British pop-rock band The 1975 recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their self-titled debut album that was released on September 2nd, 2013. Formerly known as “Drive Like I Do” the band formed in 2002, with all remaining members, Matty Healy, Ross Macdonald, George Daniel, and Adam Hann. The band has released five studio albums over the course of their career and has achieved great commercial success. In the fall, they will be playing multiple sold out stadium shows across North America for their “Still… At Their Very Best” tour.

The band has made many moves to celebrate the anniversary, such as releasing exclusive merchandise and a live album of their show at Gorilla Manchester where they played the standard album in full. Along with this, the band released the deluxe version of the album on a limited edition vinyl for the first time. As well as headlining Reading & Leeds musical festival where they began their set playing hits from the album.

The deluxe edition of their self-titled album is extensive, running nearly two hours long, but is absolutely worth the full listen. While most bands have their music improve with time and new releases, The 1975 had an impressively strong start to their career with their debut. Some of the songs being the best of their entire discography. There is a lot of variety in the deluxe edition, ranging from rock songs like “Chocolate,” to a more pop sound like in “Heart Out,” and even more experimental sounds like “Menswear.” Despite the bouncing around of genres, the tracks on this album are still cohesive and work very well together. Composing a very distinct style. The deluxe edition is composed of the standard 16 track album with additional tracks from their four EPs.

The album opens with a beautiful atmospheric track named after the band itself “The 1975,” which they have made a tradition of doing for every album since. The two albums following their debut even using the same lyrics with different instrumentals. This opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album. It then transitions into feel good pop-rock tracks, “The City” and “M.O.N.E.Y.” Arguably the weakest tracks on the album (along with “Talk!” a little further down the line), they are still just catchy and enjoyable enough to keep you hooked until you hit the stronger emo classics such as “Sex,” which boasts very impressive vocals, guitar riffs, and creative lyricism. “Chocolate” and “Girls” follow close behind in quality and popularity, being two fan favorites from the debut. Along with the most impressive track from the band, “Robbers,” which is undoubtedly Healy’s best showcase of his vocal talent in the bridge of the song.

The latter half of the deluxe edition contains the music from the band’s EPs. Which delve deeper into the more experimental aspects of their sound, most going against what is typical of a standard rock album. Such as the track “You,” which is an almost ten minute song that begins with soft vocals and simple guitar loops that make for a relaxed listen. Then begins minutes of complete silence, before the secret track “Milk” begins. These tracks exemplify the creativity and talent of the band. This section of the album is what really sets The 1975 apart from other artists.

Healy’s lyrical skills, which he is known for, are strongest here as well. This is shown most prevalently in the song “Antichrist,” a profound track that touches on subjects of religious hypocrisy and loss of faith. The album hits you with surprise tracks like this throughout this section that are equally as profound, like “Me” which goes into Healy’s home life and difficult relationship with his father during his parents divorce. And a beautiful melancholy track titled “Woman” which, like “Robbers,” showcases Healy’s vocal prowess. The album circles back to the atmospheric sound of its opening track as we approach the end in songs such as “Anobrain,” “HNSCC,” and “Haunt // Bed.”

The album closes out with “Fallingforyou.” A moody, slower track that ties together the past two hours of genre bending music. The 1975 set themselves up for great success with this debut album, being one of the most impressive debuts from any artist. The band clearly was not worried about how marketable or palatable their work was, but instead followed their own creative vision that takes you on a journey of different emotions from its wide array of sounds.

The album is available to stream on most platforms, and tickets are still available now for their upcoming North America and UK/EU tour.