Women in Music, Pt. III
by HAIM
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 26, 2020
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 259 out of 285
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 285
  3. Negative: 12 out of 285
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  1. EpicLatios
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    HAIM displays the natural evolution of their inspirations in their best album, and one of the best of the year. A wonderful time and genre hoping journey from the beginning to end. Gasoline is my personal favorite.
  2. adamdavids
    Jul 17, 2020
    8
    With this project, music trio HAIM have managed to create something that I didn't think could be done: a smooth, acoustic, homely album that never gets boring, and that I really enjoy. Women In Music Pt. III is a masterclass in great songwriting, beautiful vocals, and using (mostly) just acoustic instruments in a unique and interesting way. This is showcased right from the start with theWith this project, music trio HAIM have managed to create something that I didn't think could be done: a smooth, acoustic, homely album that never gets boring, and that I really enjoy. Women In Music Pt. III is a masterclass in great songwriting, beautiful vocals, and using (mostly) just acoustic instruments in a unique and interesting way. This is showcased right from the start with the track Los Angeles, a song about wanting to leave your hometown but being scared to. Even though I haven't stepped foot on the continent - the lyricism and homely vibe transports you to the Californian city. The Steps also features some damn good songwriting, and is catchy, cathartic and just... great. I Know Alone has this driving instrumental that reflects well the lyrical ideas of insomnia and depression. My one negative comment on this track is that I was the 'now Sunday comes and they expect her to shine' refrain should be clearer to hear as I think it's a bit too muffled. Up From A Dream has a sick bass-line and Gasoline is quite a funky number - and is sexy in a "sophisticated" or restrained way - both are very enjoyable. Sadly I'm not crazy about 3am; the track fits the vibe of the album but I think the writing could have been more imaginative and I don't like the 'phone call skit' intro -> chorus transition. One of my favourite tracks is the next one, Don't Wanna. I love the guitar solo and the lyrics, again, are pretty good. However I wish they switched the lyrics up for the outro/last chorus because it did get slightly repetitive (I don't mind it too much though). Another Try has a nice trumpet outro, not got much to say about it. Leaning On You has more amazing songwriting, and some especially good singing on this one as well. With the track I've Been Down, I'm in love with the flow in the singing - how it feels like a cathartic stream of consciousness coming at you. It'd probably be my favourite song here but the bridge lets it down a bit. Man From The Magazine is too stripped back for my personal taste but I love the message here, about their experiences with sexism being female musicians. The penultimate track, All That Ever Mattered, is perfection. The distorted screaming, soaring guitar, almost desperate singing all goes so well I love it. And finally we end with FUBT, which in itself is a masterclass in songwriting. It's about being in an abusive relationship - and it's so well written that you feel exactly what it's like. The track ends with a short but sweet guitar solo, but I wish the album ended in a more satisfying way. Maybe the three 'bonus tracks' are meant to be the closing songs but I don't think so. But despite that, this album is serve after serve after serve and it'll be a strong AOTY contender (this better get a grammy nom or something).… Expand
  3. hellokittypie
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    it's their best record, you can see the musical evolution of HAIM. A magnificent record that deserves to be celebrated by everyone.
  4. Lgrew
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Just proof that females do rock better than the guys. Brilliant album, they've set the bar in the stars.
  5. lukemrogers
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Hands down their best project yet. While there are some stand out songs, ever track feels very needed. It’s a beautiful, personal album.
  6. JPH24
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    HAIM have managed to create an album full of amazing experiments that work so well sonically. This may be their best album yet!
  7. Buzz37
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    holy **** i was already impressed with the singles but by the time 'another try' came on i was literally DEAD they did it girls they served us everything and more now i can say that i am a country b**** and im loving the ride
  8. sammyanthony
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    From subtle confessions to vulnerability reveals, HAIM constantly delivered with such a rockstar attitude.
  9. yyounes
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    Immaculate album with detailed lyrics, cohesive songs, fresh production styles and experimentations.
  10. kylesrose
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    An EXCELLENT haim record. They’ve done it yet again! I've had it on repeat for the last few days and I still can't choose a fave. I cant wait to hear this record live.
  11. JorgeCox
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Haim have created their best work yet with Women In Music Pt lll. Album of the year!
  12. graziella
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Light and mature at the same time. WIMP III comes with a messier sound but with somehow much clearer messages. I love my sisters!
  13. jackswfc
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    So good, definitely their best album so far and my AOTY atm. If this doesn't get at least a nomination for AOTY at the Grammys, I will be shocked.
  14. hannah8412
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    so perfect and precious!!!!!!! such talent, every song is incredible!!!!!!!
  15. salasq
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Their best album, a big improvement on production and sound, risk to play with new sounds and wins, amazing result! Have a lot of topics that shows the personal and vulnerable part of HAIM, and you can hear their feelings, love it!
  16. JavieraS
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    It is there best ever album. The lyrics, the sounds, the vibe is HAIM. We are all HAIM!
  17. pinkrabbits
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    sooo good, their best album!!!! just want to walk around outside HAIM style while listening to this all day you feel me
  18. izmebenji
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    Their best, most personal album. WIMPIII is layered, offering an eclectic mix of tracks that span over multiple genres that ALWAYS hit. Production here has never been better thanks to Danielle taking the producer role here as seriously as she ever has. HAIM has always been a small-crew, and they keep that up here, it’s just as well of an oiled machine as they’ve been yet.
  19. Danielle22
    Jun 26, 2020
    3
    So much better than the last album but "borrowing" so much from Joni Mitchell and Sheryl Crow has begun to bother my appreciation. Still too much effect on the voice as well. Definitely better than the last one and some good songs for the background but I find myself drawn to listening to the originals. Hoping the next one will be a little more personally inspired rather than idol inspired.
  20. matthewmirliani
    Jun 28, 2020
    9
    Wonderfully West Coast (with heavy hints of Fleetwood Mac), it’s an admirable and enjoyable record, the absolutely brilliant darkwave masterpiece of “I Know Places” easily one of the best songs of the year. The album maintains a dreaminess from beginning to end, even as it flirts with varying influences - the “Red Red Wine” -esque “Another Try” and the Charli XCX-lite “All That EverWonderfully West Coast (with heavy hints of Fleetwood Mac), it’s an admirable and enjoyable record, the absolutely brilliant darkwave masterpiece of “I Know Places” easily one of the best songs of the year. The album maintains a dreaminess from beginning to end, even as it flirts with varying influences - the “Red Red Wine” -esque “Another Try” and the Charli XCX-lite “All That Ever Mattered.”… Expand
  21. Kiva
    Jun 26, 2020
    9
    WIMPT.III might be their best album even though I love their debut. It succeeds to be experimental but still keeping that HAIM feeling. It works in so many levels, Danielle sounds amazing and the production is just top notch (kudos to Rostam). 'The Steps', 'FBT','All That Ever Mattered' and '3AM' are my personal favorites. A great album.
  22. JohnWaynee
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    Immersive. Haim finds a rhythm to call his own! With great and deep compositions, they do their best. They are not afraid to throw themselves and do what they think should be done.
  23. TheBeardedNinja
    Jun 27, 2020
    7
    Way better than the last album but short of the original album that turned me into a HAIM fan. It's not a masterpiece and it's not the best album this year but it's a good album from a good band. I like the mix of instrumentals and the production value. Big ups to "Gasoline", "Another Try", "All That Ever Mattered", "Now I'm in it", "Hallelujah" & "Summer Girl".
  24. RafaelSeixas
    Jul 2, 2020
    6
    É um álbum mediano, o instrumental é um pouco óbio na maior parte do tempo, sem grandes arranjos ousados (não é necessariamente um ponto negativo, mas se torna um problema no conjunto da obra); as irmãs cantam muito bem, não há problemas em mixar a voz desde que se saiba fazer, o que acontece no álbum. É convincente, não é denso e volumoso (uma pena, acho que elas tem capacidade para algoÉ um álbum mediano, o instrumental é um pouco óbio na maior parte do tempo, sem grandes arranjos ousados (não é necessariamente um ponto negativo, mas se torna um problema no conjunto da obra); as irmãs cantam muito bem, não há problemas em mixar a voz desde que se saiba fazer, o que acontece no álbum. É convincente, não é denso e volumoso (uma pena, acho que elas tem capacidade para algo grande) mas é um trabalho bom.… Expand
  25. tiego
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Álbum incrível, um testemunho fiel de crescimento pessoal e profissional. HAIM encontra nos percalços da vida um combustível para a criação do que é o melhor registro do trio. Letras intensas, acordes impecáveis e vocais únicos. Aliás, HAIM é único. Ninguém faz música como essas meninas. De longe um dos melhores álbuns do ano!
  26. soundmate
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    Despite I've never been there, I must admit that I have a very strong weakness for any song that has the word "California" or "Los Angeles" in it. Thus, imagine how amazingly beautiful the beggining of this album is to me. I really don't know where my admiration for LA comes from. It is a sarcastic, false and plastic city and is mainly ugly but imagine riding a bike on Venice Beach orDespite I've never been there, I must admit that I have a very strong weakness for any song that has the word "California" or "Los Angeles" in it. Thus, imagine how amazingly beautiful the beggining of this album is to me. I really don't know where my admiration for LA comes from. It is a sarcastic, false and plastic city and is mainly ugly but imagine riding a bike on Venice Beach or taking a ride on the Pacific Park rollercoaster and imagining that Hannah Montana will appear soon or early through the entrace to sadly ruin Lily's birthday party even though she didn't mean to.
    Anyway, let's talk about the music. This album has been a revelation to me. I had personally heard about Haim before but I hadn't really listened to their music until now and, honestly I will never regreat the decision to start appreciating their music. "Women in Music, Part III" is an amazing record that feels like having a beer in a vintage musical café while watching the sunset a Saturday night. It has a very Mediterranean utopian sound but the kind of Mediterranean feeling from the other side of the world, you know what I mean? Musically, every song on the record is amazing and its production exquisit. Despite it is a bit too long for modern day music releases and is a bit monotone, "Women in Music, III" feels endless in the nicest way possible. I always acclaim all records that go back to real instruments instead of computer music but hey, I am not a boomer; I don't underestimate digital arrangements, I just enjoy real physical instruments much more. The use of wind instruments emphasising the trumpet really fills my heart so much that I might consider this album the best album of the year. Wait did I say consider? I can reafirm it is! Also, the way the harmonies have been added with this delicacy and precision is so beautiful to hear that I think that my ears are crying out of joy. Lyricaly I don't really understand what they are trying to tell us but it still sounds so damn beautiful it hurts.
    In conclusion, "Women in Music Pt. III" is one of (if not) the best records that has been released this tumultuous 2020. Literally a blessing for those who need a dose of joy and melancholy. The love, attention and kindness that Haim have put in this album in specific is very present in its final result, in this 50-minute bike ride in Venice Beach while the sun penetrates through those high palms and Los Angeles become a little bit more friendly, warm and loving. Pretty, consistent, warm and cohesive, I must admit I have a chrush for this record.    … Expand
  27. lienaun
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Their best album yet. Stand outs include; Don’t Wanna, 3am, and I’ve Been Down. Album has a very Sheryl Crow 90s vibe.
  28. CriticoP3
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    WOMEN IN MUSIC, PT. III es el respiro de la asfixiante y empalagosa "música" mainstream que se necesitaba. Un álbum fresco lleno de personalidad y consistente. Liricas a la par de la producción deslumbrante, cada canción se siente en el lugar adecuado y progresa de acuerdo al álbum avanza. Sin duda, un paso más adelante que su posterior trabajo.

    Puntaje 78/100 -CriticoP3 para    WOMEN IN MUSIC, PT. III es el respiro de la asfixiante y empalagosa "música" mainstream que se necesitaba. Un álbum fresco lleno de personalidad y consistente. Liricas a la par de la producción deslumbrante, cada canción se siente en el lugar adecuado y progresa de acuerdo al álbum avanza. Sin duda, un paso más adelante que su posterior trabajo.

    Puntaje 78/100

    -CriticoP3 para Metacritic.    … Expand
  29. eloiseloveshaim
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    it’s absolutely beautiful. nothing about it is bad. every song and lyric is perfect. queens!!
  30. sophlev
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    this album means so much to me and the singles alone have gotten me through so much. im so proud of these girls. truly aoty
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Album of 2020
41
#41 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    80
    Where WIMPIII’s songs don’t cleave as closely to any of the album’s declared narratives, there is still much of interest going on.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jul 9, 2020
    90
    Sprawling and intimate, breezy and affecting, Women in Music Pt. III is a low-key triumph.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 30, 2020
    70
    Overall, WIMPEE is an easy album to love, which, more than anything else, shows the trio's natural chemistry as musicians. ... Having chosen to maintain an upbeat, positive outlook to outweigh all the despair does big favors to the band—featuring a sparkling production that fits many, many moods—though it makes one wonder what could've been had they let us in just a little bit more.
    Read full review
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