Music can take us back to any time. That time you had your first kiss in 10th grade with the boy you thought you could fall in love with. That time you hung out with your friend, driving around town, singing at the top of your lungs. That time you cried your eyes out because you had your heart shattered for the very first time. With just one song, you can look back on a whole lifetime of memories with pure fondness or even utter disdain.
Music is complex but at the same time, it can be so easy to understand. The 1975's new album, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, captures that ultimate feeling of reminiscing and transcendent level of beauty. The 1975 have always went above and beyond the definition of what music is about. Coming from a society where big, bellowing pop hits are almost second nature, the deep and philosophical meaning behind the band's vision has shifted the pop music paradigm.
I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it is a massive change from their self-titled, debut album, The 1975, which was released in 2013. The angst-filled lyrics of their first album inspired that grunge and morbid feelings were a desirable attitude. The album was still a huge lyrical success and established the band's true ability in displaying their musical vision and creativity. With the release of their new album, it took a much needed turn. The lyrics are noticeably more hopeful, uplifting and less dark. The band's even taken to a more brighter vision with the color scheme for their merchandise and album cover, moving onto a light, flowery pink rather than the black color they had become associated with at the beginning.
Their image has gone through a huge transformation within the past few years since their debut and it seems to be for the better. It's very rare nowadays to see a band or an artist go through a creative transition and totally re-brand themselves. It's been done by some of the most iconic artists in music history such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, David Bowie, Cher and so many more. The 1975 can be added to that list. They've smoothly moved into the pop genre with an 80's inspired sound.
While all songs on the album are exceptional and definitely show off their natural talent for songwriting and what music is truly about, Change of Heart, This Must Be My Dream, Somebody Else, Love Me, She's American, The Sound all encapsulate the main idea of what 80's pop funk is really about in the best way possible. The title track I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it is the most moving track on the album. With a haunting but hopeful sound, it feels like you're in another world and escaping reality with the power of just a few, sole lyrics--("Before you go, turn the big light off.")
All in all, music should make you feel something. It should help you remember a time in your life you were overjoyed, sad, devastated, elated, excited, disappointed, even if it's just for a few minutes. This album achieves that and more.
