Haim – ‘I Quit’ Album Review: A Quieter Yet More Revealing Sound

Explore how Haim's ‘I Quit’ marks a quieter but deeply revealing evolution in their music journey.

A Bold New Chapter for Haim

Haim’s latest album, I Quit, marks a significant milestone for the trio—Danielle, Este, and Alana—coming after their acclaimed 2020 release, Women in Music Pt. III. That album was a breakthrough, with Haim boldly bringing their lyrics front and center while embracing a rich mix of genres. It was hailed as their best work to date, transforming them from mid-2010s streaming stars into timeless, generational pop songwriters.

With I Quit, Haim digs even deeper, shedding more of their past sound and stepping into a quieter, more intimate space.

Reinventing Their Sound Without Ariel Rechtshaid

This album marks Haim’s longest break between releases and their first without longtime collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid, who had co-produced all three previous albums and was Danielle’s partner for nine years. Stepping into the production role alongside Danielle is Rostam Batmanglij, formerly of Vampire Weekend and known for working with Clairo.

Together, they’ve stripped away the ’80s style reverb that once defined Haim’s sound, replacing it with a raw, lo-fi texture. The drums and acoustic guitars have a crunchy, stripped-back feel, evident right from the opening track, Gone. The band makes it clear they’re not here to be pushed around, proclaiming:

"You can hate me for what I am / You can shame me for what I’ve done / You can’t make me disappear / You never saw me for what I was!"

— Danielle Haim

Adding a clever twist, they sample George Michael’s iconic Freedom ’90, creating a fascinating blend that both complements and challenges Danielle’s vocal delivery.

Vibrant Pop and Defiant Energy

The first third of the album bursts with lively, upbeat songs fueled by joy and defiance. Highlights include:

• All Over Me: An unapologetic tribute to friends with benefits.
• Take Me Back: A nostalgic, almost Taylor Swift-like ode to memories past.
• Relationships: The lead single with a catchy, octave-jumping chorus lamenting the cyclical nature of romantic troubles: “Fucking relationships / Don’t they end up all the same / When there’s no one left to blame?”

Where Haim’s earlier lyrics often begged for understanding, tracks on I Quit reveal a band that's completely over the emotional turmoil.

A Quieter, More Intimate Journey

Overall, I Quit is Haim’s softest album yet. The arrangements are pared down, and even the backing vocals take a backseat. The album feels so centered on Danielle that at times it could be mistaken for a solo project — her voice is the undeniable heart of the record, and her lyrics are brutally honest.

Surprising Vocal Spotlight Moments

However, the album isn’t just Danielle’s show. When Alana takes the lead on the Arthur Russell-inspired disco track Spinning, and Este shines on the synth-country ballad Cry, they reveal a new vulnerability. Along with Danielle’s performances on the shoegaze-infused Lucky Stars and the two-step rhythm of Million Years, these tracks could easily cross over as pop hits like Summer Girl or I Know Alone. Yet, Haim chooses intimacy over commercial gloss, delivering emotional depth instead.

The Emotional Core of ‘I Quit’

The album feels like a moment at the crossroads of grief—where lessons have been learned, but the sting of memories still lingers. Despite its quieter tone, I Quit never wallows in despair. Instead, it carries the warmth and unbreakable bond of sisterhood that Haim is known for.

They may no longer be the pop group fans first fell for, but this record makes one thing clear: sometimes, growth demands letting go.

Watch the Official Music Video for ‘Relationships’

Enjoy the vibrant visual storytelling of Haim’s lead single Relationships, a perfect example of the album’s emotional honesty and musical evolution:

Album Details

• Release Date: June 20, 2025
• Record Label: Polydor

Conclusion

I Quit is a powerful, reflective step forward for Haim. Quiet yet impactful, it shows just how far the sisters have come, trading bombast for vulnerability without losing their fierce, defining spirit. What do you think—does this new sound deepen your connection to Haim’s music?

FAQs

• What is the overall vibe of Haim’s album I Quit?
  It’s their quietest album yet, with stripped-back arrangements focusing on emotional honesty and intimacy.
• Who produced I Quit?
  Danielle Haim co-produced alongside Rostam Batmanglij, taking over from Ariel Rechtshaid.
• Which band member sings lead vocals on the new tracks?
  Danielle primarily leads, but Alana and Este both deliver lead vocals on key songs, revealing new depths.
• What themes are explored in I Quit?
  Grief, growth, relationships, and sisterhood are central themes throughout the album.
• How does I Quit compare to Haim’s previous albums?
  It’s more introspective and less focused on pop bangers, highlighting quieter moments and a lo-fi sound.

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