"xx" is the debut studio album by the English indie pop band The xx, released on August 14, 2009, by Young Turks, a subsidiary of XL Recordings. The album was recorded from December 2008 to February 2009 at the label's in-house studio in London. Jamie Smith, the band's producer, crafted the album's electronic beats on his laptop, working closely with audio engineer Rodaidh McDonald to mix the tracks. They aimed to retain the intimate and unembellished quality of the band's original demos.
Drawing from the band's early R&B influences, the album also incorporates elements of alternative rock, electronica, and post-punk. The songs are melancholic and minimalist, featuring Smith's beats alongside Oliver Sim's basslines and Romy Madley Croft's sparse, reverb-laden guitar work. Croft and Sim share vocal duties, delivering low-key duets with emotionally charged lyrics about love, intimacy, loss, and desire.
Upon its release, xx received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its atmospheric indie rock and pop style, as well as the emotional depth of its performances. Although it did not produce major hit singles, the album steadily gained popularity, becoming a sleeper hit in the UK and the US, and eventually selling over one million copies. The band's profile was boosted by the licensing of their songs to television programs and their Mercury Prize win for the album in 2010.
Following the album's release, Baria Qureshi, who played guitar and keyboards, left the band due to differences with the other members. The remaining trio continued to tour extensively, which helped them build a larger fanbase and gain confidence as performers. xx has since been recognized as one of the most influential albums of its era, with its distinctive style being emulated by many indie bands and mainstream pop artists. The album has also been featured on top album lists by publications like NME, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.
