The 1975's newest album Notes is clearly a full departure from their typical sound. Their first two albums, which remain their most beloved, were more electropop/synth-pop. Their third album saw a slight change in genre, but nothing like what their recent fourth album did. Some songs are vaguely similar to what their fans are used to, but there's influences of country, hardcore, folk, and everything in-between. Personally, I think this change worked some of the time, but not all of the time.
My favorite song, "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)" used to be an unreleased song that could only be heard at their live shows until it was officially released on Notes. I loved the guitar, 80's inspired sound, saxophone, everything about it. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that it could only be heard on YouTube in versions recorded on concertgoer's phones. The quality wasn't the best, but I have to be honest, I actually still like the live version better. They're barely different, but I suppose I just like the live version better because that's what I heard first. Regardless, the studio official version is still an incredibly fun song I recommend to everyone.
While I prefer their self-titled album above every album they've made since then, this album is an interesting exploration of other genres. However, I think what I learned from this album is that I prefer their music when they don't explore other genres. I don't mean to inhibit their freedom to make whatever type of music that they want, I can't control what they do anyway, but I just don't think I'll be listening to this album as much as I listen to their self-titled album.
3 stars
The 1975's newest album Notes is clearly a full departure from their typical sound. Their first two albums, which remain their most beloved, were more electropop/synth-pop. Their third album saw a slight change in genre, but nothing like what their recent fourth album did. Some songs are vaguely similar to what their fans are used to, but there's influences of country, hardcore, folk, and everything in-between. Personally, I think this change worked some of the time, but not all of the time.
My favorite song, "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)" used to be an unreleased song that could only be heard at their live shows until it was officially released on Notes. I loved the guitar, 80's inspired sound, saxophone, everything about it. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that it could only be heard on YouTube in versions recorded on concertgoer's phones. The quality wasn't the best, but I have to be honest, I actually still like the live version better. They're barely different, but I suppose I just like the live version better because that's what I heard first. Regardless, the studio official version is still an incredibly fun song I recommend to everyone.
While I prefer their self-titled album above every album they've made since then, this album is an interesting exploration of other genres. However, I think what I learned from this album is that I prefer their music when they don't explore other genres. I don't mean to inhibit their freedom to make whatever type of music that they want, I can't control what they do anyway, but I just don't think I'll be listening to this album as much as I listen to their self-titled album.