The 1975 is undoubtedly my favorite band and I would talk to any stranger for hours about their music if anyone offered to listen. While The 1975 is simply cool and fun to listen to, their artistic talent is what captures me most. I find myself constantly in awe at satirical and poetic lyrics they portray. Though they are considerably under the radar, the band remains a powerful influence. Hailing from Manchester, Mat Healy has an obvious British accent and at times, is quite confusing to understand (I may or may not have googled some of their lyrics at different points, no shame). What I love about The 1975 is that they take a step further than most. Their heart is driven into each lyric, each album cover and music video. Their intentionality is a science, drawn down to even the stage lighting at their shows. I love The 1975 for their desire to be something different than mainstream pop and yet maintaining such a relatable position, especially in these lines:
1. But you're cold and I burn // I guess I'll never learn // Cause I stay another hour or two ("Settle Down")
Haven't we all been here? We know what's best for us, but our humanistic brains tell us to choose to fight for something lesser. And once we make this realization, we are too exhausted to make a change in our ways. We would rather choose to "stay another hour or two." Keyword here: stay.
2. I'm just with my friends online // And there's things we'd like to change ("Love Me")
There's always that person typing their little fingers away, ranting all over Facebook about the government or whatever the next-most-annoying-thing is. We all roll our eyes at that person because all they do is talk, but being hit with these words we're forced to look at ourselves for a second time. Because aren't we all that person?
3. I'll give him one more time // We'll give you one more fight // Said one more lie ("Robbers")
This relates to much more than just a back-and-forth relationship. We've all made excuses for toxic friendships, jobs that weren't the perfect fit and schools that we didn't love. Somehow, we feel that if we lie to ourselves enough that our lies will start to become the truth.
4. [Every time] I start to believe in anything you're saying // I'm reminded that I should be getting over it ("Somebody Else")
Speaking of those toxic relationships . . . I think this one mostly speaks for itself. #SoRelatable
5. And then you took a picture of your salad // And put it on the Internet ("A Change Of Heart")
In numerous interviews, Healy speaks of his disdain for the media and pop culture that has so clearly taken over America. I love how The 1975 enraptures the selfie sensation and obsession with photos, Instagrams, hashtags and Facebook within two short lines.
6. A big town // Synethetic apparitions of not being lonely ("She's American")
The "American dream" leads us to believe that a big city will prevent us from a constant state of being lonely. Substitute "big town" here for "new job", "boyfriend" or "husband." How often have we found ourselves finding quite the opposite?
