The 1975: The 1975 Album Review

By Stephanie Giannuzzi
Music Journalist

The 1975 consists of four members, drummer/producer George Daniel, bassist Ross Macdonald, lead guitarist Adam Hann, and lead singer, lyricist, producer, and guitarist Matty Healy. This band came together from humble beginnings forming in 2002 in Wilmslow, United Kingdom during their early high school days. They have been releasing successful albums ever since.

The 1975 was signed to Dirty Hit Records after multiple attempts with no record label wanting to sign them because they didn’t have a “specific sound” and they were “all over the place.” They’ve continued to prove time and time again that they’re able to push through mainstream boundaries with the truth that exudes throughout their music.

Their sound can’t be defined by comparing albums or even their songs because one moment you’ll come across an addictive dance electronic pop-rock song with vulnerable lyrics that trick the listener, then you’ll hear a soulful experimental ambient sound the next. Good luck putting this band in a category!

If you want to get to know this band on a deeper level, I’m a firm believer in listening to their catalog from the start to finish, beginning with their very first album going back to 2013.

Their first album, The 1975, consists of a lot of angsty pop-rock from their singles like “Chocolate,” “Girls” and “Robbers,” where you’ll think “Oh that’s a 1975 song.” When you dive into some of the deep cuts of the album, you’ll realize there’s so much more to their music as a whole.

One thing I became immediately intrigued with is Matty Healy’s songwriting style. He addresses what it’s like to be a teenager going through love, heartbreak, family issues, mental health, and how it feels to be going through many hardships when you are filled with so much youth. All of his lyrics are portrayed in a unique poetic style that I’ve never identified before when it came to music that attracted me when I wasn’t seeking it.

Songs like “Facedown,” “Undo” and “Fallingforyou” are ones from the deluxe album that deliver so much lyrically and musically. “Facedown” is filled with a lot of influence from ambient music and poetry that conveys a story. It is a great example of how they love to foreshadow their music down the road in future albums. This gives fans reassurance that they will stick to speaking their genuine truth in their songs instead of straying towards mainstream music.

“Undo” is possibly one of my favorite songs off this album. It is constructed so beautifully between all the little nuances that bleed through the song that leave you questioning what you just listened to. “Fallingforyou” is a dramatic soppy love song with a passion that pours out of Healy’s lyrics and vocals. This is one of their classic love ballads that stand out amongst any other love song I’ve ever heard.

The 1975 has put out three other albums since their debut and their humble theme continues to spread throughout for listeners to enjoy.

Featured Image by Stephanie Giannuzzi