The 1975
by The 1975
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 173 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 173
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 173
  3. Negative: 14 out of 173
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 3, 2013
    7
    Here is a band you probably don't realize you have heard and actually love. Whilst their 80's inspired, synth heavy pop sound may be nothing original, it honestly just really works. Having released a slew of EPs, though, it seems we've heard all there is to hear from The 1975. At least that it worth hearing. Now familiar tracks like "The City", "Sex" and "Chocolate" are here, nestled quiteHere is a band you probably don't realize you have heard and actually love. Whilst their 80's inspired, synth heavy pop sound may be nothing original, it honestly just really works. Having released a slew of EPs, though, it seems we've heard all there is to hear from The 1975. At least that it worth hearing. Now familiar tracks like "The City", "Sex" and "Chocolate" are here, nestled quite happily in with some newer tracks. The best part for me is that they know how to pen a pop song that has honest depth to it. Centering on quite often used themes, it has to be said. A really enjoyable listen, though I doubt whether it has the staying power like the truly great albums do.… Expand
  2. MichaelDN
    Sep 4, 2013
    9
    This album is rich is musical variety. You'll find yourself drawing comparisons to U2, The Police, UB40, Simple Minds, The Strokes, The Killers, and even Cyndi Lauper. Every song is catchy and enjoyable, or otherwise purely visceral, and technically masterful. Matt Healy has to be one of the best vocalists around right now, as well as one of the best lyricists. There are so many cleverThis album is rich is musical variety. You'll find yourself drawing comparisons to U2, The Police, UB40, Simple Minds, The Strokes, The Killers, and even Cyndi Lauper. Every song is catchy and enjoyable, or otherwise purely visceral, and technically masterful. Matt Healy has to be one of the best vocalists around right now, as well as one of the best lyricists. There are so many clever lines that serve to deliver profound messages, and make you think, or feel. The most enjoyable song to me is probably "Chocolate", but the best song overall has to be "Robbers." This song is an absolute masterpiece, and I don't say that about many songs. A combination of Matt's voice, with a beautiful tone, and powerful, jarring emotion behind it, as well as the devastating lyrics backed by a beautiful track, this song will leave you numb. For the most part though, the album is one of the most enjoyable I've heard in a while, and I will probably find myself pressing replay more times than I'd like to admit on just about all of these songs.… Expand
  3. jwomsley
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    I'v been into this band for coming onto 2years now I first heard of them from a friend who was browsing sound cloud and came upon Robbers by then Drive Like I Do, The thing that caught me from the start was the mix of MJ vibe mixed with a rock bass line. Their songs about drugs to sex to being horny, to being cheated on, cheating on, falling in love, making out, hooking up, flirting,I'v been into this band for coming onto 2years now I first heard of them from a friend who was browsing sound cloud and came upon Robbers by then Drive Like I Do, The thing that caught me from the start was the mix of MJ vibe mixed with a rock bass line. Their songs about drugs to sex to being horny, to being cheated on, cheating on, falling in love, making out, hooking up, flirting, disbelief of god, getting high and the confused teenage mind It is so relate able to people from all walks of life;
    When i heard of the Album to be released i was unsure what to think after seeing them live 3 times so far the fact that they are just original even though every aspect of the band can relate to Pop/ Rock culture. But the fact that they kept the songs which were close to there hearts chocolate, Robbers, Sex and just cleaned them up is great from a fans point of view as i would hate to see them conform to being a 21st century pop band. For me this album is simply unparalleled by anything that has come from England prior. For me the lyrics to each song and the meaning behind them, they were never meant to be heard by more than 100 people at a gig and certainly never meant for the radio which is what makes them so special, so personal. There is a song on there for everyone who can relate to. Take for example "The City" a song written about Manchester yet it is so personal to Matty that you can take the words and adapt them to the city you live in and in your mind that song could easily be written for you with your memories flashing up with each lyric.    … Expand
  4. OsianLewis
    Sep 19, 2013
    7
    My review of the 1975, the tagline is 'The Sound of Being Young, Horny and Creative'.

    7/10.

    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/the-1975-album-review-sound-of-being.html
  5. SidAndrews
    Sep 14, 2013
    9
    Fresh on the scene, but with this album taking 4 years too complete, it is safe too say that the boys from The 1975 have released a masterpiece, there love for R'n'B and 80's Synth really does show in a selection of there many song's, the powerful, unique vocals from front-man Matt Healy are defiantly not too be missed and compliment the amazing beats and rifts that the rest of theFresh on the scene, but with this album taking 4 years too complete, it is safe too say that the boys from The 1975 have released a masterpiece, there love for R'n'B and 80's Synth really does show in a selection of there many song's, the powerful, unique vocals from front-man Matt Healy are defiantly not too be missed and compliment the amazing beats and rifts that the rest of the talented band crack out. Bravo lads, bravo.… Expand
  6. kylel515
    Nov 18, 2013
    7
    This album, I would say is just above average. Songs like Sex and Chocolate do a great job with capturing a lot of emotion. Combining synth with rock is something I have not heard of too much, and it is very interesting. I would definitely say check them out and see what you think.
  7. Ainso
    Sep 21, 2013
    8
    A really enjoyable listen. The album really benefits from the band's 10+ years together and the 80's influence on it. People may label the 80's influence as unoriginal but that doesn't stop the album from being infectious with the heavy synth sound, Matt's emotional vocals (especially on "Robbers") and the musical variety which is present. The instrumentation in "Chocolate" and "Talk!" mayA really enjoyable listen. The album really benefits from the band's 10+ years together and the 80's influence on it. People may label the 80's influence as unoriginal but that doesn't stop the album from being infectious with the heavy synth sound, Matt's emotional vocals (especially on "Robbers") and the musical variety which is present. The instrumentation in "Chocolate" and "Talk!" may make you think of UB40 or The Police while "Sex" is reminiscent of U2, The Strokes or even The Sex Pistols. A debut which definitely gives a good stab at producing 16 tracks that will keep you listening on repeat for a very long time… Expand
  8. godwinkent888
    Feb 22, 2014
    9
    Great album. Loved this album from beginning to end, although at 16 tracks, it's a bit overlong. One flaw that I noticed was the lack of variation between the songs. However, this album does feature sharp lyricism, though.
  9. BigBriggsness
    Jan 26, 2014
    9
    This could be argued as one of the most underrated albums of 2013. But unlike other "underrated albums" that are actually quite successful, this album hasn't even gone platinum yet, and most people I talk to respond with "who are the 1975?" Their eponymous debut is a completely original, brilliant production of indie rock that takes as much influence from big anthemic 80s pop as it doesThis could be argued as one of the most underrated albums of 2013. But unlike other "underrated albums" that are actually quite successful, this album hasn't even gone platinum yet, and most people I talk to respond with "who are the 1975?" Their eponymous debut is a completely original, brilliant production of indie rock that takes as much influence from big anthemic 80s pop as it does from Brian Eno's electronic bathing. Their hit single Chocolate has, within the past month, become a growing favorite among pop radio stations across the U.S. Other big songs like The City feature an explosive drum loop and a driving chorus synth, while Sex is start-to-finish a head-banging, guitar driven jam. The album maintains an almost overused stylistic consistency, where the only real deviations (An Encounter, 12, Menswear) feel almost out of place, although An Encounter and 12 are music taken directly from other songs off of the album. However, in the four EPs that The 1975 released prior to this album, they showed with an impressive grandeur their capability to venture comfortably into genres such as nu-gaze and their own melancholy, muted punk.
    Even at these lows, the album is still refreshing and wholly original. Matt Healy's lyricism, the clean electric guitar riffs, the use of their own sampling, all of it is bloody brilliant. A huge hats-off to these Manchester guys.    … Expand
  10. jammo1994
    Apr 17, 2014
    8
    if your a common person who doesn't' give a **** and just wants to listen to some down to earth music or alternatively someone who's getting high and needs an album to buzz off this right here is what you people need its awesome full respect to these guys
  11. alecvl08
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    There is every reason to hate this album and this band. Hipster image, high-pitched British vocals, uber-repetitive guitar leads, teenage appeal, all the ingredients for a pop disaster. However, something about this band just clicks and it just works. This album has catchy, new-wave inspired pop tunes to keep you humming along for months, but it also has some experimental electronicThere is every reason to hate this album and this band. Hipster image, high-pitched British vocals, uber-repetitive guitar leads, teenage appeal, all the ingredients for a pop disaster. However, something about this band just clicks and it just works. This album has catchy, new-wave inspired pop tunes to keep you humming along for months, but it also has some experimental electronic production (for instance, the instrumentals on Menswear). I feel uncomfortable, but this album just deserves a good score, and I can't put my finger on why! Favorite track: Chocolate… Expand
  12. felanleong
    Oct 30, 2014
    10
    The self-titled debut album of the British indie rock band ‘The 1975’ is definitely a timeless piece of art. The album was released on the 2nd September 2013 and climbed to the No. 1 position of the UK Albums Chart within six days of its release. The 1975 have managed to push the genre boundaries of pop, punk, electronic and rock and have fabricated their own particular sound that isThe self-titled debut album of the British indie rock band ‘The 1975’ is definitely a timeless piece of art. The album was released on the 2nd September 2013 and climbed to the No. 1 position of the UK Albums Chart within six days of its release. The 1975 have managed to push the genre boundaries of pop, punk, electronic and rock and have fabricated their own particular sound that is extremely unique and distinguishable.
    The indie four-piece was formed during high school in Manchester, UK in 2002 consisting of lead singer and guitarist Matt Healy; drummer George Daniel; Adam Hann on guitar; and bassist Ross Macdonald. The band initially began covering punk songs when Adam had heard of a “hippy council worker” who rented out a local space for kids to play shows. After writing and composing a few of their original songs, the band started touring locally under several names including: Talkhouse, The Slowdown, Bigsleep and Drive Like I Do until eventually settling on the name ‘The 1975’.
    The 1975’s self-titled debut album consists of 16 tracks and has a total length of 50 minutes and 41 seconds with all songs written and composed by the four band members themselves. Mike Crossey, the producer of Arctic Monkeys, collaborated with the quartet’s debut album on all tracks except tracks 7, 12 and 16. This collaboration helped coin the 1975’s unique sound to a greater extent.
    Songwriter Matt Healy was able to accompany these amazing instrumentals with sharp lyrics that encapsulated youthful thoughts of sex and drugs – and somehow it collides perfectly. Healy seems to have a great understanding of integrating these evident themes of the bands target demographic with exceptional guitar melodies and soothing ambient backdrops. Whether it be intentional or not - it is definitely working as seen through their increasing fan base. The fourth track of the self-titled debut album, Chocolate, is a great example of Healy’s integration of drugs within the lyrics. Healy starts the first verse with a simile comparing chocolate with marijuana, “Hey now call it a spliff ‘cause you know that you will. Oh you bite your friends like chocolate”. After this initial simile, he continues to use this comparison throughout the song with another line, “Now we run run away from the boys in the blue, and my car smells like chocolate”. This metaphor can be easily digested by the target demographic and is definitely a great use of poetic devices within the song.
    The tenth track, Robbers, is definitely my personal favourite on this album. The song is embedded with powerful lyrics orchestrating a dangerous and lustful tale of two lovers that live on the wild side. Robbers was originally inspired by the Quentin Tarantino film ‘True Romance’ and characters like Bonnie and Clyde.
    The 1975’s self-titled debut album pushes the boundaries of several genres with the electronic style infused with rock and pop. Their extremely unique sound is accompanied with powerful and sharp lyrics that will stimulate the minds of its listeners.    … Expand
  13. israelvg49
    Feb 28, 2016
    8
    When I first heard this album, i wasn't 100% sure i should've gave this a try.. But boy i was wrong, this was one of the best albums i hear in 2013, even though i heard of it in 2014 this was one of the greats.
  14. DevinRDougherty
    Sep 5, 2013
    6
    The album overall feels very long, even though it’s under an hour, because it’s filled with songs that are repetitive and don’t stand out on their own. It’s like dead weight on the album. I know the band has been around for a while, but it still is an impressive debut album, especially because they’re able to make that “1975″ sound. Every band wants their own sound and this one has it,The album overall feels very long, even though it’s under an hour, because it’s filled with songs that are repetitive and don’t stand out on their own. It’s like dead weight on the album. I know the band has been around for a while, but it still is an impressive debut album, especially because they’re able to make that “1975″ sound. Every band wants their own sound and this one has it, shared with few others. But this band is at its best when they DON’T stick to that sound. I like the risks they take, they’re usually worth the chance. I hope this band is able to really impress me in the future.
    Best tracks: “M.O.N.E.Y.;” “Heart Out;” “Robbers;” “Sex”
    Not so great tracks: “Girls;” “Settle Down;” all the interludes    … Expand
  15. VillageGreenRec
    Jan 17, 2015
    3
    Album lacks any sense of energy, soul, unpredictability. Sounds like the album is made in a factory, churning out little buzz so-called indie pop groups ready to be boomed over Journey's PA systems across america. Tracks drag, and never reach a bridge or climax and boredom ensues. I just wish people would try a little harder to expect more from this type of trash. This band has no rightAlbum lacks any sense of energy, soul, unpredictability. Sounds like the album is made in a factory, churning out little buzz so-called indie pop groups ready to be boomed over Journey's PA systems across america. Tracks drag, and never reach a bridge or climax and boredom ensues. I just wish people would try a little harder to expect more from this type of trash. This band has no right to see as many albums as it does.… Expand
  16. qrobur
    Sep 10, 2013
    4
    This album is well written. It is well played. The singing is of a good standard. The style is old-fashioned but has a classic feel to it.

    So why is this album so dreary? In word, The 1975 lack inspiration. Each well crafted song is little different from any other. Well before its seemingly interminable length a listener is likely either to have lost patience and switched off or    This album is well written. It is well played. The singing is of a good standard. The style is old-fashioned but has a classic feel to it.

    So why is this album so dreary? In word, The 1975 lack inspiration. Each well crafted song is little different from any other. Well before its seemingly interminable length a listener is likely either to have lost patience and switched off or fallen into a torpid state.

    This album is a clever pastiche, but The 1975 ought not to have bothered.    … Expand
  17. hornysoul
    Sep 29, 2018
    9
    "The 1975" é um álbum intemporável e muito bem produzido. Nota-se que a banda se esforçou no processo de criação do álbum. Cada faixa é cativante e agradável ou, de outra forma, puramente visceral e tecnicamente magistral.
  18. roonyman
    Nov 29, 2018
    10
    The songs are fun, catchy, beautiful with an amazing production. This is a perfect debut album.
  19. mande77
    Nov 14, 2020
    7
    Not perfect but still a good album, featuring some wonderful tracks like “Robbers”, “Chocolate”, “Sex”, and “12”. Wondrous debut.
  20. emilyc
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    an amazing debut loads of amazing tracks on here. robbers stands out for me actually one of the most beautiful songs of all time
  21. sugarcookie
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    This is my most played album on last.fm and has helped me cry on the way home, on the way to school, on the way to leave school, during my poops, during my league of legends games, literally everywhere. I do not dislike a single song on this album and would wish for it to be played during my funeral. Matt Healy helps me stay depressed and I hope he continues to keep me that way.
  22. FlyingPiloswine
    Jul 30, 2020
    9
    One of those rare albums that just bangs from front to back. Its got the tight, melodic drive of the punk rock greats and tempers this with the smooth sophistication of the late 1970s that I had no idea would mean so much to a young'un like myself. The City, Money, She Way Out, Girls. So many tracks that make me want to love someone and head bang at the same time.
  23. xuli
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    Young desolation and incredibly unique style. The solid base of one of the most inspirational bands of the decade. I feel so much comfortable with the sensation of this album. Forever in my heart.
  24. kevinanso
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    El album que marca el inicio de la banda, un album muy alternativo e indie pero que tiene su estilo propio sin sonar parecido a otras bandas, las canciones en este album suelen ser lentas y no son un hit pero para ser un album debut es muy bueno
  25. DRTJ
    Jul 24, 2020
    9
    Favorite track: "Sex"
    Least favorite track: "Talk!"
    Despite being a debut, it's clear that The 1975 knew EXACTLY what their sound would be moving forward. Some of their greatest hits, "Chocolate," "Sex," "Robbers," and "Girls" are all incredible pop rock songs that defined their synthesized, electronic image while still being a reflection of their Manchester roots. Even some of the    Favorite track: "Sex"
    Least favorite track: "Talk!"

    Despite being a debut, it's clear that The 1975 knew EXACTLY what their sound would be moving forward. Some of their greatest hits, "Chocolate," "Sex," "Robbers," and "Girls" are all incredible pop rock songs that defined their synthesized, electronic image while still being a reflection of their Manchester roots. Even some of the deep tracks like "She Way Out" and "Menswear" undeniable.    … Expand
  26. anafromthe1975
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. literally so **** iconic, the way matty writes honestly
    menswear and so far its alright are some of its best songs    … Expand
  27. j444cks
    Mar 2, 2023
    8
    An album that truly feels timeless. I always find myself coming back to Robbers and Chocolate!
  28. Andres0
    Aug 3, 2023
    8
    La verdad me sorprendió este primer álbum, ya que la estética del grupo me daba vibras de sonidos más oscuros, pero la sonoridad suave y bailable de las canciones me gustó bastante.

    Canciones favoritas:
    - The City
    - Chocolate
    - Heart Out

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2013
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    60
    Highly intriguing. [Oct 2013, p.97]
  2. Rolling Stone
    Oct 18, 2013
    40
    The LP mostly forces unconvincing emo lyrics into a bloopy 1980s package.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Oct 15, 2013
    70
    The 1975 is far from a perfect album. But in many ways, its flaws are part of its charm.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »