Danielle Haim, 25, is a member of the American rock band Haim. The group's latest album is "Days Are Gone" (Columbia). She spoke with Marc Myers:

I grew up with my sisters Este and Alana in California's San Fernando Valley. The area has a pretty relaxed feel, but we were anything but laid back. We were in a charity-event band with my parents from an early age—playing mostly covers. I learned modern blues and the power of hooks, and grew comfortable performing. These five albums have been a big influence:

Jai Paul, "Jasmine (Demo)" (2012) // Paul is a singer-songwriter from the U.K. He uploaded this song to his SoundCloud page in early 2012 and it took off almost immediately through word-of-mouth. A month later XL Records released it as a single. The production and energy are amazing. It's proof that you can't stop good music.

Bob Dylan, "Time Out of Mind" (1997) // I love this album's clean production [by producer Daniel Lanois]. You can hear everything behind Dylan clearly. I listen to the album now and it sounds classic—very '90s and roomy. Dylan's voice has an older, loving tone, and his songs here are loping, leathery country-blues.

Elliott Smith, "Figure 8" (2000) // Hearing Smith's voice is so heartbreaking. I used to put the album on in the car on my way to school. He sounded so melancholy but I couldn't figure out why. The lyrics and melodies are inventive, and the multitracking and layering of his vocals are cool. Sadly, he committed suicide in 2003.