Haim – Women In Music Pt III

I have been a fan of Haim since I saw them live at Lollapalooza in 2016. The combination of their Fleetwood Mac sound and goofy stage presence was irresistible. I liked their first album, 2013’s Days Are Gone, but I really liked their second, 2017’s Something To Tell You. The latest, Women In Music Pt III is their best yet.

For those of you not familiar with Haim, they are an American pop rock band from Los Angeles (per Wikipedia). The band consists of three sisters: Este Haim (bass guitar and vocals), Danielle Haim (vocals and guitar), and Alana Haim (guitars, keyboards, and vocals). In addition to their primary instruments, each member is also proficient on several others. 

Women In Music Pt III begins with “Los Angeles” which has a Vampire Weekend (VW) vibe. Not surprising given the album received production, songwriting, and instrumental support from VW founding member Rostam Batmanglij and VW producer Ariel Rechtshaid (and significant other of Danielle Haim).

Several songs continue with the VW vibe, but several songs also have the classic Haim Fleetwood Mac (specifically Lindsey Buckingham) feel. They double down on the Southern California groove with “Man From The Magazine” could have been on Joni Mitchell’s Blue (they even name drop “Both Sides Now” in “I Know Alone”). “FUBT” (Fucked Up But True) sounds like a Prince Purple Rain outtake/demo (in a good way).

Despite all the influences, WIMPIII (the band’s nickname for this album) sounds totally original and fresh. Haim has girl group fun accented with singer-songwriter gravitas. They have created delightful pop-rock with soul.

The production/arrangements go down easy, but on a more careful listen they are little pop symphonies in the grand tradition of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. It is pop perfection.

I love it when a band/artist is on a trajectory. Especially, when I have been along for the ride. Haim eclipses two good albums with a great one – dare I say a masterpiece! Every song is great – even the bonus tracks are not filler. This will be a top ten album on my 2020 list.