In addition to appearing in several films and television shows, such as 13 Reasons Why and The Edge of Seventeen (2016), the song has been covered by several artists including Charlie Puth, Vérité and Lorde, with the latter citing it as a significant influence on her second studio album, Melodrama (2017). To promote "Somebody Else", the 1975 performed the song on tour and at various music festivals, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals and Pohoda. The video received positive reviews from critics, who highlighted the cinematic quality, introspective style and twist ending, with several comparing it to the work of filmmaker David Lynch and the film Fight Club (1999). The visual depicts Healy's attempts to move on from his former relationship, engaging in various situations that explore themes of isolation and self-obsession. The song was later certified gold in Australia and the United States by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), respectively, while it received a platinum certification in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).Īn accompanying music video, directed by Tim Mattia, was released on 7 July 2016. The song peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart, number eight on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, number 29 in Scotland, number 34 in Australia and number 70 in Ireland.
It later appeared on numerous year-end and decade-end lists, including ones published by NME, Pitchfork and The Times.
Reviewers praised the song's production quality, 1980s-style sound and lyrical depth. Upon release, "Somebody Else" received widespread acclaim from contemporary music critics, several of whom deemed it the best song on I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It. The lyrics explore the mixed emotions experienced after discovering a former lover has found a new partner, focusing on the themes of jealousy, grief, melancholia and bitterness, among others. Its sparse 1980s-style production incorporates synthesisers, 808 percussion and techno beats and has drawn comparisons to the work of Tears for Fears. The song contains elements of several genres, including house, chillwave, funk and neo-soul. It was released on 16 February 2016 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fourth single from the album.Ī slow jam, "Somebody Else" is a power ballad composed in the styles of electronic, R&B and synth-pop. The singer focused on the after-effects of a breakup, centred on the themes of jealousy and guilt. The song was the last one written for the album Healy developed the song's lyrics in Los Angeles while in the back of a cab. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. The song was written by George Daniel, Matthew Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. " Somebody Else" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (2016). Blending the most melancholy aspects of vintage pop rock with modern chill wave production, the nearly six-minute track is a sonic adventure to behold.From the album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It While the previous tracks released off of their upcoming sophomore album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, expanded their ‘80s revivalism into funky new waters, “Somebody Else” takes a decidedly different track. However, the lads didn’t get this far by resting on their laurels, and their determination to expand their musical horizons is evidenced on their masterful new single “Somebody Else”. Their trademark punchy guitar lines and upbeat synth, combined with frontman Matty Healy’s playful lyricism, catapulted the band to cult stardom. The Manchester pop rock quartet have taken the UK by storm, and developed a sizable stateside following in the process - all by taking the grandiosity and starry-eyed wonder of ‘80s pop and giving it a contemporary, witty upgrade. If you follow the contemporary alternative rock scene, The 1975 needs little introduction.