By Liz Bigham ’18 | Page Editor

It’s been 910 days since The 1975 released its debut album. Now the Manchester-based group is back with its sophomore album ludicrously titled “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it”.

The album, released Feb. 26, is a whopping 74 minute of eclectic sounds. It’s impossible to describe in a few words, for each of the 17 songs demonstrates dynamic impulses and a collection of sentiments. No single sound fully encompasses this album’s unruly vision. Below is a track by track dissection of the album:

1. “The 1975”

The one and a half minute song provides a gentle, shimmering introduction of what is yet to come throughout the album. The self-titled song is also the opening track on the first album, but this one is more choral, has deeper vocals and ends abruptly with a transition into “Love Me.” This song is nostalgic for old fans, readying them for the new era of the band’s music.

2. “Love Me”

“Love Me” was the first single off the album, playing with the idea of selfie culture and the 21st century’s obsession with celebrities. It’s an obnoxious, flamboyant, narcissistic and utterly honest pop track, inspired by David Bowie’s “FAME.” The song is ironic and truly brilliant.

3. “UGH!”

“Ugh!” describes the band’s frontman, Matty Healy, and his struggle with drugs. He cleverly juxtaposes dark themes over tropical pop beats. The lyrics: “this conversation isn’t about reciprocation no more / But I’m gonna wait until you’ve finished so I can talk some more,” teases at an accurate representation of narcissism. This poignant song about addiction successfully incorporates some ‘80s vibes and mimes disco sounds.

4. “A Change of Heart”

This soothing, bubbly ballad realizes love isn’t what it seems. The synth song repeatedly makes references to the first album. “You used to have a face straight out of a magazine” refers back to “Robbers” and “this is how it starts,” which is the huge intro from “Sex.” This is followed by “I never found love in the city,” which contradicts lyrics from “The City.”

5. “She’s American”

This song is one of my favorites from the new album. It explains how culturally different Healy and his American fans are and questions some of America’s obsessions with things he doesn’t understand. It’s a bouncy, guitar-driven song that sounds just as good during live performances. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWSeHJpADWg&feature=youtu.be )

6. “If I Believe You”

This ambient track shifts the album mood to be more somber and honest. Healy, an atheist, questions turning to religion to stop his pain. Ironically his voice is backed by a gospel choir. It’s a gut-wrenching, honest song with the repeated lyrics: “If I’m lost, then how can I find myself?”

7. “Please Be Naked”

One of the few instrumentals on the album, the song consists of repeating piano keys but builds and falls on other serene noises, sounding like a track by M83. The song is peaceful yet somehow sad.

8. “lostmyhead”

“lostmyhead” is a similar interlude to the previous track, referring back to one of the group’s old songs, “Facedown.” Minimalistic lyrics are repeatedly sung over a distorted guitar, allowing the track to be have a soothing yet peculiar vibe. Midway through the track, the beat picks up, losing the sorrowful tone.

9. “The Ballad of Me and My Brain”

I love the meaning of this song. It explores Healy dealing with sudden fame and his cynical self, “I think I’ve gone mad/ isn’t that so sad” and losing himself along the way. It’s a short song with frantic, raspy and raw vocals.

10. “Somebody Else”

“Somebody Else” deals with Healy moving on from a toxic relationship. This is a great song for getting an introduction to The 1975. This crisp ballad is representative of the group’s use of sound and vocal layering.

11. “Loving Someone”

This track combines Lily Allen-like mini raps, a high-pitched voice for the chorus and Healy talking through the bridge in a poetic matter. It reminds me of the group’s track “Menswear” and “Drive (remix).” The lyrics are quietly brilliant, delivering insightful thoughts like: “It’s better if we keep them perplexed / It’s better if we make them want the opposite sex.”

12. “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it”

The title track is another of their expansive instrumentals. Like the title, the song is a bit of a beautiful mess, with completely different beats coming together to produce this six-minute track.

13. “The Sound”

This track is one of the singles, so I hope it will soon be heard all over the radio. It has pop beats, an energetic choir background and finishes up with an extravagant guitar solo. It’s the most upbeat track from the album and bound to get people moving.

14. “This Must Be My Dream”

This song has an ‘80s soundtrack vibe similar to the previous track. It explains how Healy finds the perfect girl, but then the relationship falls apart. The saxophone solo adds sophistication to the gentle melodic track. I’m excited to experience the energy when this bubbly song is performed live.

15. “Paris”

This track highlights one of the group’s talents: making something sad sound alluring at the same time. In the song, Healy romanticizes heroin and mental health over a mellow flowery beat. This song is one of the most depressing from the album, but that isn’t obvious until understanding the lyrics. It’s absolutely beautiful.

16. “Nana”

Again, this is one of my favorites from the record. Healy deals with the death of his grandmother in such a poetic and intimate way. Healy sings, “And if I live past 72, I hope I’m half as cool as you.” This song is completely relatable for anyone who has lost a loved one. It’s a peaceful ballad with no fancy production, just Healy’s earnest voice.

17. “She Lay Down”

Continuing with acoustic tearjerkers, Healy tells about his mother’s postnatal depression. It is laced with emotion and simplicity yet heart-wrenching lyrics. The song closes smoothly, with Healy saying “That was it.” It’s a perfect end to a perfect album.

This album is a true masterpiece. With the heavy ‘80s production in the first half and gradual winding into mellow and simple tracks, they bring out so many emotions. The 1975’s music is bold, unpredictable and sometimes a mess, but that is who they are.  

Buy ‘I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it’ by The 1975 as a digital download, CD, or on Vinyl at: https://www.the1975store.com or https://itun.es/us/7x6E_