The 1975 have returned with a new album titled Being Funny in a Foreign Language, and it’s quite the unique package. There’s plenty to love for those who want that sound that made them fall in love with The 1975 in the first place, but others stand above the pack in every way imaginable. The third track of the record, ‘Looking for Somebody to Love’, is especially special because of how perfectly it captures exactly what it tries to portray.

The song opens from Happiness, which is quite the 80s four-on-the-floor dance track. We’ve heard that sound quite a lot recently, whether from Coldplay, The Weeknd, or the rise of indie bands that capitalize on the sudden love of 80s synth-pop. Being somewhat unfamiliar with The 1975’s discography, I felt a bit dizzy listening to Happiness. It’s a wonderful track, but not what I expected coming from the indie rockers. Then ‘Looking for Somebody to Love’ came on, and swept me off my feet. When the 80s are explored, as of late, they always imitate the post-disco grooves, but there’s a whole other side that up until now largely was left unexplored. That fun, bubblegum summer fun that was so prominent in the 80s – yes, the song that played in the car on the radio with your windows rolled down, wind sweeping through your hair. That’s exactly what The 1975 were able to capture, and not just in composition. Everything down to the production, the heavy-reverb and slap-back echo on just about every instrument, most prominently on the vocals, the synth-triggered instruments, the cheesy keys. Everything is here, and it’s nearly impossible not to smile ear-to-eat when first stumbling upon this song. The song has attitude and confidence that perfectly embodies that feel, accompanied with harmonies that perfectly emulate the style of the time. The chorus is impossible not to sing along to for days after listening to the song.

‘Looking for Somebody to Love’ could’ve been made in the 80s. Not in the same way that everyone else has done before. This doesn’t ‘sound’ like the 80s. This is IT. So, get up from your chair and dance along to one of the best send offs of the year 2022. And hey, listen to the rest of the album while you’re at it. It’s great, too.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.