What makes Nina by Xiu Xiu notable?

'Nina' received significant critical acclaim, noted for its innovative arrangements and emotional weight. The album's release coincided with a renewed interest in Nina Simone's music and legacy, further amplifying discussions around race and gender in contemporary music contexts. When Xiu Xiu released 'Nina' in 2013, they were already established as a boundary-pushing art rock band. This album, a tribute to the legendary Nina Simone, followed their acclaimed record 'Always,' showcasing their continuous evolution in sound and thematic depth while maintaining a distinct connection to Simone’s emotional intensity.

Nina works well if you're into steady emotional unfolding, haunting reinterpretations for deep listening and reflective moments of solitude.

How many songs are on Nina?

Nina has 11 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Nina

Xiu Xiu · 2013

49 min · 11 tracks · synth-pop

An avant-garde exploration of classic torch songs, blending haunting electronics with raw emotional delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't Smoke in Bed — This opening track sets a tone of vulnerability, using sparse instrumentation to underscore the confessional nature of the lyrics.
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Wild Is the Wind — Xiu Xiu's rendition transforms this classic into an atmospheric piece filled with tension, showcasing their ability to reinterpret familiar material through a modern lens.
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Four Women — The band’s take on this powerful song highlights issues of race and identity, bringing new urgency to Simone's original themes with their experimental sound.
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Pirate Jenny — This track is a standout for its dramatic arrangement and emotional depth, reflecting the darker themes prevalent in both Simone's work and Xiu Xiu's unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative arrangements and emotional depth create a distinct sound within the synth-pop genre.

What we noticed

Each track employs layered synths and unconventional arrangements that enhance the emotional delivery of the vocals.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, contrasting soft, intimate moments with more intense, chaotic sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional unfolding
haunting reinterpretations for deep listening
reflective moments of solitude
intimate atmosphere for personal connection
immersive experience through sequential tracks

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party energy
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — A departure from Xiu Xiu's established sound, blending avant-garde elements with classic songs.
Career context: When Xiu Xiu released 'Nina' in 2013, they were already established as a boundary-pushing art rock band. This album, a tribute to the legendary Nina Simone, followed their acclaimed record 'Always,' showcasing their continuous evolution in sound and thematic depth while maintaining a distinct connection to Simone’s emotional intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: Dirty Beaches· The Knife· FKA twigs