The 1975, If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know) | Track Review 🎵

The 1975 return with a remarkable seventh single from their fourth album (Notes no a Conditional Form), “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know).”

The 1975 have certainly kept busy in 2020.  Ahead of their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form, the band has released a whopping seven singles! Of course, Notes on a Conditional Form itself is comprised of 22 tracks.  Going back to the singles, the song at hand, “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” marks that seventh single.  Perhaps it truly is ‘lucky number seven.’  Why? “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” has a case as the best advance record from the album.

“If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” is accomplished in just about every facet. Instrumentally, the song serves up some truly decadent ear candy.  Very much styled in the 80s vain, “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” is quite sleek with its horns and keyboards, complementing the guitars. One of the brightest spots musically comes by way of an electrifying saxophone solo, again, straight out of the 80s.  Vocally, Matthew Healy remains a compelling frontman, particularly given the subject matter – online dating…we think.

“I see her online, all the time / I’m trying not to stare down there.” Hmm, maybe it’s sketchier than online dating. Regardless, Healy is particularly intrigued by her looks and the sexual potential more than a potential emotional connection.  On the second verse, he freakily adds, “I’ve been wearing nothing every time I call you / And I’m starting to feel weird about it…” Hmm, ya think Matty? Of course, it’s the chorus that’s the centerpiece – the crowning achievement!

“‘Maybe I would like you better if you took off your clothes
I’m not playing with you baby, I think that you should give it a go’
She said, ‘Maybe I would like you better if you took off your clothes
I wanna see and stop thinking, if you’re too shy then let me –
Too shy then let me know.’”

Wow.

Final Thoughts 

I was a big fan of “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”, a record that is starkly different from this one.  However, “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” is easily the more fun, memorable cut from Notes on a Condition.  What makes “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” such a bop is the sound, highly influenced by the 80s, energetic vocals from Healy, and of course, the theme and lyrics.

The 1975 • Notes on a Conditional Form • Interscope • Release: 5.22.20

Photo Credit: Interscope