Sunday Sounds: August 2, 2020, “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)”
Samantha Colleran, August 2020
I’m a huge fan of The 1975. Their most recent album, Notes On A Conditional Form, wasn’t my personal favorite of their albums; I felt it was a bit of a letdown and haven’t listened to it in full since my first listen. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great songs on this 22 track album, and “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” (one of the many singles off Notes) is among those select few great songs. Maybe it’s because it’s the most “1975” sounding song on the record and I cling to the songs that sound like the ones I fell in love with when I was thirteen, but this song truly is amazing whether you’re an avid fan of the band or not.
“If You’re Too Shy” starts off sounding like an instrumental track with a scattering of vocals for the first minute or so before a little guitar riff begins and we’re launched into this 80s sounding masterpiece jam packed with guitars and horns. The lyrics are about falling in love with a girl over the internet. Many people nowadays begin their relationships online now, and this song is, in a way, a commentary on that aspect of our world. Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975 and a writer on the song, spoke about some of the lyrics on the official Genius lyrics page for the song. Overall, “If You’re Too Shy” talks about fancying someone you see online (“I see her online/ All the time”), and forming an intimate relationship with “the girl on the screen”. It’s an interesting take on the world of dating, and being able to read some of the meaning behind the lyrics directly from Matty puts the song into perspective.
In a way this song is similar to “Sometimes A Fantasy” by Billy Joel, but with a time relevant, 1975 spin on it. Even if you’re not a fan of the lyrical content, the backing music is absolutely stellar and makes you want to dance your heart out. Check out the song below and let me know your thoughts on “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)”!
I feel u on the “ Maybe it’s because it’s the most “1975” sounding song on the record”. Probably why it’s my favorite on the album. Thanks for doing the thinking for me and keep up the great work!!
Really like this ! Sounds like it could easily be on the soundtrack for an 80”s rom
Com, which in my opinion adds to it’s likability!!