xx
by The xx
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 426 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 377 out of 426
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 426
  3. Negative: 23 out of 426

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  1. AlekO.
    Jan 14, 2010
    6
    Maybe I'm the only one here that things like this, but despite the melodies, the relaxing athmosphere it has, this is a very BORING album. I'm a little tired of 'soft' bands, minimalistic music... sometimes less is not more... it's just average.
  2. BenC.
    Mar 24, 2010
    6
    I completely agree with Alek O. This is yet another example of this longstanding trend of songs without music. It's very slow, very boring and though acceptable as background music while not doing very much, I couldn't listen to it in the car for fear of it putting me to sleep. It gets as high a rating from me as it does because this is an INCREDIBLY well done version of this I completely agree with Alek O. This is yet another example of this longstanding trend of songs without music. It's very slow, very boring and though acceptable as background music while not doing very much, I couldn't listen to it in the car for fear of it putting me to sleep. It gets as high a rating from me as it does because this is an INCREDIBLY well done version of this particular genre, though I disagree with the critics somewhat. I feel like album probably owes more to Beck or The Cowboy Junkies than it does to Portishead.… Expand
  3. TeaL.
    Aug 28, 2009
    6
    Good, simple, but overrated. We can expect great things from The XX in the future.
  4. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 14, 2022
    6
    This records best quality is definitely not the singers. Their voices rarely emote beyond breathy longing and dead pan. It's unfortunate hut not detrimental as it somehow manages to be saved by the cool airy production. The songs are constructed as soft easy listening that would fit right in at a BBQ or the beach which contributes to why i like it. It's a very light record that takesThis records best quality is definitely not the singers. Their voices rarely emote beyond breathy longing and dead pan. It's unfortunate hut not detrimental as it somehow manages to be saved by the cool airy production. The songs are constructed as soft easy listening that would fit right in at a BBQ or the beach which contributes to why i like it. It's a very light record that takes heartbreak and uses it as a reason to still keep dancing. Favorites: shelter, crystallized & heart skipped a beat.… Expand
  5. Epita
    Oct 20, 2009
    5
    It often sounds as though Croft's really having to fight herself not to sound like a more polished sort of singer. Normally I like this less contrived approach but the album as a whole left me unimpressed. I've heard this sort of thing done before and done better.
  6. LuizCC
    Jul 30, 2012
    5
    It's a bland album for me. The songs sounds boring, and often kind of inexpressive. Romy's voice is not suitable for the lo-fi scene, and the band sure enough sounds like over hyped. At least their songs are well-written, but the melodies and beats are saturated sound among so much strangeness. The metal strings are over produced. Maybe the band can improve musically, but now it soundsIt's a bland album for me. The songs sounds boring, and often kind of inexpressive. Romy's voice is not suitable for the lo-fi scene, and the band sure enough sounds like over hyped. At least their songs are well-written, but the melodies and beats are saturated sound among so much strangeness. The metal strings are over produced. Maybe the band can improve musically, but now it sounds just like nothing outrageous to me.… Expand
  7. Crystalised94
    Sep 17, 2022
    5
    An all time classic. So influential to this day. To think they were just teenagers is mind blowing
  8. MikeM.
    Aug 18, 2009
    4
    BORING.
  9. MarkR
    Nov 11, 2009
    4
    Another overrated bore. This record is neither a game changer, nor the best debut of the year. Don't believe the hype. I just don't get what all the fuss is about. The songs are slow and boring. There's no innovation, there's really little of interest going on here. Yawn.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2009
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    Mar 4, 2011
    100
    It's hard to imagine their music getting much better. But it's not hard to imagine their lives getting much better. Which may be all their music needs.
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  2. Lost At Sea
    82
    The XX is for lovers and non-lovers alike, though even its surefire appeal I wouldn't call this a pop album. I would deem it sensual, musical in-out.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    86
    The album's explication of its own interest in contrast and conversation is perhaps its greatest virtue.
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