Haim – Relationships Review

Building towards their first album in five years, Haim finds a groovy lead single in the form of Relationships. Catchy, quality new music from the Haim Sisters is expected, and upcoming album I Quit is off to a strong start. Relationships has the steady, comfortable beat expected of pop-adjacent artists, though Haim is much more than that. Haim has once more found a route through the catchy expectations, the rising instrumental focus, which suggests they are a band with a pertinent and relatable message. They do hold that much, but they also strive to make their affable image more than just a light and breezy listen. Relationships has heart and character to it, and like any great song, holds firm with its suggestion of defying expectation, of reclaiming independence and purpose beyond those titular connections.  

What is clear from Relationships amid the redefining of instrumental thrill is a self-check-up. A chance for the listener to assess where they are, and where they want to be. Doing so because of an artist’s suggestion is nothing new, but Haim has a sincerity, a conviction in their care. It forms the core of I Quit, an album which shares the crises of life and how we should respond to them. A faded blueprint which may create the future. An alt-pop flow is what Relationships prides itself on, though this label feels redundant. This is pop music at its best. Alternative to pop just means an interesting beat compared to the stock slop of the usual chart fodder. Haim finds a neat spot between experimenting with their sound and servicing the contemporary expectations.  

This fine line is walked, and it makes for a welcome blur of the confidence-shattering heard on Relationships, a strong song which charts the fatigue of loveless relationships. Haim hopes their listeners are deep enough, honest enough with themselves to contemplate where they are in their own lives. Crucially, though, Relationships is great fun. A familiar and steady beat underscores the impressive vocal range on display, and the warmth and overarching feeling of assessing what you need for yourself, to cast aside what you do for others, is a wonderful message. Relationships hopes to shine a light on the right course of action, though it differs from person to person. Taking action is the first step, irrespective, and it is what features so prominently in this song, the constant ask of “why” is the line through Relationships. 

Solid instrumental work, hearty lyrical moments and a sense of self-reflection, Relationships is a chance to look at yourself and your future. Doing so is healthy, and the cagey sense of rage, the fed-up nature at seeing people you have known for so long fail to grow, feels natural. The right people grow, excel at what they do and move on. Those who stagnate are not worth staying linked to, and that much is made clear on Relationships. This goes beyond the back-and-forth of lovers. Assess the connection, revel in the realisations of outgrowing one person or losing track of another. Haim has a thoroughly catchy and well-meaning song on their hands, and with the instrumental flavour on show here, it is hard not to love the thrills of their sound in the lead up to I Quit.