The UK’s own The 1975 released their 5th studio album, Being Funny In a Foreign Language, this past October 14th, following their recent every-2-years-release-an-album pattern, with their last album, Notes On a Conditional Form, released in 2020. In true The 1975 fashion, the album’s title is complex, but perfectly sums up the album overall.
Being Funny In a Foreign Language does sound like a bit of a foreign language for The 1975. The album strays some from their iconic pop/synth sound, and leans more into instrumentals with a modern 80s pop. The album gives notes of Bleachers and David Bowie while still giving their trademark uptempo beats with meaningful lyrics.
The 1975 channeled their inner 1980s child on “Looking For Somebody (To Love)”, immediately reminding me of the 1985 hit “Take On Me” by A-ha. The quick-paced beat is immediately present, paired with Matthew Healy’s graceful vocals. The song is about exactly what it sounds like, looking for somebody to love!
“I’m In Love With You”, my personal favorite track after my first few listens It sounds like typical The 1975. “I’m In Love With You” is a track that sounds like it could be off of I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. The synth-pop sound so naturally comes from The 1975, and it is showcased in this track.
The lyrics in “Wintering” scream The 1975. They’re a little all over the place, but they tell a story. They tell the story of Christmas with family, the people you know, and coming home. The instrumental breaks in “Wintering” remind me of some of those from Bleachers most recent album, Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night.
“About You” immediately reminded me of “Heroes” by David Bowie. The song is so whimsical, laid back, and passionate. It makes you want to drive around with your hands out the window, the door, the sunroof, whatever! Despite its uplifting spirit, the lyrics are quite emotional, describing loving someone and losing them. “About You” could absolutely be the tunnel song (my Perks of Being A Wallflower fans, you know what I’m talking about).
Being Funny In a Foreign Language is a good encapsulation of previous The 1975 sounds and iconic The 1975 sound with elements of 80s pop and more instrumentals. Though my favorite The 1975 album still remains I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, I thoroughly enjoyed the new album. Being Funny In a Foreign Language is a refreshing indie-alternative album in a year where there have been countless indie-alt releases.