By Claire
The self-titled debut album from The 1975 is the furthest thing from a musical disappointment. For a band that has worked for 10 years for this moment, it is an understatement to say that this unique album is worth the time and hard work put into finally producing it. In an interview with Radio.com, frontman Matt Healy said, “We’re massive fans of John Hughes. We wanted to make a record that was almost a soundtrack to our teenage years. If he made a movie about us, this would be the soundtrack.” Tying their name to such an iconic director definitely puts the pressure on the release of the album, but let me be the first to tell you that The 1975 followed through in a big way.
Starting off the album is an introduction track, also called “The 1975” which gives the listener a taste of what is to come with an almost robotic R&B vibe which fades into the first song, “The City.” The entire album is filled with infectious hooks and upbeat vibes, with lyrics that will get stuck in your head for days on end. The song that most listeners know is the single “Chocolate,” an indie-pop tune you can’t help but bust a move to, be it bobbing your head or tapping your toe. There is something unique about Matt Healy’s voice, combined with the funky tones. The overall sound of the four-piece band, which includes Healy, Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums), and Ross MacDonald (bass) is rather mellow, but their lyrics combine topics of sex, drugs, love, and self-exploration which all appeal to different ages of discovery.
Highlight songs:
“Chocolate:” The song behind the hype for The 1975, “Chocolate” begins with a killer introduction, setting you up for an experience. Each piece of the band is highlighted in this song, and the lyrics are incredibly catchy. This song is made for radio. I mean, who doesn’t want to walk around singing about chocolate anyway?
“Settle Down:” This is one of those jams that I listened to and felt like I needed to be driving on a long road trip. The guitar and percussion on this track are simply incredible, giving a fun background to a tale of identity through romance.
“Heart Out:” High-energy track that could have quite the pop sound, but in essence could also be used for radio. I definitely identified it being a very 80s-sounding song, and in the bridge there is an incredible use of saxophone that is without a doubt one of my favorite aspects of the entire album. It also contains my favorite lyric in the refrain: “It’s just you and I tonight, why don’t you figure my heart out.” By far the song that stood out the most in my mind.
[divider] [/divider]About Claire
Four score and seven years ago, Claire Staten was born. Okay, maybe not quite that long—more like 1992. Growing up in the most Midwestern town, Springfield, Ill., a girl has no other option from having a magnificent imagination. Her passion for wanting to see new parts of the world led to the University of Missouri, where she started her latest and most fantastic adventure. She loves to spend her free time with her best gals traveling to see concerts all over the Midwest, catching the latest movies, as well as catching up on the latest in Hollywood. Abraham Lincoln is her leading man, but she also has a soft spot for penguins and Minions. Finally, Claire is working on a bachelor’s in English with dreams of moving to Nashville, her favorite city in the world, to pursue a career in either writing or education. Enter her social media world either on twitter (@clairestaten) or through her blog (claire-staten.blogspot.com)