Marisa:
10. “I Like America & America Likes Me”
“I Like America & America Likes Me” comes from the band’s latest album and is one of the band’s more political songs. It is about gun violence, in which lead singer Matty Healy takes a clear stance for gun control. The song was inspired in part by SoundCloud rap, with heavily edited vocals, and a a trap influenced sound. Healy said “It’s the sound of America to me at the moment.”
Favorite Lyric: “Believe in saying something.”
9. “Menswear”
“Menswear” begins with a synth driven sound, along with heavily edited vocals. The lyrics do not start until about a minute and forty seconds into the song. It details Healy’s experience with drugs, alcohol, and girls while at a friend’s wedding.
Favorite Lyric: “Well, I think I’ll say a couple of words if you don’t mind.”
8. A Change Of Heart
A Change of Heart is one of the band’s tamer songs. Using only three notes, Healy sings about falling out of love with somebody after getting over the initial phase of infatuation when you see who they really are in day to day life.
Favorite Lyric: “You’re mad thinking you could ever save me.”
7. “UGH!”
“UGH!” Is a fun synth driven song that will make you want to dance, but the lyrics convey a darker story. The lyrics tell of Healy’s battle with addiction, failed attempts to quit, and disappointment associated with the process.
Favorite Lyric: “Oh, the kick won’t last for long, but the song only lasts three minutes.”
6. “I Couldn’t Be More In Love”
As the first song on the list from the band’s most recent album, “I Couldn’t Be More In Love” was written about frontman Healy’s love and connection to his fanbase. However many fans have interpreted it as being about a somewhat one-sided relationship. The vulnerability in Matty’s voice as he sings gives a strong and personal feel that would make anyone emotional.
Favorite Lyric: “Overstayed my time, say what’s on your mind.”
5. “Fallingforyou”
“Fallingforyou,” another slow song from the deluxe edition of the band’s first album, tells the story of a vulnerable teen falling in love for the first time and dealing with the possibility that this love is unrequited.
Favorite Lyric: “I don’t want to be your friend, I want to kiss your neck.”
4. “Paris”
The music’s light synthy sound juxtaposed with themes of infidelity, drug addiction, and materialism gives Paris an interesting sound and makes it fun to listen to.
Favorite Lyric: “Mr. Serotonin Man, lend me a gram. You call yourself a friend?”
3. “Robbers”
One of the biggest hits from their first album, “Robbers” is a bit slower than many of the band’s other songs. The music is calm and displays a story about a couple so infatuated with each other that they do not notice the destruction that they cause around them.
Favorite Lyric: “God only knows but you’ll never leave her.”
2. “Milk”
One of the shortest songs in The 1975’s discography, “Milk” is a song about the dark and serious topic of addiction, yet it manages to take on a fun and light tone.
Favorite Lyric: “She started talking about missing him, she was glistening.”
1. “Sex”
“Sex” was one of the first songs that I ever heard by The 1975. It’s a fun and upbeat song that is great to listen to in the summer or when you just miss the sunshine.
Favorite Lyric: “Does he take care of you? Or could I easily fill his shoes?”
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Emily:
10. “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME”
One of the first singles off of A Brief Inquiry to Online Relationships, “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” brings the bright, fun music I’ve come to love from the 1975, with matching lyrics about navigating the modern world of relationships.
Favorite lyric: “You pick a fight and I’ll define it.”
9. “M.O.N.EY.”
From their self titled album, “M.O.N.E.Y.” is a classic 1975 storytelling song, in which Healy guides one through the troubled nights of a deteriorating party goer. The way these dark lyrics are juxtaposed against the pop instrumentals make this song one of my favorites.
Favorite lyric: “I can’t believe that we’re talking about him.”
8. “It’s Not Living If Its Not With You”
From A Brief Inquiry to Online Relationships, “It’s Not Living If It’s Not With You” brings to light Matty’s struggle dealing with a heroin addiction. It is presented in a way in which he is hiding behind the character “Danny”. The song serves as a captivating reflectional piece, which I love from the 1975.
Favorite lyrics: “Collapse my veins, wearing beautiful shoes.”
7. “Antichrist”
From the deluxe version of their self-titled album, “Antichrist” has become an elusive fan favorite as the band refuses to play it live. I adore this song for the retrospective feelings it brings to the listener.
Favorite lyric: “She said, ‘How can I relate to somebody who doesn’t speak? I feel like I’m just treading water.’ Is it the same for you?”
6. “Paris”
From I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, “Paris” is a heart-wrenching song of longing to return to a place of serenity like Paris in the midst of the troubles of life. The soft beat matches beautifully with the delivery of the lyrics.
Favorite lyrics: “Hyper politicized sexual trysts. ‘Oh, I think my boyfriend’s a nihilist.’”
5. “Menswear”
From their self-titled album, “Menswear” is another song I love for lyricist Healy’s amazing storytelling abilities. Also I love how enjoyable this short, but fun to sing along to, song is in concert.
Favorite lyrics: “‘Well you’re the best man, so what’s the plan? Why don’t you talk to Matty about it?’”
4. “So Far (It’s Alright)”
From the deluxe edition of The 1975, I love “So Far (It’s Alright)” for its simple catchy tune and extravagant lyrics which full of witty remarks and hyperboles, the signature style of Healy’s writing.
Favorite lyrics: “Don’t you want to take me up in the clouds? Tell me I’m the one and you can show me about. She was talking marriage so we had to get out.”
3. “This Must Be My Dream”
From I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, “This Must Be My Dream” surrounds you with an angelic sound while telling of the sad, slow unraveling of a potentially beautiful relationship. It’s captivating for its ability to create a dreamlike feel while delivering a situation one would not want to dream up.
Favorite lyrics: “Well, I thought it was love, but I guess I must be dreaming ‘bout feeling something instead of you.”
2. “Sex”
From their self-titled album, “Sex” gets the number two spot for just how iconically “The 1975” it is. From the almost over dramatic lyrics to classic guitar sound featured in their early songs, this song is one of their masterpieces. Not to mention how absolutely amazing this songs feels as (until recent) it plays as the last song you hear before the band leaves the stage for night. It encapsulates The 1975 experience.
Favorite lyrics: “You’ve got your tongue pierced anyway. You in your high tops any day. You in your skinny jeans anyway. You and your fit friends anyway. I’d take them all out any day. They’ve all got back combs anyway. You all got boyfriends anyway.”
1. “Loving Someone”
From I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, “Loving Someone” is my favorite song by the 1975 because of how meaningful it is. Healy fully showcases his writing skills in this piece while examining current politics and issues in the world. It even features one of his previously written poems, Orange, as a bridge.
Favorite lyrics: “It’s better if we keep them perplexed. It’s better if we make them want the opposite sex.”