Artists face more pressure these days to be great right out of the gate.

Most acts who’ve been around for awhile got the chance to stumble through an album or two finding their way before delivering their defining work. I don’t think the current landscape affords that space to grow.

I bring that up in reference to Haim, the much-hyped L.A.-based trio — because I find myself disappointed they didn’t crush it on this first album. Shouldn’t I cut them a little slack?

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