Music

Summary: In their third studio album, Este, Danielle, and Alana, the three sisters of HAIM, explore the beauties and the hardships of the world like never before. After experiencing hardships as individuals, they came together to create an album exploring depression and mental health, death and grief, misogyny, and relationships all while exploring a variety of music genres.

 

Critical Evaluation: In WIMPIII, the Haim sisters don’t shy away from discussing topics and situations that many would prefer to shy away from. In this way, listeners will find solace and inspiration in their writing. They discuss mental health and how it affects a person’s personal life and relationships. A good example of this is the line “a little moonlight comin’ through the blinds, the love of my life sleeping by my side, but I’m still down” in their song “I’ve been down.” They also delve into the feeling of grief over the loss of a loved one, the importance of their sisterhood, and the misogyny they’ve faced since being in the music field.

 

The album also explores a variety of genres and sounds, and is sure to have something everyone will like. There are elements of pop, rock, folk, hip-hop, and more. This keeps the album interesting, as each song feels unique and yet connected as a whole to the album. Perhaps one of the most engaging albums of the year, teens (and adults) are bound to enjoy it and find at least a few new favorite songs. 

 

Reader’s Annotation: HAIM explores mental health, grief, love, sex, relationships, and sisterhood in their third studio album.

 

Author Info: “HAIM (pronounced HY-əm) is an American rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of sisters Este Arielle Haim (born March 14, 1986), Danielle Sari Haim (born February 16, 1989) and Alana Mychal Haim (born December 15, 1991), along with drummer Dash Hutton (son of Danny Hutton and previously a member of the bands Wires on Fire and Slang Chicken) and keyboardist Tommy King. Most frequently compared to Fleetwood Mac, HAIM’s sound has been described as “nu-folk-meets-nineties-R&B”(by the BBC) and “music that sounds like it was written on a lakeside retreat attended by Stevie Nicks, John Waite and En Vogue” (by the Guardian newspaper). The band played at the 2013 Glastonbury festival, earned a top ranking in BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll, and later signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management group hoam.

 

The three sisters grew up in San Fernando Valley, and began playing covers in a band called Rockinhaim whose remaining members were their parents. Once the siblings had put that behind them, they began writing their own material. They formed the band in 2006, heavily influenced by Lindsey Buckingham (of Fleetwood Mac fame). They play a mix of Californian Soft Rock and R&B.”

 

Retrieved from: https://thevogue.com/artists/haim/#bio

 

Genre: Primarily indie pop/rock with folk and R&B influences

 

Booktalk Ideas:

• How can art make difficult or shameful emotions easier to process?

 

Listening Level: Ages 14 and up

 

Challenge Issues: On WIMPIII, the sisters discuss sex and adult relationships/language

 

Reason for Including: The album is incredible not only because of the critical acclaim it received, but also because of HAIM’s willingness to discuss difficult emotions. Young adults beginning to experience the beginnings of adult life will appreciate this and feel recognized. 

 

References

 

Haim. (2020). Women in music part iii [Album]. Columbia Records.