Something To Tell You fuses ’70s soft-rock and ’80s ballads with Haim’s typical panache, with a thematic focus on dysfunctional relationships. While the lyrics often touch on emotional pain, the music remains infectiously upbeat. Classic pop and rock references permeate the album, with nods to Shania Twain, Prince, Hall & Oates and Fleetwood Mac. Though it’s not a radical departure from their trademark sound, Haim’s distinctive mix of pop and indie remains beguiling.
‘Found It In Silence’ and ‘Walking Away’ have the feel of ‘80s chart classics, while ‘Little Of Your Love’ – with its echoes of ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ – is a proper summer anthem. Elsewhere, Haim also evoke Phil Collins on ‘Right Now’ and – thanks to its ‘Faith’-style funk guitar – George Michael on ‘Ready For You’. Some may accuse Haim of being a little too derivative in their approach, but while they undoubtedly wear their influences on their immaculately tailored sleeves, their music always sounds impressively fresh.
And thanks to the bruised, confessional nature of the lyrics, the Californian sister-trio’s latest also packs a hefty emotional punch.