Album Review: The 1975 “Being Funny in a Foreign Language”
1975 Lead singer Matty Healy preforming at Leeds Festival 2022
The first time I heard the sound of The 1975 latest album, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” I was one, in a crowd of thousands swaying to the band’s signature blend of indie, rock and pop set at Leeds Festival 2022. Lead singer, Matty Healy, stood centre stage with a cheeky grin on his face as he sucked on a cigarette. His charisma was contagious as he teased the crowd with a new track that had yet to be released. What better way to offera taste of their new album, than to perform their new single, “I’m in love with you” and “Happiness” at Leeds Festival. As the band revealed they had been Leeds Festival go-ers for the last 17 years. Their electric energy charged up the crowd, creating an infectious atmosphere as the indie band performed their set. Later screaming into the crowd of fans, “this is the best we’ve ever played.” All were in anticipation for their new album to be released.
Fast forward to now, the album, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” debuted, offering a vibrant yet mature contrast to their previous releases. The lyrics demonstrate
the artists self-awareness, with Haley candidly confessing to have a tendency to be possessive over love interests. The 1975 tackle these romantic themes in an upbeat and confident way, accompanied by a nostalgic instrumental that is reminiscent of the 70s and 80s creating authentic pop moments throughout the album.
Lead singer Matty Healy on “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” album cover. Source: @the1975 Instagram
It was no surprise that the first track was self-titled, The 1975. As they have done since 2013. There are nuances to the previous two albums in the latest release. The first track explores mature themes from the get go, with the lyrics “we are living life through a postmodern lens” reminding listeners that the band do not shy away from controversial topics in previous albums nor in this one. As they try and empathise with millennial struggles, “I’m sorry if you’re living and you’re 17” hinting at the struggles young people are experiencing in these turbulent times, reinforces a greater awareness and consideration for their listeners that was taken during the writing process.
“Being Funny in a Foreign Language” raises the bar for the band. Not only has their sound matured with time, their songs explore thought provoking themes that young people and listeners can relate to. “Looking for Somebody(To Love)” written from the perspective of a school shooter, emphasises the global reach that the album will have as the haunting theme is juxtaposed by the lively, backing track that nods to the hustle and bustle of life continuing despite devastating shootings happening around the world. With guns remaining in high circulation and the government failing to tighten gun laws, the band are bringing awareness to social issues that are important to them.
The 1975 band members photographed together for their lasted release, “I’m in Love with You”. Source: @the1975 Instagram
Where previous albums explored an experimental approach to love, this album seems self assured and emotionally self aware demonstrating a developed perception of life that remains throughout the album. With a 43 minute run time, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” length is out of character for the band, running shorter than their most recent album, “Notes on a Conditional Form”. This album appears to be focused and concise with a clear vision in mind.
“Oh Caroline” speaks to a turbulent time in Matty’s life, delving into emotional heart ache with the opening line,“I’ve been suicidal, you’ve been gone for weeks,” The song further explores being haunted by infatuating thoughts as Healy repeats the lyric, “Always on my mind,” full of regret the singer pleas for “another chance”.
“Happiness” is the band embracing their flair for the genre, providing another classic pop song. Juxtaposed, however, by the heartache ballad, “Human Too” as Healy pleads to be humanised in the eyes of his love. The 1975 repeat the lyrics, “So, tell me you’re a human, and don’t you know that I’m a human too?” repetition is a trope of the 1975 songwriting style. The band successfully creates catchy hooks that make their songs ever more relatable and enjoyable.
Concluding the album with ballads emphasises the growth, the maturity and the newly crafted sound that this album has to offer. This cohesively slows down the album and leaves the listeners with a warm sentiment behind the lyrics. “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” is a step up for The 1975, and an excellent addition to their discography.
