• Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2012
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 186 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 8 out of 186
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  1. Sep 17, 2012
    5
    The xx delivered a remarkable album, full of delightful songs with an unique sound, in 2009.
    Coexist is still enjoyable, but it feels too uninspired and empty, with an excess of reused ideas.
  2. Sep 11, 2012
    6
    It was inevitable that this album would be a tad disappointing because the debut was so good. Honestly, most of the songs are beautiful, lush and affecting, but rather than swell and subside like xx did (and most great albums do), this one kind of meanders. The first one was a soundtrack to driving at midnight from city to country and back, and this one feels like walking through alleys atIt was inevitable that this album would be a tad disappointing because the debut was so good. Honestly, most of the songs are beautiful, lush and affecting, but rather than swell and subside like xx did (and most great albums do), this one kind of meanders. The first one was a soundtrack to driving at midnight from city to country and back, and this one feels like walking through alleys at 4:30 AM. Expand
  3. Oct 6, 2012
    6
    Coexist is a good album but it's not better than their previous work. It lacks something, that something could be ideas, the lyrical themes or even experimentation.
  4. Sep 13, 2012
    6
    Not much in terms of dynamic contrast, but if you're in need of a mellow album you could do much worse. The vocals and instrumentation is nice and light. A high point is the track "Reunion".
  5. Sep 17, 2022
    5
    Such a brave thing to make an even more stripped back record from the first. Great writing and production
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Oct 25, 2012
    78
    Hard to imagine that the XX could construct a quieter album than the first, but that's what Coexist manages. The first-time poetry of the debut will always be more earthshaking, but the softer, silkier, and more tender Coexist proves the trio can be just as memorable in repeat doses.
  2. Oct 22, 2012
    80
    While album three may require a reboot from The XX, that's for another day. Right now, when it comes to fusing indie rock and dance, no one pulls it off quite as elegantly.
  3. They add up to a song cycle with a happy ending--the joy of which may grow in wisdom or crumble back toward nothingness tomorrow.