Album review! The 1975 - I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it

The 1975 have entered into the 2016 charts with the longest album name to go number one…probably. The UK’s funk-pop-rockers have also asserted dominance in the charts over in the US debuting at number one as well. I read an article the other day and found out they are only the 16^th UK artists to simultaneously hold number one positions in the UK and US; joining artists like The Beatles, Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones. 

You start the album off by listening to ‘the 1975’ by the 1975, which I guess is what it feels like to spend 1 minute and 20 seconds in Matt Healy’s mind – a synth-pop dreamland of, well, confusion.  

Then, suddenly, things kick up a gear as the band launches into funk-guitar driven ‘Love Me’. This is the first single to be released from the new 1975 record and it’s a quirky, pisstake on selfie culture. The fabulous video depicts a topless Healy stumbling between life-size cardboard cutouts of commercial superstars like Taylor Swift and Rita Ora. In the song Healy admits he isn’t afraid to see what people write about him on social media, which I think is admirable because I couldn’t do it. 

The 1975 maintain the pace into the next song ‘UGH!’ which, quite simply, is about cocaine. More specifically, Matt Healy’s past dabbling with it. "This conversation's not about reciprocation no more/But I'm gonna wait until you've finished so I can talk some more/About me and my things, my car, my living/And how I'm giving it up, giving it up again". It’s a genius piece of writing and so accurately illustrated, probably my favourite from the album so give it a listen. 

Another great song from this record is ‘The Sound” which is like going round on a carousel – the most joyous, uplifting carousel ever.  The song is an anthemic chorus line of bouncing synth filled in with curious, questioning shade and jibes. The song is also home to a great guitar solo, the best on the album. 

The album is brutally honest, fun and expressive. Admittedly some songs are a bit wishy-washy and daydreamy but truthfully I think the album needs those kind of ballad driven tunes because they shine a light on important cultural messages for young people. But the songs I talked about like ‘UGH!’, ‘Love Me’ and ‘The Sound’ are at least worth a listen. 

Overall, I think the album is sound. The follow up to the first hit, self-titled record is actually better but I think the 1975 are capable of something special here…so it’s okay to be demanding! I like the way the 1975 carry themselves in the media and their music speaks for themselves, which is all written and produced by Healy and Daniels. I also love the pop sound with a rock voice. 

History of the ‘Frontman’: What Makes them so Great?

Today, What’s The Set List takes a look back over a timeline of sepia-toned rock and roll imagery. The timeline will look at the greatest lead singers of the greatest bands of all time so we have strictly left out great soloists like Elvis, Bowie, Dylan, Chuck Berry and many more. Another rule to abide by is front women don’t count, something for another time? Who knows? On this journey through the ages we will discover the ingredients to making the perfect frontman, and what makes them so compelling. 

The timeline begins in the early 60s… 

John Lennon is one of the first and most influential figures in popularised music. It just so happens that one of the first is also probably the biggest UK export to USA. John Lennon was known as the ‘Intelligent One’ in the early Beatles days, we also know that he had a ‘cheeky chappy’ aura about him – he famously reeled off a classic line at the Royal Variety Performance in 1963. He said “For our last number I’d like to ask your help. Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of ya just rattle ya jewellery.” Before leaping into Twist and Shout. In terms of music, he was the UK’s first real rock star, a working class vocal and genius music writer.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS0wuN_6wyw&index=39&list=LLspbW076jzOvVcqir84EWcw  

Mick Jagger came about just after Lennon in the form of the Rolling Stones. This development saw a change from a clean-cut, cheeky lad from Liverpool to a darker, more aloof rocker. Jagger is probably the first and original frontman in the sense that he dances around the stage and really gets the crowd going – surely the primary function of a frontman? And he also sustained the ultimate frontman status in a long career. I mean, credit where credit’s due – he’s in his 70s and still owning and lighting up stages all over the planet. 

Robert Plant is the lead singer of Led Zeppelin and can be best remembered for long blond hair and a powerful, bare-chested appearance. His charismatic rock and roll image helped develop the first phrases like “Rock God”. Plant’s lyrics can often be described as philosophical, thought provoking and mystical. Fans all over the world loved him for his deep-thinking powerful stage presence. 

Freddie Mercury is undoubtedly the greatest frontman of all time. If you haven’t seen it, then watch the link below this paragraph. I can’t think of another frontman where the whole audience hangs off of every movement, or someone who can captivate 50,000+ people. It’s tough to call, but it’s between Freddie and Plant for the best singer award.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRcVACHAwcE&index=51&list=LLspbW076jzOvVcqir84EWcw 

Sting is the bass player and frontman of the Police, which, in the 70s and 80s, was a pretty big deal. Although not a prancing showman like previous legends like Jagger, Plant and Mercury – he was considered a hugely desired frontman. Sting and The Police were thrust onto the world stage with a completely new wave sound which has not really been matched since – and Sting was a key driver behind this. His voice was different but had a real rockstar attitude; also women go crazy for him.

Axl Rose embodies that “Rock God” image, similarly to Robert Plant with the long blonde mane, leather trousers and consistently topless. He also still has to wrestle for frontman rights with lead guitarist Slash that makes his frontman symbol even harder to grab. Despite this, they still managed to conjure up one of the greatest songs of all time in “Sweet Child O Mine”. Rose also has the largest vocal range; apparently it’s larger than singer’s like Mariah Carey and Prince. Also, AXL ROSE has the coolest name. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1ZRBPA8SK0&index=110&list=LLspbW076jzOvVcqir84EWcw  

Kurt Cobain is a step away from the cheeky chap, “look at me” image from the previously mentioned. But it’s his symbol and what he meant for young people during his short but hugely important career. Cobain was an extremely clever guy, which really translated in his songwriting. He managed to be able to write about everything a young person could or would have been going through and these things really resonated with his listeners. 

Liam Gallagher in the days of Oasis was untouchable. With a vocal that represented every young working class lad in the UK and the great songwriting of his brother really shaped 90s Britpop. Although not exactly an accomplished songwriter, the music of Oasis was fronted by Liam and what people really respect about Liam is his willingness to take the whole world on attitude.

  

Alex Turner is like a UK version of Kurt Cobain in the sense that his music really speaks to young people and can really um up the life of a teenager. He is also very quiet and boyish but ultimately he is the frontman of one of the biggest bands of the now. As someone who has been able to grow up with Turner’s music it is sweet to see how he has grown from that scruffy, shy, teenager to an edgy greaser.  

Harry Styles is proof that the frontman is alive in pop music, despite the separation of One Direction it is exciting to see what’s next for Harry. Probably the most handsome on this list and has the world at his feet; there is no knowing what he could achieve next. Styles has had a string of high-profile women on his arm which is similar to people like Mick Jagger. What’s most important about him is that he could be a step towards a more clean-cut, calmer frontman – someone your parents don’t mind bringing home… 

It’s clear that what we admire most about these superstars is that they are a symbol of revolution. A real escape for the everyday, normal citizen of the world. Yes, pretty much all of our favourites were junkies, and that isn’t exactly the most admirable quality, but maybe that’s because what we like so much - these rockstars have no fear, they feel invincible. Mix that with some truly exceptional sounds and you find yourself a hero, a rock hero. And there’s so many more; Chris Martin, Johnny Rotten, Jimi Hendrix, Thom Yorke, Matt Healy from the 1975… they’re all no exception. A frontman is a leader of a generation, and let’s face it – we all wouldn’t mind being a part of these people’s gang. 

The BRIT Awards 2016

So last night were The BRIT awards, or the Adele awards after last nights ceremony. There were some fabulous acts and speeches, so I have a few on here for you to watch, as well as a list of all the award winners and nominees. ENJOY!

British Male Solo Artist 

Winner: James Bay

Mark Ronson

Jamie XX

Aphex Twin

Calvin Harris

British Female Solo Artist

Winner: Adele

Amy Winehouse

Florence + The Machine

Jess Glynn

Laura Marling

British Group

Winner: Coldplay

Blur 

Foals

One Direction

Years & Years

British Breakthrough Act

Winner: Catfish and the Bottlemen

James Bay

Jess Glynn

Wolf Alice

Years & Years

British Producer of the Year

Winner: Charlie Andrew

Mark Ronson

Mike Crossley

Tom Dalgety

British Single

Winner: Hello - Adele

How Deep Is Your Love - Calvin Harris & Disciples

Bloodstream - Ed Sheeran & Rudimental

Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

Hold Back The River - James Bay

Hold My Hand - Jess Glynn

Black Magic - Little Mix

Up - Olly Murs ft. Demi Lovato

Wish You Were Mine - Phillip George

King - Years & Years

Mastercard British Album of the Year

Winner: 25 - Adele

A Head Full Of Dreams - Coldplay

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful - Florence + The Machine

In Colour - Jamie XX

Chaos and The Calm - James Bay

British Artist Video

Winner: Drag Me Down - One Direction

Hello - Adele

Black Magic - Little Mix

How Deep Is Your Love - Calvin Harris & Disciples

King - Years & Years

Photograph - Ed Sheeran

Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

Flashlight - Jessie J

Writing's On The Wall - Sam Smith

Runnin' (Losing it all) - Naughty Boy ft. Beyonce & Arrow Benjamin

International Male Solo Artist

Winner: Justin Beiber

Drake

Father John Misty

Kendrick Lamar

The Weeknd

International Female Solo Artist

Winner: Bjork

Ariana Grande

Courtney Barnett

Lana Del Ray

Megan Trainor

International Group

Winner: Tame Impala

Alabama Shakes

Eagles of Death Metal

Major Lazer

U2

Critics Choice Award

Winner: Jack Garratt

Izzy Bizu

Frances

Global Success

Winner: Adele

Adele performing a stunning rendition of her latest single 'When We Were Young.

Lorde's wonderful version of Life on Mars and touching words from Annie Lenox and Gary Oldman

Justin Bieber performed Love Yourself & Sorry with a little help from James Bay, it was rather refreshing to hear him sing live.

Little Mix showed off their moves and danced their way through their song Black Magic.