There is something special about family bands. That blood harmony runs deep in each one, creating something that couldn’t be pulled off without that familial bond. One of the most talked about family bands in recent years is HAIM.
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HAIM consists of three sisters, Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim. Their unique production and perfect harmonies set them apart from their peers. Revisit the trio’s top 10 tracks below.
10. “Los Angeles”
We’re starting off the list strong with “Los Angeles.” The track is a complicated ode to the sisters’ hometown. On one hand, they herald it as a city like no other. New York is too cold while sunny LA is just right. On the other, they are starting to weary of meandering around the same surroundings since they were kids. I’m breaking, losing faith / These days, these days, Danielle Haim sings in the chorus.
9. “Summer Girl”
“Summer Girl” is a sparse track – especially when compared to HAIM’s other up-tempo offerings. It has a weird atmosphere about it that threatens to become eerie. The track is made all the more memorable by refraining saxophone riff, performed by friend and fellow musician Rostam Batmanglij.
8. “Now I’m In It”
“Now I’m In It” showcases HAIM’s rhythmic style of songwriting. From start to finish, “Now I’m In It” rolls on with a steady, ear-candy rhythm. It scratches a certain itch in the brain that demands the listener hit the repeat button several times before moving on to something else.
7. “no body, no crime” (with Taylor Swift)
HAIM and Taylor Swift have been friends for quite some time. Being legacy members of Swift’s “Girl Squad,” the trio has collaborated with Swift a number of times, but the most memorable time they have joined forces has to be on Swift’s “no body, no crime.” Swift leads the way while the sisters add backing vocals. Their blood harmonies act as the perfect bed for Swift’s smooth vocals to lay on top of.
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6. “Don’t Wanna”
Like “Now I’m In It,” “Don’t Wanna” verges on easy listening. HAIM makes use of pure pop tones in the track while singing, I don’t wanna give up on you / I don’t wanna, don’t wanna, I don’t wanna have to / Well, we both had nights wakin’ up in strangers’ beds / But I don’t wanna, don’t wanna, I don’t wanna give up yet.
5. “Lost Track”
“Lost Track” is a one-off single from HAIM but, is nevertheless one of their most interesting listens. A magical trill of a xylophone opens up the song before being grounded by a deep bass riff. Danielle Haim sings in time with the bass riff, Tryin’ to get on top / But it’s never easy / Mastered my own luck / But it wasn’t easy.
4. “Hallelujah”
A large part of HAIM’s draw is their harmonies. The three sisters create something special when they decide to sing in tandem on a song. In “Hallelujah” they sing about the gift they have in one another while further elucidating that fact with their performance.
3. “Falling”
“Falling” appears on HAIM’s debut album, Days Are Gone. One of their first name-making tracks, the sisters started to turn heads with the rock-inspired flare on “Falling.” It is still one of their most off-kilter and interesting pieces of production to this day.
2. “Little of Your Love”
“Little of Your Love” is as upbeat and buoyant as one could hope from a pop hit. The sisters make use of their rhythmic melody making for this track, putting a focus on hand claps and staccato vocals. You’re just another recovering heart / I wasn’t even gonna try / You wouldn’t even give it time / Could be so easy, you make it hard, the lyrics read.
1. “The Steps”
Last but, not least we have “The Steps.” The song acted as the fouth single from HAIM’s Women in Music Pt. III and is undoubtedly one of the standouts from the record. The sisters bring in a healthy dose of rock-inspired musicality to the number, giving it a welcomed edge.
(Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)
