I See You

I have always loved duets, but their songs step it up. I get lost in the flow of their lyrics as their voices blend and transition over one another. Really well crafted. Love every song. Whoever manufactured the CD's however meh. Never saw this before, but the music side of the CD came in with this crystal like pattern. I actually tried playing it but it skipped after the 2nd song. I did see another customer had a problem too. I returned the first one back to Amazon and got another one in a day or two. But the same exact thing. I figured on the second one I would try cleaning it. I used eyeglass cleaner and tissue paper to not scratch. I think water and gentleness would work too. But cleaned and no problems. Now I don't know if the words on the inside of the liner were printed intentionally inversed or was it a manufacturing problem. If intentional, COOL!

Waiting and waiting for the new XX album. A lot of waiting for what sounds like remixes and B-sides of earlier work. I always had so much respect for them as they started so young and reached amazing depths within their songwriting and such a unique sound. This album however falls very short. With exceptions of a couple tracks, only because those are the B-side sounding tracks which could have been leftovers from Co Exist. What a shame. I hate when this happens to bands. Almost wish they had just stopped with the last record. Always want to hear the evolution of a band and how their 'sound' changes over the years while remaining true to the original vision letting you know exactly who it is. I See You sounds like Jamie said hey, lets lay my solo work down as a rhythm track and lay monotone, boring, 'expected', obvious vocal cuts over it. His solo album, minus the one awful 'pop' track (which was clearly meant to get some radio play and pay for the album) was a great album. It was what I expected of this one. A new sound with heart but, an evolution non the less.... It almost hurts how short this album falls of being an XX release I would expect. I wasted my cash on the 'Box set' ... if you can call it that. Some vinyl, a cd, and some 'artwork' which basically is a few bad band selfies in a 'literal' shiny box. Ugh, oh well... maybe fourth time will be a charm but, guess the first 2 albums will have to suffice for now. Do yourself a favor and don't listen to me, just check out the samples before you buy this one. If you love it which i am sure many will, grab it. However, pretty sure im not too far off base with this review.

In "I See You," the XX discovers new creative territory when compared to that already represented in their previous albums. Specifically, Jamie's beats and rhythms are more developed substrates akin to those found on his solo "In Colour." Their positive influence here is noticeable. Oliver seems to have refined his stoic vocals, which are valuable and continue to act as the strongest anchor with their larger catalog of music. Romy however is responsible for the strongest noticeable gain -- She explores a much greater vocal range across this album. Her development in this respect greatly broadens the spectrum of XX work, and especially when combined with higher BPMs, yields a new vector for the creation of several new tracks. Whatever we liked about the audible chemistry between Romy and Oliver before, is even greater now. I understand that "Replica" is a fan favorite, but I remain drawn to the intensity of "Performance." Thanks XX for your best work to date, and here is to hoping we will not have to wait another three years for more.

What a surprise! One of the best albums in years.I knew nothing about THE XX other than a review I read recently in The San Francisco Chronicle about the 'I SEE YOU' album.I keep playing and playing it. I can't yet determine whom they sound like but I get a bit of Brian Ferry, Cold Play and Tears For Fears. A small hint of Thompson Twins comes out in the vocals as well (for me). The track 'ON HOLD' is haunting beauty.Vocals and writing are excellent. Arrangements are fair and I wish a bit more technology and playing or member instruments were evident. More punch or rock would make the album go off the charts (just my opinion) but that doesn't mean I still won't give this album 5 stars.Typical UK talent and that is a positive.

Heard "On Hold" on the alternative station I listen to and purchased the CD hoping that the rest of the release was at least as good as "On Hold." I was not disappointed - it is.Sparkling vocals and really great musicianship and production makes this a "must have."My favorites - besides "On Hold," are Lips, A Violent Noise, Replica, Brave For You.

I refrain from reviewing records on their content. I do this because everyone's opinion of music is difference and whether I like it or not really has no bearing on whether you will like it or not.So this review is about the vinyl records only. I give it 3 stars as it is not the heavy weight 180 gram of many of the modern vinyl pressings. It is a light weight vinyl much like the cheap vinyl of the 80's.Does it effect the sound? I don't know for sure but I do like the much more substantial feel of a good heavy weight pressing. If nothing else, it makes me feel like I am getting a better value for my money.Another issue I have with this pressing is there is a skip on the 1st track on side B. There doesn't appear to be any damage at all to the record itself so it has to be a defect in the pressing.

Awesome Album. 5 stars.However DO NOT BUY VINYL. I purchased the regular vinyl version, not the limited edition clear one. both sides were covered in micro-abrasions, and even had a small chip on the edge of the record.returned without a replacement since based on other reviews it seems like they are having QC issues with the album. Get the CD or digital download instead.

Beautiful, atmospheric, imaginative, different yet recognisably the XX at their finest. I recommend it to you.

In some ways this has the best tracks the XX have yet done and is probably even more a dance record than earlier records. I like the XX best in their reflective moods so I don't know how this will grow over time but it is perhaps their most confident album to date.

Good album. Ignore the naysayers, this is a new era for The XX and they have matured considerably. Worth a listen, if not a purchase.

This Album is scratched and skipping on the first track and second So disappointing Yours not very Happy. John Stewart 69 Dornal Avenue Yoker Tut Tut

If you loved the first album you'll love this.Beautiful voices as always.