Far From Long Forgotten: HAIM’s Sophomore Album
"Some things are long forgotten" sings Danielle, “Some things were never said.”
These are the first, boldly stated, lyrics of the sophomore album “Something To Tell You” by the HAIM sisters. Glistening with broad keys, sharp tin claps…you’re off to the swooning races with these women.
Long, stringy sections of caramel and maple hang through the precise synth just like they hang from Danielle, Alana and Este’s heads. To forget the aesthetic and personality that the sisters add to their online presence and fan base would be to discredit the band and album as a whole.
Cooler than cool, pensive as hell, and perfectly modern mixes throwback…the HAIM sisters have something untouchable about the collaboration in their music. I feel like shaking their leather studded shoulders saying, unoriginally, “Hello Fleetwood Mac. We are so glad you could be reincarnated by a bright and dark, wholesome as hell, all-girl band.”
HAIMs sound in Something To Tell You is a cool drink of water in the post-post-80s-bring-me-back-to-80s-even-though-80s-as-a-whole-is-rejected-era, thanks to their lead singer who's clean and clearly classically trained in her singing offers up a rejuvenating sound; reminiscent of Sarah Barilla’s pop voice especially in "Nothings Wrong". While mostly alto rasp and airy vocals are proving to be popular as of late (i.e: Halsey, Selena Gomez), Danielle shows up to the party with something different, as I expect all HAIM members can, and do.
Sure, by Something To Tell You we were ready for something slightly more minimal to show off Danielle's sweet voice (and possibly range?) But I can't deny "I never stopped or gave up, couldn't ever let you go, cause in the end, I was innocent" can’t grab you and make you yell about your shook-ness via the metro line to strangers passing. Along with the backup vocals and layering…I struggle to complain about anything here (and I love complaining)
Backup vocals and harmonies play such a large role in HAIM’s music in general along with this album, you’re never forgetting that they’re not only a full band, but synchronized sisters, “Don’t keep me waiting, say the words you’re too scared to say, I guess you never knew what was good for you. Another heart, another day, so much time was thrown away. You know I love to be in love” Danielle croons into the mic during “You Never Knew”. They are completely connected and that is not forgotten.