The 1975, Notes on a Conditional Form | Album Review (Condensed) 💿

The 1975 throw around a vast number of ideas throughout their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form, which ultimately lacks cohesion.

The pop album in the 10s and 20s often features an assortment of different styles, which each song often sounding distinct and unrelated to the others. This can be positive but often, it hurts cohesiveness and the bigger purpose of the project.  In the case of Notes on a Conditional Form, the fourth studio album by British alternative collective The 1975, the band embraces the same ‘grab bag of tricks’ approach.  The ambition and restlessness exhibited by Matthew Healy and company is quite captivating at times. 

The problem is, this ‘grab bag of tricks’ approach works most accessibly with shorter, tighter albums compared to a 22-track, 80-minute juggernaut like Notes on a Conditional Form.  The album has its fair share of moments but lacks cohesion ultimately.  **NOTE: This version of the album review is condensed, focusing merely on the highlights.  Check out the original, full track-by-track review HERE.** 

“Frail State of Mind”

✓ “Frail State of Mind” marks another shift on Notes on a Conditional Form.  Backed by a UK-style electronic groove, “Frail State of Mind” has more of a danceable quality, within the context of alternative music/alternative pop/rock that is.  As far as sound, it’s certainly more in line with the band’s 2016 album, I like it when you asleep…, and its 80s sensibilities.  You could argue that the music is what stands out most, though the theme and lyrics certainly aren’t unimportant considering Healy explores mental health. Unsurprising, The 1975 shift stylistically once more on ✓ “The Birthday Party,” the lengthiest song yet behind the opener (“The 1975”).  Approaching five minutes in duration is always ambitious, but “The Birthday Party” is worthwhile.  Healy exhibits plenty of personality, with colorful, honest lyrics:

“And I seen the girls and they were all like
‘Do you wanna come and get fucked up?’
Listen, I got myself a missus, says there can’t be any kissing
‘No, don’t be a fridge, you better wise up kid
It’s all Adderall now, it doesn’t make you wanna do it.’”

“The Birthday Party” has an indie/alternative pop/rock sound that’s built on more traditional rock instrumentation – guitars, bass, drums – with some additional tone color (keyboards, some horns, etc.).

“Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”

“I’m in love with Jesus Christ / He’s so nice.” ✓ “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” tackles faith and sexuality. The opening lyric comes off incredibly ‘Christian,’ however, sexuality comes into play on the second verse, with Phoebe Bridgers assisting: “I’m in love with a boy I know / But that’s a feeling I can never show.”  Why can’t he show it? Let’s see, friction between being homosexual and Christian, sinful Sodom and Gomorrah, and “Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve” … Bridgers has her own moment where sexuality comes to the forefront, expressing love for Claire, and mentions that she “masturbate(s) the second she’s not there.” With Healy and Bridgers being Christians (contextually), the chorus, the centerpiece, highlights the plight of the gay Christian, who is a walking contradiction, as well as potentially Healy’s desire for a faith he doesn’t possess.

“Fortunately, I believe, lucky me
Searching for planes in the sea, and that’s irony
Soil just needs water to be, and a seed
So, if we can turn into a tree, can I be the leaves?”

Ultimately, this standout record has ample layers to unpack.

Following “Roadkill,” “Me & You Together Song” comes into play, another piece of the ever scattered Notes on a Conditional Form.  The sound is quite loud, with lots going on – understatement. The backdrop just doesn’t let up, robust thanks to bright, rhythmic guitars, which are pronounced in the mix. The balance is questionable, particularly throwing in lead and backing vocals.  Additionally, there’s a big bass line and anchoring drums. Beyond sound, the songwriting and theme encompass infatuation, summed up on the simple, relatable chorus.  Throughout the verses, Healy fills in the blanks about his love, specifically his mishaps and quirks.  The second verse stands out, with reference to ‘queerness’: “I’m sorry that I’m kinda queer, it’s not as weird as it appears /… Oh, it’s okay, lots of people think I’m gay.” By the end, he emphasizes how long he’s been totally into her.

“Nothing Revealed / Everything Denied”

✓ “Nothing Revealed / Everything Denied” marks an experiment the band hadn’t tried prior on Notes… hip-hop.  Additionally, the standout borrows some of the soulful, gospel cues of “If I Believe You,” one of my favorites from I like it when you sleep… (2016).  “Nothing Revealed / Everything Denied” features beautiful vocals from Healy, though the rap verse is more forgettable.  Atonement comes by way of those choral vocals, as well as the groove.

On “Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy)” does not constitute as a highlight, but, worth mentioning, it uses a The Temptations sample (“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”). ✓ “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” is accomplished in just about every facet; one of the best songs to grace the album. Styled in the 80s vain, it’s quite sleek with horns and keyboards complementing guitars. One of the brightest spots is an electrifying saxophone solo.  Vocally, Healy remains compelling, particularly with online dating as the theme (“I see her online, all the time / I’m trying not to stare down there”).  He’s intrigued by her looks and the sexual potential more than an 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…” The chorus is the centerpiece:

“‘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.’”

Though it runs long, it’s quite a bop; definitely fun and memorable.

“Playing on My Mind”

“Playing on My Mind” is a reflective record that explores matters of the mind.  At different points throughout the LP, Matthew Healy explores mental health.  Later, “Don’t Worry” finds Healy expressing dedication, alongside his father, Tim Healy.  “Guys” concludes Notes on a Conditional Form thoughtfully – it has good intentions. Healy is thankful for his bandmates, which is totally understandable and worth celebrating.  However, I’m not sure if it’s the exhaustive length of the album that causes the slight rub that the “Guys” is a bit, um, dare I say schmaltzy… It’s probably the slow pace and repetition of the key lyric, “You guys are the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Final Thoughts

So, what does one make of Notes on a Conditional Form? The 1975 have lots of ideas. Some of those ideas work great, while others are less effective. So many ideas definitely hurts the cohesiveness of the project.  Yes, there’s plenty to like but (1) it’s incredibly scattered, and (2) it’s TOO DAMN LONG – yeah, I said it!  Still, with the age of streaming considered, the band presents an album where you can pick and choose what best suits you. A mixed bag, there’s enough good here to revisit…selectively.

✓ Gems: “Frail State of Mind,” “The Birthday Party,” “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America,” “Nothing Revealed / Everything Denied” & “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)”

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

Photo Credit: Interscope