‘Let Me Go’, but this time it’s a little different.
‘Walking Away’ features backing vocals from the sisters and proves a groovy backtrack to channel your favourite mom/dad dancing. I hope they have some sort of synchronised dance routine for this track because it’s exactly how we see Haim - fun, groovy and cute.
This song however, is a track about the other party in the relationship who played their equal part in messing up a relationship, and now, whichever Haim sister this is about, they’re ready to walk away. It’s a relatable track which is universal for every listener who has been in a relationship. Haim write for everybody as well as themselves, and this is something which should be applauded. 'Walking Away' is a certified banger and I love it from start to finish.
- Rhys Harding (@rhysjharding)
‘Right Now’ was the first song from 'Something To Tell You' that the band uploaded online; albeit in a totally raw incarnation, filmed live by director Paul Thomas Anderson. With its experimental approach to timings and sudden intrusive guitar chords, it’s a far cry from the happy clappy singles of the band’s previous record, and indeed plenty of the other tracks on 'Something To Tell You'.
Whilst the version on record lacks the incendiary drum breakdown, it’s still STTY's most out-there cut. Its release gave fans who were worried about the new LP’s direction a reason to be excited, reminding us that Haim could still be genre-bending rock musicians despite their pop pigeonholing.
- Pip Williams (@pipsuxx)
One of STTY’s defining features is its ability to express heartbreak, longing, and anger through upbeat '70s melodies. One review said the album makes "heartbreak sound fun". And it’s a relief to hear some of the hardest times of a person’s life portrayed so lightly and winkingly. The sole exception to this is 'Night So Long'. The rest of the album is full of huge, robust beats paired with small, smart details, but 'Night So Long' is just three components: electric guitar, Danielle Haim’s clear and anguished voice, and angel harmonies.
My favourite song from 'Days Are Gone' is 'Running If You Call My Name', the acronym of which is tattooed on my arm. Just like RIYCMN, 'Night So Long' finishes the album on a somber note, but isn’t entirely sad. It’s a lullaby and brings a more joyous exploration of heartache back to its roots and its most vulnerable moment. For me, so much of growing up is calculating how indifferent I need to appear. Things must be ironic, or cool, or unaffecting when they are really crushing you. Haim’s main gift as artists, and perhaps as people, is their unabashed and unironic expression. There’s no ‘too cool for school’ pretence or idea that sharing your feelings in a public forum lessens how deeply felt they truly are. 'Night So Long' is a hymn to loneliness and the transition to independence, a reminder that the rest of the feelings explored on the album, no matter how fun and danceable their delivery is, come from a real place of growing up and growing into oneself.
As Este told NPR, "At the end of the day, it’s me, myself and I. And I’ve grown to love myself. And I’ve had to learn that when I’m going to bed, I’m going to bed with Este Haim and she’s great." The message is strong and empowering, and showing the vulnerability it took to get there via ‘Night So Long’ makes it even more poignant.
- Nellie Gayle (@notfurtado)
