A lengthy album title calls for a lengthy album, and The 1975 have produced 17 songs in a revamped colorful aesthetic for their sophomore LP, I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. The 1975 have cultivated a complex image that transcends every part of their being and goes beyond their music. The image of bubble-gum colored text in the form of neon signs adds a lot of attraction to their appeal and adds dimension and lures listeners to their sound, which is an infusion of 80s disco and contemporary jazz.
I Like It When You Sleep is another seductive collection that romanticizes every aspect of a relationship, including jealousy and the breakup. Although the number of tracks seems overwhelming, much of the record is instrumentally dominated, including the opening track, “The 1975,” as well as “Please Be Naked,” “Lostmyhead” and the title track. “A Change of Heart” and “She’s American” are full of awkward humor that allow for an unconventional laugh. “She’s American” pokes fun at British stereotypes and American infatuation with accents and Bristish culture. A line in the chorus says, “If she says I gotta fix my teeth, then she’s so American.”
“Somebody Else” is an airy adventure of longing and denial and is mellower than more boisterous tracks like “Love Me.” The smoothness is pleasing to the ears and will make for lofty atmosphere live. The album plays around with lyrics of a desperate and risque nature, especially in “The Sound,” which is one of the singles. Although the singles, including “Love Me” and “UGH!” are strong standalone tracks, the album is a fluid listen from front to back. Although they are each lovely tracks, “Nana” and “She Lays Down” sound like a completely different band and appear out of place on the album. They are a little too stripped down to fit with the overall theme of the record.
With a successful sophomore following a successful debut, The 1975 will continue their career with a steady increase. The collection of songs is neither better or worse but lacks a lot of hits. There aren’t any radio-worthy tracks like “Chocolate,” “Robbers” or “The City,” but the record will cater to an audience who appreciates easy listening. If I Like It When You Sleep was a piece of literature or a film, it would be filed under cult classic.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended Tracks: “Somebody Else” and “She’s American”
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