Album Review: Women in Music Pt. III

Women in Music Pt. III

Haim

I've seen a lot of comparisons between Women in Music Pt. III and Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride. I agree regarding substance, as WiMPIII covers a wide range of musical styles and sometimes feels held together by scotch tape (meant as a compliment) (also, the comparison seems a little too easy, since Danielle Haim was all over that album). But in spirit, I'd argue it's more like VW's third LP, Modern Vampires of the City. Haim showed that they can create something new, and then create that something again, but can they level up and create something new, again? They do, and it's pretty darn good.

I typed out "great" but then hit backspace five times because I guess I'm not quite there yet. Haim's first two albums had a few standout tracks that were instantly memorable, and I haven't found as many on here yet. They are there; I get that these things take time (took me months to understand that "Little of Your Love" was the best song on Something to Tell You, and years to understand that it was one of the best songs of the decade). But for now, it's been a bit of background listening for me. Really catchy background music, but still background music. I am patiently waiting for it to pop.

Honestly, the first three times I listened through, I didn't have those "I gotta see what the title of this particular song is because it's popping for me" moments at all until I got to "Now I'm in It," and apparently that and the other two tracks that end the album are self-described "bonus tracks." The three songs (this and "Hallelujah" and "Summer Girl") were all released as loosies in the past year or so. They are included here but kept at arm's length, part of WiMPIII but not really part of WiMPIII. That they are mostly the best songs on the album is to the album's detriment.

Still, like I said, I'm giving it time. I'm content with having Women in Music Pt. III soundtracking the BBQs (that can't happen) until it starts to get colored in a little bit. (For what it's worth, "The Steps" seems like a strong contender, but we'll see.) For now, it just feels good to have Haim back. Haim-as-a-grower is still fucking Haim, and I love it. Happy summer, everyone.

GRADE: 3.5 pukes out of 5