How do I use .itl Files to recover my iTunes library?

Have an old itunes library on my old mac (2013 Air, running Big Sur). I let my itunes match subscription lapse when it seemed like streaming was headed toward everything-all-the-time, but re-subbed when that looked like it wouldn't be the case.

Apple Music has overwritten the media folder with the files I've saved on the ios app, but I still have the itunes library files from when I still had all the music I ripped from my CDs way back in the day.

Is it possible to restore my music library using the .itl or .xml files? I tried having Music create a new library, but when I try importing the .itl files nothing happens. Really don't want to have to rip everything again.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]