Dynamic, incandescent, ambitious. ‘I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it’ unconditionally epitomises the zeitgeist of the 80’s and proposes pop music in a commercial way, reflecting the style and notion of influencers such as Bowie, SWV, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel and Madonna.
The opening track eases the listener in and sets them up for their newly textured album. ‘The 1975’ (the first song) follows on from The 1975 (the first album) maintaining their symphonic style and reflects the nature of An Encounter and 12, before being eclipsed by Love me – the first song released by the band, pre album release. The song is possibly the most representative of the ‘reinvented’ band and album itself: ‘We’ve just come to represent a decline in the standards of what we accept!’. A completely honest parallel between those doing it for fame and those doing what they love.
The album lucidly transitions to A Change Of Heart and She’s American in which The 1975 waver between sentimental tracks and carefree ballads. What’s most interesting is the juxtaposition / parallel between this album and their previous records. If I Believe You, almost challenges the origin of Antichrist and portrays a sense of inquisition towards the presence of God.
The symphonic and melodic pieces within the album are a personal favourite and give the listener a chance to process and reflect; Please Be Naked, LostMyHead, and The Ballad Of Me And My Brain balance out the more commercial enthused principles within the other songs and creates complete ambiance.
Not only do The 1975 epitomise the carefree and bold characterisation of this album, but also challenge the fear of being sentimental and this is exquisitely evident in Somebody Else which taps into the more personal and romanticised persona of Matthew Healy.
‘A sycophantic, prophetic, socratic, junkie wannabe’ possibly the most indirect pretentious line within the album but establishes the 1975’s ability to be so involved and passionate about the themes within their music.
The album is brought to a close with Nana and She Lays Down. Nana – a personal and fragile confession to the lead singers grandmother: ‘But I’m bereft you see, I think you can tell I haven’t been doing too well.’
The external proposal of The 1975 portrays almost a reinvention and shift in ethics – conveyed through the injections of colour and neon light photography and styling of the band, however the actual lyrical structure of the songs are just as idealistic to the 1975’s ethics in their first album as they are in their current album.
Whilst some may argue that the title is outrageously over the top, it is merely a reflection of the carefree, careless and individualistic nature of The 1975.
[images sourced from the1975.com & http://www.rollingstone.com]
urban thoughts 