Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Women In Music Pt. III" (Haim)

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Women In Music Pt. III" - Haim

(All Rights to Colombia Records)

1) "Los Angeles"

With a jazzy-sounding intro, this opening track is about the sisters' hometown of L.A. Through the chorus we see how it causes them at times to lose their faith and vision, and yet it still feels like home to them.

2) "The Steps"

This track deals with repairing a broken relationship as they're drifting apart; "I can't understand why you don't understand me". There's some nice imagery in the 2nd verse of their partner letting "ivy" invade the relationship. With some great guitar rifts, this is a really catchy track.

3) "I Know Alone"

This deals with feeling isolated (something we can all relate to during 'these troubling times'....am I right? anyway...). The writing is just superb here getting across that message; "I know alone, like no one else does".

4) "Up From A Dream"

The chorus feels a little 'wordy', whereas the interlude flows more smoothly with cool instrumentation.

5) "Gasoline"

The chorus gives off a tranquil feel, but the overall song seems somewhat slow & dragging.

6) "3AM"

There's a cool 90s hip-hop feel to this track.

7) "Don't Wanna"

This deals with an early relationship and whether its worth building on; "Left me low with my high heels in the parking lot".  

8) "Another Try"

"Another Try" deals with the extremes of a relationship; "Is it destiny, or just chemistry. We're living in such extremes". 

9) "Leaning On You"

This track is about accepting flaws and dealing with your own insecurities; "Now I get scared for reasons I don't know. Is it just because I ain't tough enough being alone?".

10) "I've Been Down"

This is about feeling down despite the highs of a relationship; "Would you even pick me out of the crowd, Cause I can't recognize myself now".

11) "Man From The Magazine"

This is a callout track that initially deals with an interviewer, but builds on that, where the sisters feel like they have to prove themselves to men throughout their musical journey.

12) "All That Ever Mattered"

The chorus is just beautifully chaotic, on top of a rad guitar bridge.

13) "FUBT"

This deals with a twisted relationship where they don't want to lose their partner. This track drags quite a lot.

14) "Now I'm In It"

This involves a mental health struggle; "We cannot be friends, cannot pretend it makes sense".  

15) "Hallelujah"

"Hallelujah" is about their sisterly bond; "I met two angels, but they were in disguise. Took one to look to realize.. Tell 'em anything and they will sympathize". There are just some powerful verses in this track.

16) "Summer Girl"

This track takes us full circle looping back to Los Angeles; "Your smiles turn into cryin', its the same release".

Some superb writing is on display in "Women In Music Pt. III". There's just something with the pacing and the vocals that really make them pop. Overall this album is just pleasant to listen to.     (85)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)