Standing on a powerful, globally-recognized music platform, The 1975 have continuously called out major ironies in Western society, as the band’s singer-songwriter, Matty Healy, maintains a knack for developing the most thought-provoking lyricism in the modern-music era. Their newest album, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language,” released this year on Oct. 14, applies their traditional sound and lyrical roots, as the record transitions into a multifaceted fresh new form for the band’s current tonal expression.
“Being Funny in a Foreign Language” combines Jack Antonoff’s production genius with the band’s long-standing relevance in the alternative pop-rock scene. Healy analyzes the collapse of society while combining heavy existential invocations with romance-centered songs filled with heart, loss and most importantly, unrequited love. Starting with their signature opening track, “The 1975,” the band begins the record with a piano solo paralleled by dramatic lyrics; the punchiest and most repetitive being “I’m sorry if you’re livin’ and you’re seventeen,” hinting at the doom-and-gloom dangers young people are likely to face as socio-political institutions disintegrate around them. A variety of trumpets and jazz-inspired tunes appear on the forefront of this album, a slight contrast to the indie and electro-pop beats used on previous records. The lead single for “Being Funny in a Foreign Language,” “Part of the Band,” is arguably one of the best songs on this album and becomes the core of its track list. Using playful alliteration amidst detailed storytelling, Healy sings about his imagination and recalls the emotional complexities he once experienced between youthful innocence and adulthood. In another memorable track, “Human Too,” Healy preaches that people are all generally flawed, but that does not make them less human — mistakes are only natural. The 1975 also address themes of loneliness and dealing with unstable relationships in the album — Healy recalls fond memories and reaches toward the feelings of nostalgia with the absence of a person he once loved. These recollections ring true in the track “About You,” featuring vocals from lead guitarist Adam Hann’s wife, Carly Holt, as she sings, “And I’ll miss you on the train, I’ll miss you in the morning. I never know what to think about, I think about you. About You.” The 1975 examines the romanticization of the world’s downfall as people navigate their struggles by searching for a sense of hope. “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” is certainly worth listening to indulge in those “eat your heart out” feelings and is one of the best and most unexpected albums produced this year.
Live events schedule:
Nov. 1: Charlie Burg & Genevieve Stokes, Holocene
Nov. 3: Post Malone & Roddy Ricch, Moda Center
Nov. 5: Dave Matthews Band, Moda Center
Nov. 7: Santigold, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Nov. 9: Dominic Fike, Roseland Theater
Nov. 11: Lucy Dacus & Haley Heynderickx, Roseland Theater
Nov. 17: Men I Trust, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Nov. 19: Tegan and Sara & Tomberlin, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Nov. 23: Beabadoobee, Roseland Theater
Nov. 26: Turnover, Yumi Zouma & Horse Jumper of Love, Wonder Ballroom
Nov. 29: Peach Pit, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.