The underrated record, Loud Places by Jamie xx and Romy (both of the band, The XX), is from Jamie xx’s 2015 album, In Colour. It’s a dance-y hit with tones of heartbreak. The record echoes feelings of longing with the juxtaposition of being the perfect tune for a dance party.
Loud Places enters into sounds of a crowded party, a gently booming bass, and vocals from Romy:
I go to loud places
To search for someone
To be quiet with
These lyrics encapsulate the song itself, mirroring the upbeat production and melancholic lyrics about longing to find someone new and moving on. The bass is the heartbeat of the song, traveling through with the piano. As the chorus emerges, the sound of that same party from the intro chimes back in. The song becomes something meant to be danced to, leaving the listener with no choice but to really feel the music.
Romy sings the next verse:
I go to those places
Where we used to go
They seem so quiet now
I’m here all alone
She is stuck in the past, alone in the memories. It’s a quiet place, unlike the song’s titular name and theme. The music continues on into the party and chanting chorus. Loud Places exits into a more quiet atmosphere, isolating Romy’s vocals and the piano. Just like that, the party is over.
Listen here:
Loud Places by Jamie xx and Romy
nina writes 
Leave a comment