On Feb. 26, The 1975 released their sophomore album, "I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It." Wow, what a title! It sounds a little pretentious, at first, especially for a British band that has only recently found its way into mainstream popularity. However, the band actually surpasses any notion of being in over their heads because they actually have enough talent to do so.
I was lucky enough to see The 1975 in concert this past December. They surprised the crowd by playing four unreleased songs from ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI. So, needless to say, I've been anticipating this album since the release of their debut album, "The 1975," in 2013. And, wow -- after listening to ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI, all of my expectations have been exceeded! This second album is a continuation and evolution from the first album. The 1975 has taken a new approach and mixes their 80s influenced sound with innovative, synthetic and electronic tones. Even with the inclusion of these complex sounds, The 1975 delivers the same evocative, meaningful lyrics that they've become known for.
Here are my favorite tracks on ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI.
"Ugh!"
"And you're the only thing that's going on in my mind
Taking over my life a second time"
From an instrumental aspect, "Ugh!" sounds like a song that should be in a video game. The innovative guitar, vocals and techno-sounds layered on top of each other come together to create an upbeat, contagious song that will get suck in your head. The song provides an honest account of Matty Healy's (the lead vocalist's) ongoing battle with his cocaine addiction which presents an interesting disconnect between the song's happy, electronic vibe and the subject of the lyrics. In doing so, he talks about his need for the drug and his failed attempts to break the unhealthy habit.
"If I Believe You"
"And if I believe you, would that make it stop?
If I told you I need you, is that what you want?"
"If I Believe You" was the first song that stood out the most to me when I first listened to ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI for the first time. The use of the choir is ironic because the lyrics question the power of religion. This song is one of those thought provoking and cinematic sounding songs that is best listened to on full blast -- to be completely immersed in its magic. The song is very thought provoking and cinematic sounding. Also, who doesn't love a good saxophone solo?
"The Ballad of Me and My Brain"
"I stepped outside, it hurt my eyes
"Well what do you expect when you've got no mind!?!?"
I searched all day it drove me insane
"Where would I be if I was my brain?""
This song sounded weird to me, at first. But if you listen the whole way through, its weirdness works. "The Ballad of Me and My Brain" easily stands out against the rest of the songs from an instrumental aspect because its so unique and original. Matty emphasizes his deteriorating mental health by layering electric guitar crescendos, opera sounding vocals and whimsical keyboard to emphasize the business/craziness of his mind. My favorite part of the song is when his vocals are muffled while he sings: "Forget my brain, remember my name."
"This Must Be My Dream"
"I thought she'd rearrange my world
Takes a particular type of girl
To put my heart under arrest
So why is this feeling on my chest?"
This song sounds like it was taken straight from the '80s. It will reenergize you and make you want to bounce around to its infectious bass-driven beat. Even with the buoyant sounding instrumentals, The 1975 did not let up on the lyrical aspect of this song. At first, the lyrics describe a hopeful and giddy feeling of meeting someone new but eventually comes to a more realistic outlook on people who don't care "about your beating chest."
"Nana"
"I got my pen and thought that I'd write
A melody and line for you tonight
I think that's how I make things feel alright"
"Nana" is the second of three consecutive ballads (in between "Paris" and "She Lays Down") that bring ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI to a close. This is a beautiful song in which Matty reminisces over all the small things his grandmother did before she died and questions why God did not save her. The honesty of the lyrics are refreshing and definitely transferable to anyone who has lost someone they've loved.
From the intro song, "The 1975," to the last breathy whispers on "She Lays Down," ILIWYSFYASBYSUOI takes you through a lyrical and instrumental journey that I don't think I'd be able to describe fully as well as justly. I recommend listening to the tracks in the order of the album (don't press shuffle!). Each of the 17 tracks are innovative, thoughtful and original. Can't wait for the next album!
