The xx, Say Something Loving | Track Review 🎵

Ahead of album I See You, The xx releases a second intriguing single, “Say Something Loving.”  

Electronic, alternative collective The xx returned back in November 2016 with single, “On Hold”. “On Hold” served as a promo single for forthcoming LP, I See You. The xx drops one more single ahead of I See You with the lovely “Say Something Loving.”   

“Say Something Loving” opens with an intro: “Before it slips away.” The said-intro is an Alessi Brothers sample that recurs throughout the record, according to Genius.  Rhythmic tension is established right after the intro. This intensity remains throughout the chorus, a joint effort by Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft: “Say something loving / I just don’t remember the thrill of affection…” Romance is the M.O. throughout the course of the song. Sim and Croft tackle the insecurities brought upon by love. In the first verse, Croft sings:“I went looking for it / could have been anyone’s kiss.” Sim later answers: “I do myself a disservice / To feel this weak to be this nervous.” Similar exchanges occur during the second verse.  Croft sings: “Your touch stays on my skin / I feel it start sinking in…” Likewise, Sim responds: “Were you really looking for me? / Try your best to reassure me…” The chorus varies throughout the song, but the sentiment is the same each and every time:

“You say something loving
It’s so overwhelming, the thrill of affection
Feels so unfamiliar
You say something loving
Without hesitation, it hits me, hits me
It feels so unfamiliar.”

Final Thoughts

The vocal chemistry between Croft and Sim is amazing; their voices blend seamlessly. Ultimately, I See You is another fantastic single from I See You.  It is a well-written, well-produced, and soundly performed.

The xx • I See You • Young Turks Recordings • Release: 1.13.17 

Photo Credit: Young Turks Recordings