11. Human Too
Favourite lyric: I’m sorry that I quite liked seein’ myself on the news, and I’m sorry that I’m someone that I wish I could change
A bit more soulful, but arguably a bit more boring than the other songs on the album. Good lyricism, in fact one of the best lyrics of the album is quoted above, however not a particularly strong tune.
You can listen to the song here:
10. All I Need To Hear
Favourite lyric: I get out my records, when you go away, when people are talking, I miss what they say
The follow up in terms of meaning to ‘I’m In Love With You’, a chilled ballad where we get to see another side to Healy’s vocals. Not the strongest song, but still a good listen all in all. There is nothing I dislike about it.
You can listen to the song here:
9. When We Were Together
Favourite lyric: The only time I feel I might get better is when we are together
Keeping up the theme from ‘Wintering’. More mellow guitar. I would argue that upbeat instrumentals are more their forte but I can see this being a fan favourite, just not necessarily my favourite.
You can listen to the song here:
8. I’m In Love With You
Favourite lyric: Heartbeat is coming in so strong, oh if you don’t stop I’m gonna need a second one
Can see some similarities between this song, ‘Happiness’ and ‘Oh Caroline’ and it is an enjoyable listen, however it is a bit more repetitive than these two songs. I listened as a single and really liked it, but unfortunately it got pushed to the back a little when I heard some of the non-singles. It has some great production though.
You can listen to the song here:
7. Wintering
Favourite lyric: I’ll be home on the twenty third, yeah I drive up on the twenty third
Ever quickening tempo which fuels the energy. Fast guitar with a true winter feel to it, including storytelling lyricism. It doesn’t feel right to put it this low, but there are songs that are a little stronger.
You can listen to the song here:
6. Part Of The Band
Favourite lyric: I was coming off the hinges, living on the fringes of my, my, my imagination
Odd choice as a single, but I’m glad it was chosen. In my head this song was a lot further up my ranking, but unfortunately it got over taken on my second listen. I still really like it though, as each section brings something different and I think it’s a really interesting listen.
You can listen to the song here:
5. The 1975
Favourite lyric: I’m sorry if you’re living and you’re seventeen
It’s always difficult to place the first song you hear on an album, because it sets the atmosphere for the rest of your listen. And this song wasn’t really what I was expecting. I like the strong focus on the lyrics, which brings an ever growing intensity that is inescapable, but I’m not complaining
You can listen to the song here:
4. About You
Favourite lyric: There was something about you that I can’t remember, it’s the same damn thing that made my heart surrender
It feels unlawful putting this song before the top three, but it is really close between the numbers at this point. The intro left a sense of ambiguity, but before you know it the group seemed to have found a soothing equilibrium between ‘Human Too’ and ‘I’m In Love With You’. It’s something relaxing, but not boring either. Mellow vocals with an ocean-like atmosphere. The addition of Carly Holt also fits right in.
You can listen to the song here:
3. Oh Caroline
Favourite lyric: If I’m undecided, will you decide for me?
Brings back the retro feel we heard in ‘Happiness’ at the beginning of the album. There’s nothing much to say other than it is an immensely catchy song and is one of the strongest songs on the album in my opinion.
You can listen to the song here:
2. Looking For Somebody (To Love)
Favourite lyric: You should have seen how they ran when I was lookin’ for somebody to love
A great example of how lyrics and melody can be an absolute contradiction to make a brilliant song. The chorus instrumental even reminds me a little of Bruce Springsteen, whereas the lyrics are telling the perspective of man causing a school shooting.
You can listen to the song here:
1. Happiness
Favourite lyric: Oh, oh, I would go blind just to see you, I’d go too far just to have you near
A song that gets better with every listen. Was a great choice for a single and reminds me of some of the songs that made me first like the band. Amazing production that shows off the vocals greatly.
You can listen to the song here: