Haim- I Quit
Label: Columbia
Producers: Danielle Haim, Rostam Batmanglij, Buddy Ross
The fourth studio effort from sisterly rock-trio, Haim not only marks the end of a five-year drought in between albums for the band, but also the culmination of a turbulent transition period, punctuated by frontwoman Danielle Haim’s romantic split with the group’s previous co-producer, Ariel Rechtshaid. Rechtshaid had helped helm the soundboards for the group’s previous three records and her absence leaves Danielle to take over those duties with remaining co-producer Rostam Batmanglij, and new creative partner, Buddy Ross (Frank Ocean, Bon Iver, Vampire Weekend). These changes unavoidably inform the overall framework of I Quit, not only in the subtle new sonic ground that is explored amidst the classic Haim rock blend of the alt and soft varieties, but especially within the deep well of emotions excavated throughout the song’s subject matters. The set launches with a defiant liberation anthem, “Gone”, which interpolates George Michael’s classic smash, “Freedom” and climaxes with Danielle’s powerful showcase of vocal prowess and emotional release. Interestingly though, this opener really serves as the finale of the story told throughout the album, with the set pivoting into reverse chronology for the forthcoming track list, a batch of guttural songs that chronicle the dizzying cathartic heights that lead up to this prominent moment.
Over the course of the next fourteen tracks, the Haim sisters and their reconfigured production team stay loyal to a mostly-unchanged version of their trademark indie-rock tapestry, though there are new and notable flirtations with folk-rock on highlights “Take Me Back”, “Blood on the Street”, and especially “The Farm”. Again, the most remarkable evolution to be found here is the emotional tone of the record. While its true that the band’s spirit remains firmly rooted in the fierce, feminist confidence and conviction that’s always been there. However, there’s an intriguing shadow of brave vulnerability lingering up above like never before. They don’t shy away from any of these fears, insecurities, guilt, anger, or bitterness that color the varying phases of a relationship’s end. These chaotic feelings are captured vibrantly in some of their most fetching productions and compositions to-date, particularly in the singles “Relationships” (ironically co-written with Rechtshaid) and “Everybody’s Trying to Figure Me Out”, as well as album cuts like “A Million Years” and “Try to Feel My Pain”. They deliver these moments with a by-now signature blend of wit and raw honesty that recalls peak performances from acclaimed female rock acts like Sheryl Crow, Fiona Apple, and Sleater-Kinney, and further solidify the group alongside contemporaries like Florence Welch, Hayley Williams, Larkin Poe, Lucius, and Brandi Carlile, who are all quietly but forcefully carrying the POV of female rock singers into the next generation.
The most rewarding highlight of I Quit however proves to be the vocal showcase that so many of the album’s most guttural moments prove to be for Danielle. She’s always been a captivating vocalist, however tracks like the aforementioned “Gone”, as well as “Cry” and “Love You Right” represent new peak deliveries for her, and unveil additional layers of raw beauty residing in her unique vocal range. These moments serve as the bedrock of the record, as well as new centerpieces in Haim’s overall artistic arc to date. Although this record officially marks the start of a fresh chapter for the band, narratively it truly serves as the final resolution of a previous story. In the process however, it reveals new and exciting corners and crevasses of Haim’s artistry that will surely point to a new, bold phase of their career. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another five years to see that phase unfold, as these sisters remain a shining beacon in the modern-day musical scene. This will reign as one of the year’s very best full-lengths.
Track Listing:
- “Gone” (Danielle Haim, Alana Haim, Este Haim, Rostam Batmanglij, George Michael)
- “All Over Me” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Relationships” (Haim, Haim, Haim, Batmanglij, Tobias Jesse Jr., Ariel Rechtshaid, Josiah Sherman)
- “Down To Be Wrong” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Take Me Back (Haim, Haim, Haim, Jesso)
- “Love You Right” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “The Farm” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Lucky Stars” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Million Years” (Haim, Haim, Haim, Batmanglij, Jack Hallenback, Justin Vernon)
- “Everybody’s Trying to Figure Me Out” (Haim, Haim, Haim, Batmanglij, Vernon)
- “Try to Feel My Pain” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Spinning” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Cry” (Haim, Haim, Haim, Batmanglij, Vernon)
- “Blood on the Street” (Haim, Haim, Haim)
- “Now It’s Time” (Haim, Haim, Haim, Batmanglij, Cass McCombs, Adam Clayton, David Howell Evans, Paul Hewson, Larry Mullen Jr.)
The 706 
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