HAIM has dubbed this summer as "single-girl summer" and accompanies this declaration with their latest album, I Quit. The fourth full-length project from the trio comes as a breakup compilation that retains an upbeat vibe throughout, proving that heartbreak does not have to be mournful. In fact, many tracks invite listeners to dance, including the track "Cry," which cleverly references the seven stages of grief while maintaining an infectious rhythm.
Six years following the release of their jazzy track "Summer Girl," the mood on the new album has shifted, reflecting the sisters' personal experiences during the creation process. Across 15 tracks, the album touches on themes of recent breakups, lingering past wounds, and the thrill of newfound independence. The opening track, "Gone," carries a powerful message with lyrics that express liberation and resonate with George Michael's iconic anthem, "Freedom! '90."
Sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim found themselves all single for the first time in years while working on the album, which adds layers of complexity to the themes explored in their music. The song "Love You Right" showcases their struggle with guilt and longing, highlighting the internal conflict of personal growth. Meanwhile, tracks like "The Farm" feature rootsy twang, while "Down to be Wrong" captures a sound reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, and "Take Me Back" channels a Go-Go’s feel, deepening the album's diverse sonic palette.
The harmonies in "Love You Right" evoke pure Fleetwood Mac vibes, and "Spinning" emerges as a delightful dance hit, easily the most danceable track by HAIM since their earlier work "I Want You Back." The wistful and warm "Million Years" dives into electronica, showcasing an evolution in their sound. In contrast, the bluesy track "Blood on the Street" delivers a raw message with biting lyrics describing emotional turmoil and concludes with a sense of freedom.
One of the standout tracks, "Relationships," features Danielle Haim’s melodic falsetto that captures the agony associated with romantic bonds, supported by her sisters' driving bass lines. However, the crowning jewel of I Quit is arguably "Everybody's Trying to Figure Me Out," a track that allows each Haim sister to shine as the music transitions between folk, indie rock, and blissed-out '70s styles, culminating in the uplifting mantra: "You think you’re gonna die/But you’re not gonna die."
The album has been co-produced by Danielle Haim and frequent collaborator Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend. The shift in production energy is partly attributed to the splitting between Danielle Haim and their usual producer, Ariel Rechtshaid, fostering a fresh sound. The album concludes with the track "Now It's Time," which creatively interpolates U2's "Numb," integrating cool drum patterns and echoing an Alanis Morissette-like swagger, culminating in a thrilling jam session that promotes leaving the past behind.
In summary, I Quit reflects HAIM's journey through heartbreak, empowerment, and personal growth. With its infectious melodies and relatable lyrics, the album stands as a powerful soundtrack for anyone navigating life’s emotional complexities.
