The 1975’s sophomore album, “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It” was released on Friday, three years after the band’s eponymous first album came out. The band has teased the album, releasing several singles over the past year, including “Love Me,” “UGH!” and “The Sound,” and hyping it on their social media. Fans of The 1975 will find that this album uses a more synth-based sound than their first album, but the emotions behind the lyrics are mainly the same.
The English band, who met as teenagers, have been together since the early 2000s. They released their first EP in 2012 and their full album, “The 1975,” was released soon after in 2013. In the same year, their song “Chocolate” was arguably one of the songs of the summer, despite peaking at only number 80 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “The 1975,” the band gained somewhat of a cult following among teenagers and the “hipster” crowd.
“I Like It” pokes fun at the angst of young love and front-man Matthew Healy’s music taste may be to blame. In an interview with British music blog “When the Gramophone Rings,” Healy said he was influenced by all the songs that he listened to as an adolescent when creating this record. However, this influence does not translate to a childish sound. Instead, the band, both on their first album and this new one, aim to capture the intensity of love and the feelings of a complex relationship through their music. The conflict between the influences which informed the album and the desire to reach a larger demographic creates a thin line for the band to walk, but they are successful in their attempt to create a balanced record.
The album title for The 1975’s newest record is almost as long as the album itself, but of the 17 tracks on the album, there are some true gems. “If I Believe You” plays heavily on Healy’s moody vocals, pairing him with gospel-style background singers against heavy beats and little other music. “Somebody Else” is an electronic song at its core and sounds like a remix of tracks on “The 1975.”
“Loving Someone” echoes similar electronic vibes, but it matches the sound with an ethereal mood in its lyrics and harmonies. It could definitely make its way onto the soundtrack of the next John Green movie adaptation. “The Sound” is a confusing addition to the record, as its pop sound sits in stark contrast with the rest of the album. However, its sound is reminiscent of Passion Pit and fans of more upbeat songs will find it a welcome interlude in the moodiness of the rest of the record.
“This Must Be My Dream” is arguably the highlight track of the album, as it manages to combine pop elements with electronic influences and lyrics that match the rest of the album’s angsty mood. It sounds like a more hip version of something one might find on a 1980s throwback playlist, but it need not be added to their playlist ironically.
Despite the length of “I Like It,” the album is cohesive in the feelings it evokes. The 1975 experiments wholly with the composition of their album, featuring instrumental tracks while playing with synthesizers and remixing. Although the styles are mixed, the album is mainly comprehensive when listened to in order. Compared to ”The 1975,” the new album showcases a more creative sense of musicianship in the band.
Overall, the album is a good one. The 1975 prove that their music is no longer just pretentiously created for a marginal audience, but is instead driven by the desire to become a more listenable act. Their music serves as an invitation for listeners to party with the hipster crowd. The new album is far from mundane in its mix of styles, and the feelings that are expressed are undoubtedly relatable. The album may be long, but it is worth a listen all the way through.