The Familiar Novelty of Haim's New Album

Talking about the band Haim often quickly becomes an exercise in naming older bands they remind people of. So, to get this out of the way: Haim’s new album, Something to Tell You, draws from Fleetwood Mac, Wilson Phillips, Talking Heads, Shania Twain, TLC, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Heart, George Michael, Fleetwood Mac, and many others. Did I mention Fleetwood Mac? Especially the Tango in the Night album.

But reducing Haim to a list of references both papers over what makes them interesting and slightly overestimates them. On the firstLos Angelessisters have broken into the pop consciousness because they are innovators, having hit on a distinctive formula rooted in syllable stacking, syncopation, and harmony. On the second count: a cheerful elaboration of their first album, suggests they don’t yet possess the same sense of daring that characterizes some of their greatest influences.