HAIM’s sophomore effort ‘Something to Tell You’ is a testament to transparency

Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer

After a long four years since their debut “Days Are Gone,” critically revered band of sisters HAIM return with “Something to Tell You,” an album much more introspective than its predecessor.

“Something to Tell You” works almost as a concept album about heartbreak. It’s a testament to things left unsaid and feelings left on the backburner, adding a layer of vulnerability to HAIM that was masked by the punchiness of “Days Are Gone.” 

The album opens with an air of earnestness on “Want You Back.” Its first few seconds are a slow build-up with guitars, keys and snaps, all leading into a chorus that proves Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim are still masters of rhythm and harmony.

Danielle’s confessions to a “wandering heart” and a “fear of forgiveness” on the track make it clear that this is an album about valuing forwardness over saving face.

“Want You Back” owes its soundscape to late-70s Fleetwood Mac, showing that HAIM is still grounded in ‘70s and ‘80s pop rock. “Nothing’s Wrong” bursts with the energy of Boston or Don Henley. Title track “Something to Tell You” follows suit, taking tips from bands like The Pretenders.

However, the HAIM sisters have let their R&B influences shine on this album much more than on their last. “Ready For You” bounces with a rhythm reminiscent of Tamia or Brandy, while “Little of Your Love” is just about as close to a Jackson 5 song as Haim has ever gotten.

The Dev Hynes-produced “You Never Knew” adds a touch of disco to the album and marks a thematic turning point in which the focus is no longer self-realization, but acceptance that the person in question “never really knew what was good for [them].”

“Found it in Silence” comes in as the perfect anthem of self-worth to go with “You Never Knew.” “I know what’s good for me,” is what Danielle asserts in the song’s chorus, championing the fact that strength is often found inwards.

Nowhere is the demand for emotional respect stronger than on lead single “Right Now.” Its bursts of electric guitar distortion are disruptive, breaking through the muted, electronic backing and gentle cymbals.

It’s an emotional track and a frustrated one, but “Right Now” isn’t about seeking validation or dismissing love entirely. This track, like much of the album, is about understanding that relationships can’t flourish without transparency.

Final track “Night So Long” is an acceptance of solitude that’s lingered over by slow, heavy bass and minimal guitar. If “Right Now” is the emotional midnight phone call, “Night So Long” is the long, lonely drive home.

HAIM’s wave of popularity after “Days Are Gone” could’ve had them branching out in dozens of directions, but their work on “Something to Tell You” grounds them as artists fiercely aware of their roots.

Rather than a change of direction, Haim have chosen to further mature their sound and flesh out some understated inspiration, all the while allowing for a bit more emotional complexity.

“Something to Tell You” makes sure to leave nothing unsaid. The result is the formation of a world rich in texture that’s irresistibly inviting, even during the most isolating parts of heartache.

Photo retrieved from Flickr.

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