The 1975:Essentials
The 1975 is a genre-defining four piece Manchester based alternative English pop/rock band consisting of rhythm guitarist, lyricist, producer Matthew(Matt) Healy on the vocals, George Daniel as the drummer and co-producer, lead guitarist Adam Hann and bassist Ross MacDonald. The band was initially formed back when all these members were still in high school and used to perform under several names with the most popular being “Drive Like I Do” before finally settling on “The 1975”. If you, like me, love alternative pop/rock, then you have come to the right place.
Globally, The 1975 has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success for their exploration of a wide-range of genres such as alternative rock, Britpop, R&B, funk rock and elements of jazz, soul and gospel, just to name a few. However, all their albums revolve around pop rock and due to numerous other similarities, they are often compared with fellow British indie heavyweight, Arctic Monkeys. The band’s euphoric live sets backed with frontman Matt Healy’s eccentric, charismatic and vibrant stage presence as well as his deep personal, self-aware, socially conscious, romantic, political and cultural lyrics have been praised by critics and fans alike. Hence, because of this versatility, the band has managed to cater to an audience composed of members with different tastes in music. The 1975 currently has four chart-topping, successful, well-reviewed albums under their belt which are their debut self-titled album “The 1975” (2013), “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It” (2016), “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” (2018) and “Notes on a Conditional Form” (2020). With the release of their latest album, the band has ended their existing release cycle ‘Music for Cars’.
Arguably, one of the biggest and the best music acts in the world, The 1975 has a massive fan base that is still expanding as I am writing this. Here are some “essential” The 1975 tracks that I am recommending from each of their albums that have been released so far.
The 1975:
1. Robbers :“We’ll give you one more fight”
Probably my favourite The 1975 song, this soft rock track inspired by the 1993 film “True Romance” explores the concept of failed relationships and two lovers who are not suited for one another.
2. Chocolate: “Oh,we go where nobody knows”
This catchy pop rock song, a stellar hit from their debut album, narrates the band’s teenage years and growing up in a small town.
3. The City: “You wanna find love then you know where the city is”
FIFA fans, especially those who have played FIFA 14, may want to go down their memory lane here. According to Healy, this industrial pop song is a “love letter to the baffling cacophony that is teenage self-exploration in places loud and inspiring”.
4.Settle Down: “For crying out loud, settle down”
A Michael Jackson inspired indie rock song, the lyrics here portray a picture of an ill-advised relationship followed by the chaos that it ensures.
I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It:
1.Somebody Else: “So I heard you found somebody else”
By far the most popular The 1975 record, this synth-pop ballad is for heartbroken lovers as it explores a falling relationship and the thoughts and feelings experienced in the immediate aftermath.
2. The Sound: “Well I know when you’re around ’cause I know the sound, I know the sound of your heart”
Here is a synth-pop,alternative dance pop song that was nearly given to One Direction. It has multiple interpretations starting from Matty being able to distinguish a girl just by listening to the sound of her heartbeat all the way to trolling the band’s critics as seen in its video.
3. Paris: “How I’d love to go Paris again”
This dream pop song that also has an official acoustic version on YouTube is about Matty romanticising the French capital in the chorus while he talks about his girlfriend and him cheating on her.
4. She’s American: “If she says I’ve got to fix my teeth, then she’s so American”
This 80s influenced new wave, funk rock song is an ode to an American girl whom Matty fails to understand what she is attracted to.
A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships:
1.Love It If We Made It: “Modernity has failed us”
A massive hit that criticises the contemporary social and political climate and the sound is a blend of electropop, pop and funk backed with a strong drum beat. Its eye-popping lyrics in particular have received widespread critical acclaim with praise.
2. It’s Not Living(If It’s Not With You): “And all I do is sit and think about you”
An energetic Britpop song with an upbeat chorus in which Matty talks about his previous heroin addiction metaphorically while simultaneously exploring other themes including the idea of living in a simulated reality.
3. Sincerity Is Scary: “Why can’t we be friends when we are lovers?”
A relaxing gentle indie pop, neo soul song featuring the elements of jazz which includes Roy Hargrove on the trumpet, ‘Sincerity is Scary’ was written by the band in the English countryside and here they talk about the difficulty faced when someone tries to be sincere.
4.TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME: “I only called her one time, maybe it was two times”
This electropop song accompanied with a catchy chorus details romantic angst and troubling relationships that worsen when fueled by social media. The song and its lyrics fully live up to the name of the album.
Notes on a Conditional Form:
1.If You’re Too Shy(Let me Know): “I see her online all the time”
This banger arrives as a pop rock song heavily influenced by Tears For Fears. Released in the middle of a lockdown, it quickly became a fan favourite. Just like some of the band’s other hits, this song also tells the story of an online relationship.
2. Frail State of Mind: “Go outside? Seems unlikely”
An electronica which was released in October last year but some of the lyrics, especially the beginning as mentioned above, only seem more relevant today. The song talks about anxiety as a whole and received positive reviews for its interpretation.
3. Roadkill: “ I’ve been waiting for you”
Roadkill is a Nashville inspired country rock music which has some nice,soothing vibes to it. Unlike the other tracks, this is more of a confessional tune and autobiographical in some ways.
4. Guys: “You guys are the best thing that ever happened to me”
Finally, a nostalgic mid-tempo song written by the bandmates themselves to celebrate their strong bond which can be traced back to their early days in high school. Class of 2020, this one’s for you.
And that is a wrap! These are just some of my favourite The 1975 songs. I suggest that you listen to their other songs too, especially the ones that match your taste. After all, their albums have a very diverse sound and artistry to it,which means surely, there is something in store for you to enjoy so why dont you give yourself a try!