On Sept. 2, 2013, British alt-rock band, The 1975, released their first studio album to the public after a long run of EPs that included “Facedown” and “Music For Cars.” Their self-titled debut recently passed its 10th anniversary. This self-titled album launched their career, which has resulted in international success and critical acclaim. Since the release of this album they have gone on to release four additional collections, including “I Like it When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It” (2016), “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” (2018), “Notes On A Conditional Form” (2020) and their most recent release “Being Funny In A Foreign Language” (2022), all of which have achieved both commercial and critical success.

Many songs off this album were commercially successful, however one of the most recognizable songs for listeners is “Robbers,” the sixth single off the album.

According to information from Genius, the song is about toxic relationships and the idea that two people can rob each other of a chance for happiness by being blinded by love. In 2019, the single reached gold status from the Recording Industry Association of America, having sold over 500,000 units in the United States. This song still holds up for fans today and is one of the band’s most notable ballads. 

However, the most commercially successful song from the album would turn out to be the song “Chocolate.” The song originated off of the EP “Music For Cars,” but was re-released as a single for their debut album. According to Genius, the song is about the relationship between the government and citizens in the small town the band originated from. It has also been called by frontman Matty Healy a “love letter to boredom.” The song achieved gold status from the RIAA in 2015, and then platinum and double platinum status in 2021. To this day, “Chocolate” remains one the the most successful and recognizable songs the band has ever recorded. 

There were many hidden gems on this album besides those aforementioned that deserve recognition. One song is titled “Fallingforyou,” which was originally released on the EP “IV,”  and subsequently re-released as a part of the debut’s deluxe edition. According to Genius, the song is about young love and the fear that someone might have when it comes to unreciprocated feelings. Genius also included a statement from Healy where he expresses regret for not including this song on the original release of the album, as he believes it is the best song he has ever written. 

A final beloved track of this album can be found with the song “You.” “You” was another featured  on one of their early works, this time off of their EP “Sex,” but like “Fallingforyou” was re-released on the deluxe version of their debut album. “You,” according to Genius, is a song about the frustration Healy felt in a relationship he was in, referencing their growing unhappiness and resentment for one another. It almost feels like two songs, as there is a long pause between its two halves, and the sections each have a different sound but work very well together. “You” is a must listen for any 1975 newbies. 

Reflecting on this album, consumers saw some of the very best this band had to offer right off the bat. The album as a whole was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA in 2016 and 2018, respectively, making it one of the most successful projects the band has ever produced. From track 1 to track 39 of the deluxe edition, there are very few skippable songs. 

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their self-titled album, the band has released limited edition merchandise related to the album, such as a special edition vinyl LP of the album, and some clothing options as well. Along with this, the band is going to be touring this fall to both celebrate the debut’s anniversary and to perform their new album “Being Funny In A Foreign Language,” with tour locations coming closest to Cleveland being Columbus on Nov. 3 at the Nationwide Arena and Pittsburgh on Nov. 5 at the PPG Paints Arena.