The Los Angeles sister trio Haim is back with their fourth album, I quit. This is their first release since 2020’s Women in Music Pt. III, a record I really loved.
This album comes on the heels of a break-up that had both personal and professional ramifications. Lead singer Danielle split from longtime boyfriend Ariel Rechtshaid, who was also a producer and co-writer on the band’s first three albums. That makes I quit a potent break-up album as well as a (relatively) new sonic direction for Haim.
The new producer of choice is Rostam Batmanglij, formerly of Vampire Weekend, and I hear some of that band’s influence on this record’s sound. But the predominant tone here is Haim’s sultry Laurel Canyon soft rock.
Many of I quit‘s 15 tracks tackle relationships (including lead-off single ‘Relationships’) but the broader theme is sisterhood, and the way in which these three support and uplift each other. For the first time, both Alana and Este Haim tackle a lead vocal (on ‘Spinning’ and ‘Cry,’ respectively), reinforcing the importance of each point in this triangle.
Those songs are quite good, but I’m still most drawn to Danielle’s expressive vocals. She is the epitome of sexy and cool, and her earthily sultry voice makes any song better.
I’ve listened to I quit in its entirety only once but I’m looking forward to spending more time with it. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Women in Music Pt. III for me, but it’s in the ballpark.
Note: Happy Birthday to my Dad!
Down to be wrong
Don’t need to be right
I left you the keys
I left on the lights
I locked myself out
Of the house
I’m on the next flight
You can’t talk me out of it, yeah
[Verse 2]
From the window seat
I can see the street
Where we used to sleep
It was all a dream, huh
You thought I would fall
Back in your arms
But I lost my heart
And the future’s gone with it
[Chorus]
Oh, I bet you wish it could be easy
To change my mind
Oh, I bet you wish it could be easy
But it’s not this time
[Verse 3]
I ain’t coming back
I ain’t coming down
I was so high last night
I thought, “Burn it to the ground”
You never helped me
It was like hell for me
But you’re the greatest pretender
So just keep pretending
Just keep pretending
[Chorus]
Oh, I bet you wish it could be easy
To change my mind
Oh, I bet you wish it could be easy
But it’s not this time
[Bridge]
Boy, I crushed my whole heart
Tryin’ to fit my soul into your arms
And I crushed up these pills
And I still couldn’t take ’em
I still couldn’t take ’em
[Chorus]
I bet you wish it could be easy
To change my mind
I bet you wish it could be easy
But it’s not this time
Oh, did you think it would keep me busy
Holding the line?
Oh, I didn’t think it would be so easy
‘Til I left it behind
[Outro]
Down to be wrong
Don’t need to be right
Down to be wrong
Don’t need to be right
Down to be wrong (This train won’t turn around)
Don’t need to be right (The light’s cutting through the clouds)
Down to be wrong (My feet are on the ground)
Don’t need to be right (And I keep walking)
Down to be wrong (Don’t need you to understand)
Don’t need to be right (I don’t know if you can)
Down to be wrong (Red lights are up ahead)
Don’t need to be right (But I’ll keep walking)
Down to be wrong
Don’t need to be right
Down to be wrong
Meet Me In Montauk 
I generally enjoy Haim’s music, though sometimes the lyrics are repetitive, which can be a bit annoying. This song has a bit of that, but not that much.
I’ve been spinning this record quite a bit since it first came out and this is one of my favorite songs off of it! I love hearing what sounds or artists Haim will emulate next on their new releases. I get a real Tom Petty vibe on this one from the vocal delivery/melody to the production with the laid back beat accompanying the electric guitars!
I’m eager to hear more of your thoughts and I agree that you can clearly hear Rostam’s production throughout this record most clearly on the “Now it’s time” where he brings in his signature rolling pianos!
As a certified sucker for some Laurel Canyon soft rock, I continue to be a big Haim fan.
This album may not be an all-time favorite for me, but there are plenty of songs that I do really love on it. Most of them were released as singles ahead of release. “Down to be Wrong” is one of them. Agree with the Cool Guy on some great Tom Petty vibes at work here and I’m also excited to hear your thoughts on the rest of the album!