Album Review: "I quit" - HAIM

Karlee Skipper
Jul 8
8 min read

HAIM just released their highly anticipated fourth studio album, I quit. The project contains a flawless 15-track run that immediately reels in listeners from the very first note. The album's lead singles, such as "Relationships" and "Down to be wrong," gave listeners a taste of what the project would hold – a mix of the band's iconic sound and a fresh take on the alt-rock genre. With the release of I quit, HAIM rightfully earned their way as one of my top favorite releases of 2025.

TRACK LIST

Gone
All over me
Relationships
Down to be wrong
Take me back
Love you right
The farm
Lucky stars
Million Years
Everybody's trying to figure me out
Try to feel my pain
Spinning
Cry
Blood on the street
Now it's time

BIO

HAIM is an American rock band based in Los Angeles. The band is composed of three sisters, Este (vocals and bass guitar), Danielle (lead vocals, guitar, and drums), and Alana (vocals, guitars, and keyboards). All three members are proficient in more instruments than what they are well-known for, showing their well-rounded artistry and talent. They grew up in a musical family, playing instruments from a young age in the cover band, Rockinhaim, fronted by their parents. In 2005, Este and Danielle performed with the pop group, Valli Girls, before forming a band with their youngest sister in 2007. Since then, they have made massive waves in the industry, headlining successful tours for each album, opening for big names such as Taylor Swift (1989 World Tour, The Eras Tour), Florence and the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rihanna, and earning several Grammy Award nominations, including for Best New Artist at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards and Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. HAIM is hitting the road to promote I quit -- make sure you buy your tickets today!

Gone

HAIM kicks off their album with the unique alt-rock anthem, “Gone.” The track was the last song the band wrote for the album and the result of wanting a flawless introduction to the project, which was executed to perfection. The song blends the sounds of both modern and classic rock, soul, and blues. The lyrics explore the freedom of leaving an unhealthy relationship and embracing being true to oneself. The song emulates the band’s carefree attitude, setting the stage for the immaculate album.

All over me

The album instantly changes its tune with the second track. “All Over Me” is a sensual song about yearning to be with someone. The lyrics pair well with the sultry rock sound as the narrator admits to their muse her deepest desire. She tells them, “I want you all over me.” She doesn’t care if it's their lover’s bed or her floor – she just wants to be with them in the most intimate moments.

Relationships

“Relationships” is the lead single from the album, propelling fans into the band’s latest era. The song delves into the intricacies of relationships, feeling frustrated in the never-ending cycle of love and loss. The simple hook ingeniously wraps up the entire message with the line: “I think I’m in love, but I can’t stand fuckin’ relationships.” Despite the exhausting storyline, the track contains an insanely catchy melody that ensures “Relationships” plays on repeat in the listener’s mind.

Down to be wrong

“Down to be wrong” is a sultry track with soothing vocals and bluesy soundscapes. Danielle’s stunning voice immediately lulls the listener into the song, kicking off with the infectious chorus. The track instantly became one of my favorites the moment it was released. The lyrics share the story of the bitter end of a relationship, where the narrator recognizes the sacrifices they have made to make it work. But in the end, their subject never did the same. So, while the narrator walks away, their muse says they are wrong to leave. But they are “down to be wrong // don’t need to be right,” if it means they are choosing what is best for them.

Take me back

The album picks back up with the infectious track, “Take me back.” The instrumentation creates a bouncy, lively atmosphere that emulates the perfect summer soundtrack. The song is a nostalgic trip to the past, exploring their high school experiences and reminiscing on the memories – the good and the bad. The brutally honest verses that expose the gritty realities contrast with the energetic “take me back” choruses. The song provides a unique perspective on the intricacies of growing up.

Love you right

Don’t let the joyful, folksy soundscape of “Love you right” fool you. The whimsical track may consist of lively energy, but the lyrics are far from it. The song explores the narrator's inability to love their partner right. No matter what she does, she is unable to fully commit to treating them in the way they want. She finds herself conflicted and stuck in this push-and-pull relationship. The bouncy folk-rock soundscape complements Danielle’s earthy voice, making it one of the best songs on the album.

The farm

“The farm” maintains the folksy soundscape with the raw vocals and an acoustic guitar-led melody. The track’s Americana-influenced instrumentation matches the title well, the genre being associated with farms. It is what makes HAIM so refreshing, because their music is truly art that takes inspiration from all genres and lives. The song shares the sad ending to a relationship, where Danielle tells her ex: “So we could keep on tryin’ // Or we could sell the farm // Just buy me out.” This imagery evokes the dilemma of the couple – keep fighting even though there’s no use, or give up and move on from their relationship.

Lucky stars

After the heart-wrenching songs, HAIM picks up the mood with an optimistic track about exciting beginnings. The song's bright instrumentation pairs well with the lyrics, instantly boosting the listener’s spirits. Danielle’s infectious voice sings sweet lines such as “You were down to change your plans // You found me in a foreign land // Picked me up when I was down // Yeah, honey, I was stranded.” This person has brought the narrator out of the darkness, just like the song changed the atmosphere of the album.

Million years

“Million years” continues the positive energy with a psychedelic soundscape and a wonderous ode to the muse – Alana’s sisters. No matter what, the three of them have two built-in best friends who are always there for each other. Just like they are there for her, she will always have their backs. She tells them: “I’ll carry you on my back // Even if it takes a million years.” The beautiful message can be dedicated to anyone in your life who has your unconditional support – familial, romantic, or platonic.

Everybody's trying to figure me out

Danielle has revealed that “Everybody’s trying to figure me out” was written after experiencing a panic attack after tour. As someone who suffers from anxiety and has had her fair share of panic attacks, the song resonates deeply with me. At the end of the chorus, they sing: “I lost count of the ticking clocks, baby // And I can’t feel my lungs.” This imagery describes what a panic attack feels like – you lose control of your breathing, and time seems to simultaneously slow down and speed up. Everything is in disarray, and you feel like you will not make it out alive. The song’s outro takes this feeling and reassures the listener – “you think you’re gonna die, but you’re not gonna die.” When someone is in the midst of a panic attack, they often fear that their heart is going to give out and they are experiencing death. But they aren’t. HAIM effortlessly encapsulates this feeling and makes their audience feel less alone.

Try to feel my pain

“Try to feel my pain” returns to the common theme of inevitable heartbreak. The alt-rock song shares the story of a relationship that the narrator no longer feels happy in. The love has fizzled out, and maybe it was never truly there, but the couple lets it continue despite knowing it should end. In the chorus, they state: “I’ll hide away my pain // I'll try to hide my pain // But I don’t know which way.” They are working their best to keep their emotions bottled up, but know the truth will come out in the end.

Spinning

“Spinning” is a very unique track in that it is the very first song in which Alana led vocals. The track was the result of a brand-new relationship that had her stomach full of butterflies and her eyes full of stars. Quickly after, the relationship ended, and Alana’s partner never even knew the song was written about him. However, the sweet track filled with lyrics of blooming love continues to live on forever – and isn’t that what music is really all about? Preserving memories for all to enjoy.

Cry

Similar to the previous track, “Cry” is the first track that Este sings lead on. The song explores the ending of the bass player-turned-lead singer’s five-year-long relationship. Her stunning vocals lull the listener in with the heavenly intro as she sings, “And I just cry, cry, cry // And I don’t know why // And I just cry.” Then, the production suddenly switches to the electrifying soft rock soundscape that contains both pop and country influences, providing something for everyone. With the introduction of Este’s talented, and underappreciated, vocals and the genre-blending soundscape, “Cry” instantly became one of my favorite tracks on I quit.

Blood on the street

“Blood on the street” is a stunning ballad that reminds me of Chris Stapleton's country hit “Tennessee Whiskey” – but with more sick guitar riffs. The steady drum beat and mesmerizing strings soothe listeners and make them fall in love with the band all over again. Each sister leads a verse, giving Este and Alana more time to shine. About the song, the band says the track is a “fuck you for fucking me over” to people who have done them wrong. The well-rounded track showcases each of the artists’ talents – vocal and instrumental – making it perhaps the best song on the album.

Now it's time

HAIM closes out the album with the fiery track, “Now it’s time.” The song starts with a sick intro that immediately draws in the listener and makes them intrigued by what’s to come. The distorted guitar and steady drumbeat feel reminiscent of Alanis Morrisette, despite the track interpolating U2’s “Numb” guitar riff. The chill atmosphere coincides with the song’s message, as the band puts the stories told through I quit to bed. They close the album with the lyric, “I never gave two fucks anyway.” This concludes the project by revealing to their muses that while there is a whole album about them, they have moved on. This ingenious conclusion is a brilliant example of HAIM’s underrated songwriting talent and proves they are one of the best rock bands of this generation.

I quit by HAIM is an incredibly well-rounded alt-rock album that has something for everyone. With Danielle's sultry vocals, Este's deep basslines, and Alana's sick guitar riffs, the project highlights the individual talent of each sister. Together, they complement one another and truly create art that is timeless and unforgettable. This is even more apparent in their live performances, and if you are able to attend their upcoming tour, do it. You will be mesmerized by their commanding stage presence and stunning talent.

Written By Karlee Skipper