Few bands have defined the sonic landscape of the 2010s quite like The xx. Their unique blend of minimalist electronica, indie sensibilities, and hauntingly beautiful vocals has captivated audiences worldwide. From their early days as a mysterious London trio to their evolution into global superstars, their music has provided the soundtrack to countless late nights, introspective moments, and bittersweet memories.
This list takes a deep dive into the band’s rich discography, ranking their 10 most impactful and unforgettable songs. It’s a journey through their musical evolution, showcasing their ability to craft intimate and emotionally resonant soundscapes that have left an undeniable mark on contemporary music.
1. Say Something Loving: A Triumphant Return and a Nod to the Classics
Say Something Loving marked The xx’s return after a four-year hiatus, instantly reassuring fans that their magic was still very much alive. Featured on their critically acclaimed album I See You, the song seamlessly blends the band’s signature sound with a newfound maturity and sonic richness.
The track’s brilliance lies in its delicate balance. The interplay between Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft’s vocals is as captivating as ever, while the production shimmers with an understated elegance reminiscent of Sade and Alessi. It’s a love song that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary, solidifying The xx’s ability to create music that transcends genres and generations.
2. Lips: An Unsettling Love Song Finds New Life Through Netflix
Sometimes, a song’s journey to widespread recognition takes an unexpected turn. This was the case for Lips, a hidden gem from The xx’s album I See You. While not released as a single, the song gained a new life after being featured in the Netflix series Gypsy.
Lips embodies The xx’s knack for crafting understated yet emotionally charged tracks. The lyrics are both alluring and unsettling (“You’re wearing my lungs / Drowned in oxygen”), exploring the complexities of love with a haunting vulnerability. While Gypsy‘s run may have been short-lived, it introduced this captivating track to a wider audience, proving that sometimes, the most powerful songs are those that simmer beneath the surface.
3. VCR: Nostalgia, Dreams, and a Touch of Bowie
Released as the fourth single from their self-titled debut album, VCR perfectly encapsulates the early days of The xx. The song is a delicate balancing act of nostalgia and ambition. References to outdated technology (“Watch things on VCR”) mingle with declarations of future stardom (“I think we’re superstars, you say you think we are the best thing”).
The song showcases The xx’s signature interplay between Romy and Oliver’s voices, creating an intimate and conversational atmosphere. It’s a track infused with a sense of longing and hopefulness, reminiscent of early David Bowie but with The xx’s unique minimalist touch.
4. Heart Skips A Beat: Stripped Back and Full of Longing
Heart Skips A Beat is another testament to the strength of The xx’s debut album, proving that even their non-single tracks possessed a captivating aura. The song is a raw and honest portrayal of heartbreak. Lyrics like “Please don’t say we’re done when I’m not finished” convey a sense of desperation and longing for a love that’s slipping away.
The track’s production is stripped back, allowing Romy and Oliver’s vocals to take center stage. Their voices intertwine beautifully in the chorus, creating a bittersweet harmony that mirrors the conflicting emotions of heartbreak. Heart Skips A Beat is a reminder that sometimes, simplicity is the key to creating a truly powerful and moving piece of music.
5. Angels: Embracing Evolution and Pushing Boundaries
Angels marked a turning point in The xx’s musical journey. As the lead single from their sophomore album Coexist, it showcased the band’s willingness to evolve while staying true to their core sound. The track was written and recorded in their newly built studio, representing a new chapter in their creative process.
Angels is a love song at its core, but it’s delivered with a newfound confidence and sonic depth. Romy’s vocals shine, expressing a love that is both all-consuming and reassuring (“being in love with you as I am”). The production is still distinctively The xx, but with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and texture, hinting at the sonic explorations that would define their later work.
6. Islands: An Instant Classic About Finding Solace
Islands stands as one of The xx’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed tracks. It’s a song that captures the feeling of finding solace and security in another person. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that feels like home: “I am yours now/So now I don’t ever have to leave.”
Musically, Islands is The xx at their most accessible. The song boasts a driving rhythm and an infectious melody, making it an instant indie-pop classic. Yet, it never sacrifices its emotional depth for catchiness. Islands is a reminder that love can be both exhilarating and comforting, a feeling The xx captures with their trademark subtlety and grace.
7. On Hold: Embracing Upbeat Energy and Unexpected Samples
On Hold signaled a bold step forward in The xx’s sonic evolution. The lead single from I See You showcased their willingness to experiment with upbeat rhythms and unexpected samples, pushing the boundaries of their sound while retaining their core identity.
The song cleverly incorporates a sample from Hall & Oates’ I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do), transforming it into something wholly unexpected and exhilarating. This unexpected juxtaposition perfectly encapsulates the album’s theme of embracing new influences and pushing creative boundaries. On Hold proved that The xx could be both introspective and dancefloor-ready, further solidifying their versatility as musicians.
8. Crystalised: The Debut Single That Started It All
Crystalised holds a special place in The xx’s discography as their debut single. This is the song that introduced the world to their unique blend of minimalism, intimacy, and emotional vulnerability.
The track’s sparse arrangement and interplay between Romy and Oliver’s vocals established their signature sound. The lyrics evoke a sense of fragility and uncertainty, capturing the complexities of a burgeoning relationship. Crystalised, while not their biggest commercial success, laid the groundwork for their future triumphs. It’s a reminder of the power of raw talent and honest songwriting, qualities that would propel The xx to international stardom.
9. Intro: Simplicity at Its Finest
The xx’s Intro proves that sometimes, the most powerful pieces of music are those stripped down to their essence. This almost instrumental track, featuring only a few “aaah aaah aaahs,” has become one of their most recognizable and widely used songs.
Intro‘s beauty lies in its simplicity. The haunting melody and sparse arrangement allow listeners to project their own emotions and memories onto the music. This versatility has made it a popular choice for film scores, commercials, and TV moments. The fact that Rihanna sampled Intro for her hit song Drunk on Love further solidifies its impact and reach.
10. Shelter: A Stripped-Down Masterpiece of Vulnerability
Shelter stands as one of The xx’s most vulnerable and emotionally raw tracks. As the only song on their debut album written and recorded without guitarist Baria Qureshi, it marks a turning point in their creative process.
Romy takes center stage, her vocals conveying a sense of longing and fragility over a minimalist backdrop of reverb-drenched guitar and subdued bass. The song’s stark beauty resonated with listeners, including then-15-year-old singer Birdy, who covered Shelter for her debut album. The xx’s decision to not release it as a single speaks to their artistic integrity and willingness to let a song speak for itself.
The xx’s music continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Their ability to combine sonic experimentation with emotional depth has cemented their place as one of the most influential bands of the 21st century. These 10 tracks represent a mere glimpse into their rich and evolving discography, leaving us eagerly anticipating what sonic landscapes they’ll explore next.
