When it comes to pop-rock that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique, HAIM’s catalog is a masterclass.
These three sisters from Los Angeles have taken their familial harmonies and west coast energy to craft a sound that’s hard to pin down yet incredibly relatable.
But what truly sets HAIM apart is how they’ve managed to capture specific moments in their career that have defined them as artists—whether it’s through heartfelt lyrics, genre-defying sounds, or collaborations that seemed both unlikely and inevitable.
Let’s dive into HAIM’s top 10 iconic moments in music.
1. “Falling” – The Song That Introduced HAIM to the World
“Falling” is more than just an upbeat jam from their debut album Days Are Gone; it’s the song that introduced the world to HAIM’s signature blend of pop, rock, and just the right amount of 80s nostalgia.
With ping-ponging vocal melodies and Este’s basslines driving the track, “Falling” is an anthem that practically begs you to dance (or at least tap your foot if you’re the shy type).
It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after it’s over—and it helped cement HAIM as a force to be reckoned with.
2. “The Wire” – Going Viral Before It Was Cool
When “The Wire” hit the scene in 2013, it was a game-changer. This track has it all: a pulsing beat, infectious melody, and a heartbreak narrative that’s relatable yet uniquely HAIM.
This song didn’t just climb the charts; it became a cultural moment, popping up in indie rock blogs and playlists across the world.
Not to mention, the video, with its awkward breakup scenes, made it clear HAIM had a sense of humour.
This was the song that told the world, “We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
3. “Forever” – The Anthem for All the Love You Haven’t Quite Let Go
“Forever” isn’t just a song; it’s an open letter to that one person who got away.
With lyrics like “Hey you! Remember me?” and a synth-driven beat that feels like a time capsule from the 80s, HAIM explores the mix of nostalgia and frustration that comes with reconnecting with an old flame.
As the second track on Days Are Gone, “Forever” was HAIM’s way of saying, “Remember love?”—and inviting listeners along for the journey.
4. “My Song 5” – When HAIM Got Dark and Brooding
“My Song 5” is HAIM’s most experimental track—a mix of chopped beats, bass-heavy riffs, and that unforgettable refrain, “Honey, I’m not your honeypie.”
This song stands out for its willingness to go darker than HAIM’s usual sound, almost as if they’re channeling their inner angsty rock stars.
It’s a reminder that HAIM isn’t afraid to push boundaries, adding layers to their musical identity that fans hadn’t seen before.
5. “Want You Back” – The Heartache Anthem We All Needed
If there’s one song that epitomizes the bittersweet nature of love lost, it’s “Want You Back.”
Released as part of their sophomore album, Something to Tell You, this track is more than just a breakup song.
With lyrics like, “I’ll give you all the love I never gave before I left you,” it’s a confession of regrets and what-ifs.
This song proved that HAIM could take personal pain and turn it into something universally relatable—without losing their upbeat vibe.
6. “The Steps” – Bringing Rock and Roll to the Forefront
With “The Steps,” HAIM leaned fully into their rock influences, creating a raw, guitar-driven track that’s as empowering as it is catchy.
The song deals with themes of independence and frustration, particularly the pressure women face to fit into certain moulds.
It’s a powerful anthem for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or underestimated.
Plus, the music video, featuring the sisters going through their routines with an edge of rebellion, adds an extra layer to the song’s message.
7. “Now I’m In It” – The Catharsis of Emotional Chaos
“Now I’m In It” takes listeners on a journey through a whirlwind of emotions.
This song is HAIM at their most vulnerable, with lyrics that speak to feeling stuck and overwhelmed.
The track’s rhythmic beat and cathartic chorus are balanced with moments of quiet introspection, creating a push-and-pull effect that mirrors the experience of emotional burnout.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a loop of stress and self-doubt, this one hits home.
8. “Little of Your Love” – HAIM Does Doo-Wop With a Modern Twist
Channeling a 60s girl-group vibe, “Little of Your Love” is playful, infectious, and perfect for the dance floor.
With hand claps, catchy hooks, and lyrics about the delicate balance of love and heartbreak, it’s a fun detour from HAIM’s usual style.
This song shows that HAIM isn’t afraid to dip into different genres and experiment, making them all the more intriguing as artists.
9. “Los Angeles” – A Love-Hate Letter to Their Hometown
“Los Angeles” is a heartfelt ode to the city that shaped them. It’s a mix of admiration and frustration, as the sisters sing about the warmth and weariness of LA.
This song captures the complexities of home—a place that’s both comforting and constricting.
With lyrics like, “New York is too cold while sunny LA is just right,” HAIM manages to encapsulate the conflicted feelings of anyone who’s lived in one place for too long.
10. “Right Now” – Vulnerability at Its Most Raw
“Right Now” strips down HAIM’s sound to its barest essentials. This is HAIM at their most intimate, delivering a ballad about betrayal and the limits of empathy.
Rather than going for a full-throttle breakup anthem, “Right Now” is slow, simmering, and deeply introspective.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful moments are the quiet ones, and HAIM masterfully captures this in both the studio and live performances.
HAIM’s Impact: A Legacy in the Making
While each of these songs has its unique vibe and narrative, together they tell the story of HAIM’s journey—from their humble beginnings in Los Angeles to becoming icons in the pop-rock scene.
They’ve redefined what a “family band” can achieve, proving that sibling harmonies, blended with raw emotion and a fearless approach to genre, can create something truly timeless.
If you’re a fan, you already know why these songs matter. If you’re new to HAIM, consider this your guide to some of their most defining moments.
Just be prepared: once you dive into HAIM’s world, you’ll want to stay there.
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