1. "Intro" 2:07

2. "VCR" 2:57

3. "Crystalised" 3:21

4. "Islands" 2:40

5. "Heart Skipped a Beat" 4:02

6. "Fantasy" 2:38

7. "Shelter" 4:30

8. "Basic Space" 3:08

9. "Infinity" 5:13

10. "Night Time" 3:36

11. "Stars" 4:22

 

Not an albums I always associate with the 2000’s, it was initially released in August 2009 as the xx’s debut and gained critical acclaim over the year that followed eventually winning the Mercury Music Prize in September 2010. It entered the charts at No.36 initially and eventually peaked at No.3 thanks to the exposure over a year later. The album houses the group’s only top 40 hit to date, the no.34 song Islands.

 

I remember a lot of buzz about this album throughout 2010 and at about the time it won the Mercury prize, my dad bought it and I stole it off his iTunes for my iPod :lol: those were the days. It’s a very chilled and relaxing album and quite short which can be a bonus these days. Highlights for me are islands, Crystalised and Shelter but I even have a lot of time for the instrumental Intro.

 

The singles:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love this album, especially the first part of the album, Islands, VCR,

and funny Intro, which I always climb is the best instrumental song ever

there used to be a 1 hour loop of Intro on Youtube and played the a lot back in the day :D

I hadn't really unlocked this side of my music taste yet so didn't get into The xx until 'Angels' a couple of years later (for shame!) but I've since given it many a listen and actually think it's my favourite of their albums. I echo the love for 'Intro', a very captivating instrumental and pretty recognisable thanks to frequent usage in media, although 'Islands' is probably my top favourite, it really stands out and all components are so gorgeous and warm. I saw them live in Nottingham back in 2017 and it's still one of the best gigs I've been to - would definitely recommend them as a live act :heart: can't believe that was 5 years ago... bring on a new abum!