Aaron Erhart, Briona Bargerstock – Contributing Writers

axe5367@psu.edu, bnb5387@psu.edu

Photo Credit: Dirty Hit

The 1975’s fifth studio album, “Being Funny In A Foreign Language,” came out on October 14th much to their fan’s anticipation. The lead single for the album coming out in early summer titled, “Part of the Band,” solidified the new sound and aesthetic that The 1975 was going for. Frontman Matty Healy sings about reflecting on one’s life all while displaying his extraordinary storytelling abilities. Even nodding to his addiction in the final lines of the track where he states, “I have not picked up that in a thousand four hundred days and nine hours and sixteen minutes,” which is believed to be how long the lead singer has been clean from his pretty public heroin addiction. 

Following their first single, The 1975 released three more singles, “Happiness,” “I’m In Love with You,” and “All I Need to Hear.” These three singles are drastically different from one another, and it left fans yearning for more and to know exactly the direction this album would be taking. “Happiness” is a more vulnerable love song for the band that speaks of falling in love and fearing messing things up and losing the one you love. While “I’m In Love with You” is a more upbeat track about the fear of opening up and telling that person in your life the words, “I love you…,” In the past, Matty Healy has stated he has trouble being vulnerable, so this track is a good representation of his growth. This vulnerability is amply shown in “All I Need to Hear,” a heartbreaking track about losing someone you genuinely loved and feeling like you cannot properly function without them. It is a beautifully written breakup song that leaves the listener reflecting on the love that they have lost in their own lives. 

Other notable tracks include, “Looking for Somebody (To Love),” “Oh Caroline,” and “When we Are Together.” They again have varying subject matters but overall, they are all a part of the same theme. “Looking for Somebody (To Love)” speaks of toxic masculinity and the glamorization of violence while having an 80s upbeat pop sound accompanying the rather disturbing lyrics which makes the listener do a double take during the first listen. Playing more into the 80s pop vibe, “Oh Caroline” has a very 80s love song feel that displays themes of longing and infatuation for love. Upon first listen it has notes of similarity to something that Carly Rae Jepsen would put out. While the final track of the album “When We Are Together” concludes the compilation of love and loss that has been present throughout the entirety of the album by offering a fun, cheeky, lighthearted song about being better because of a partner. Showing that despite everything you are still able to find love in the end. 

Overall, “Being Funny in A Foreign Language” feels like a more intimate and mature release compared to their past albums. The new project feels much more concise and comprehensive than their previous album, “Notes on a Conditional Form,” which has over 20 songs compared to “BFIAFL”’s 11. Matty Healy was able to take dark topics such as toxic masculinity, school shootings, cancel culture, lost love, breakups, drug addiction, and recovery and mix that with upbeat instrumentation and a lighthearted delivery that draws the listener in to hear their message. The perfect fall album speaks of someone falling in and out of love without being clear whether it is with the same person or different people, but nonetheless, listeners can relate. From an avid 1975 fan and a new one we both suggest you listen to this beautifully crafted album. 

Final Ratings:

Aaron: 9/10, Briona: 8.5/10