The 1975 have returned with the follow up to their self-titled debut album. The bizarrely titled I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It was released on February 26th. The eccentric title matches the album, with lyrics that leave the listener unsure as to whether or not they are supposed to be taken seriously. This is most evident on ‘The Ballad of Me and My Brain’, which features bizarre and abstract lyrics about vocalist Matthew Healy trying to find his brain.
The band have abandoned their black and white album artwork of the first album and have moved into colour with the album cover in bright pink and white. On the new album, Healy juxtaposes his often dark lyrics about love, drug use and youth with funky synth filled pop music.
The album starts with a new version of The 1975, the opening track from the first album which is darker and includes a gospel choir which leads into ‘Love Me’ the first single the band released from the new album, which is their take on the state of current pop culture using 80s style guitar influenced by the likes of David Bowie. “We’ve just come to represent a decline in the standards of what we expect” are symbolic of the attitude of the album.
This album is a pure pop album, and songs such as ‘She’s American’ and ‘The Sound’ are illustrative not just of their commercial appeal but also the appeal of teenage girls. ‘She’s American’ is set to become another fan favourite. It’s a joyous and soulful track with even better lyrics about a previous American girlfriend, (Taylor Swift springs to mind). The album is full of different sound bites and flowing melodies which revert back to the first album, which can be heard on such tracks as ‘Please be Naked’ and ‘Lost my Head’ which are beautifully produced.
With this album Matty Healy wanted to challenge listeners to listen to the album in full, which is how the album is best enjoyed. It goes on for an impressive 17 tracks which last just over 70 minutes. As with the first album the choice of positioning of tracks are key to its listening pleasure.
I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It is a triumph for the band and is set to propel them to new heights. With the album debuting at number one on iTunes in America and together with a worldwide arena tour starting in March, which includes a date in Dublin’s 3Arena, the band are set for a huge 2016 and worldwide success.
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