It takes a special kind of talent for musicians to be able to make the listener actually feel like they are in a completely different time or place when listening to an album. The many dimensions of a recording need to be in sync — all aspects pointing toward a single theme.
The 1975 has succeeded in doing this in their new album I like the way you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. The band truly has the ability to transport the listener to a different era. Each song is intricately ’80s-infused and every detail of each track coincides perfectly.
Almost three years ago, the British alternative rock band burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album, accompanied by hit single “Chocolate.” Equipped with their distinct ’80s-inspired sound, the band left its mark on the music world with this first effort.
While artists often acknowledge that a certain era or genre influences their music, they rarely fully commit to saying their sound is entirely based on said era. In their sophomore album, The 1975 commit fully to their inspiration and create a clear, unifying theme out of their interpretation of the ‘80s.
The thirteenth track, “The Sound,” perfectly exemplifies the sound of the album. The track, and also a single, has a melody reminiscent of 1980s disco and is a fitting dance anthem. Accompanied with a funky beat and backup vocals, the song is clearly a hit.
“UGH!,” another single from the album, again utilizes the heavy electric guitar of the decade to dictate the beat. The track displays lead singer Matt Healy’s unique vocals as he shows off his rasp and range.
In between songs with a faster tempo, the album allows for a moment to breathe with calmer instrumental tracks like “Lostmyhead.” These tracks help create for more of a balance and diversity throughout the album. These songs are unique because not many pop albums today include instrumental tracks.
Another stand-out on the album is the fifth track, “She’s American,” — a somewhat parody to show off the band’s British roots. The lyrics satirize the stereotypes that have set Brits apart from Americans over the years. The song’s catchy rhythm also allows listeners to once again lose themselves in the music of the band.
With the album consisting of a lengthy 17 tracks, millennials won’t likely sit down and listen to every single song. There are clear hits on the album, but on the other hand there are songs that many will view as filler tracks, such as “Nana” and “The Ballad of Me and My Brain.”
With the release of I like the way you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, The 1975 has further solidified their own sound in today’s world of pop music.
They clearly had the intention to use an ’80s sound as the backbone for their music, and in doing so The 1975 has created yet another set of dance anthems perfect for the upcoming summer music festivals.
