The 1975 Dropped an Album and Everyone's Acting Like It's 2016 Again
By Marissa Sasso
Yes, my brain was rotted and destroyed from the inside out by exposing myself to the 1975’s music video for their song “Robbers” when I was 13. Apparently, I am not alone in this experience, since so many people on Twitter keep talking about their latest album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, that dropped on October 14. Matty Healy has been trending on Twitter all week, and I’m pretty sure his over-inflated ego will explode from all of the hype and praise around this album soon enough.
Being Funny in a Foreign Language has some pretty great moments. I’ve been listening to this album a lot during late night walks up and down Nebraska Ave when I can’t sleep. It’s midterms– don’t judge my sleeping habits! I will say, the hype is not entirely unfounded, it’s a fun and somehow peaceful album to listen to when you’re in a more romantic mood.
At this point, I assume that every popular artist’s latest album has been produced by Jack Antonoff, and I’m not wrong with this one. The man has garnered more producing credits than there are health code violations in on-campus dining, and I respect him for that. While this isn’t necessarily my favorite album produced by him, Antonoff can’t do much wrong when it comes to producing for your favorite pop acts.
Surprisingly happy and upbeat songs like “Happiness,” “Oh Caroline” and “I’m In Love With You” will put a smile on your face with their joyous celebrations of love. It seems like Healy has finally felt the same level of love that SIS majors have towards prominent Western war criminals.
Don’t worry, Matty Healy still keeps up his classic political edgelord -esque lyricism in the ‘80’s synth-filled “Looking for Somebody (To Love).” The song is written from the perspective of a school shooter, the meaning of his words hidden by the infectious synth. In most other British people's hands, I don’t think the topic would have been handled with such understanding. Luckily, Healy makes it clear that the epidemic of mass murderers in the U.S. stems from a society of toxic masculinity and a glorification of violence, and tries not to glorify the actions himself. However, I still don’t find myself listening to this track much– I think I’ve been through enough lockdown drills over the past 15 years to not have to hear more about school shootings in the songs I listen to.
TikTok has taken a liking to the one part of “About You” where Matty Healy does not sing, which I wholeheartedly support (mainly because I think he’s probably a bit bummed out about it). Instead, the bridge is sung by Carly Holt, wife of guitarist Adam Hann. The song is a dreamy sequel to their fan favorite song “Robbers,” whose music video stole about 42 brain cells from me as a teenager. It’s fun, it’s sweet, it’s a good song, but I think that half the reason I listen to it on repeat is because I’ve been listening to the 1975 for years and know the lore behind it. I would recommend it to everyone, but I don’t think it’s as great of a high for those who don’t follow the band. It’s still a beautiful dream pop record for all to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of Matty Healy, Jack Antonoff, or romantic songs that bring an infectious smile to your face, the album is worth a listen. If you’re a fan of FKA twigs like myself, you might enjoy it a bit more once you realize that a lot of those love songs were probably written about her. Sorry Matty, but twigs definitely got me in the divorce. While I did have to include my love for twigs in this review, I do encourage you all to stream Being Funny in a Foreign Language, it’s an optimistic record meant for those small moments of happiness in between the insanity of modern life— and midterms.