Rank: 4/5
The entirety of The 1975’s second album, “I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It” does not reflect the obnoxiousness of its title. The group’s sophomore release builds upon the success of their 2013 self-titled debut, while leaving room for expansion.
The group released the 17-track LP on TIDAL, Google Play and Apple Music on Feb. 26. The album will be available on Spotify on March 11.
The record is an experimentation of sound and exploration of genres.
Each song sounds different from the next. “I Like It When You Sleep” infuses jazz, instrumental, gospel, synthpop, strings, rock and acoustic sounds throughout its 75-minute running time. The record is a groovy montage and does not operate by the genre-enforced boundaries of contemporary music.
The band’s frontman, Matthew “Matty” Healy, is a self-proclaimed narcissistic egomaniac, an essential quality for any natural rockstar. The lead singer’s alluring persona is fundamental to the band’s image and success. His songwriting is complex, personal and purposeful. His honest lyricism is where the record’s backbone lies.
Healy defies gender norms and is open about his sexual fluidity, and applies that to his songwriting approach. He is thoughtful, well-spoken and passionate about his craft in interviews.
In a personal statement to fans found on radio.com, Healy said “the only art worth any investment is art that makes one feel personally addressed.” Perhaps that is the goal with “I Like It When You Sleep.”
The 1975 started out as an alternative indie rock/pop band, and have since experienced major commercial success in the music industry. The group’s identity has undergone criticism for becoming too mainstream.
Healy responded by saying that he made this album because he cared about each of his fans and wanted to return their emotional investment. Their relationship with their fanbase comes foremost. He wanted each audience member to feel like The 1975 was “their” band.
Much of the lyricism is a candid, intimate look to Healy’s life. In “If I Believe You” Healy writes about his lack of faith in God and in “Nana” about grieving the death of his grandmother.
There are several ambient instrumental tracks, including “Please Be Naked,” “lostmyhead,” and the title track. Although the record’s strength is in Healy’s melodies, the instrumental tracks are solid. It’s like they’re trying to create a feeling within the listener, a certain atmosphere.
“Nana” and “She Lays Down” are softer acoustic tunes to close out the album.
Honestly, I was not a fan of The 1975 before listening to this album. I wasn’t convinced of their cool indie rocker vibe, and Healy did not have my admiration. I respect The 1975’s artistry in making the record about the music itself, as creative expression for the sake of it.
“I Like It When You Sleep” is a record of conviction and reinvention. It’s bold, fearless and uncaring about outside perception. It shows that The 1975 can follow up the success of their first album, while expanding their musicality into new directions. It’s relatable, and exactly what fans should have in a second album.