Song Stories: The 1975: Love It If We Made It
The 1975 went to a very different place on their 2018 album, "A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships", the band tapped into a collective consciousness of a new generation of people. Writing an album that summed up the thoughts and feelings of that time. "Love It If We Made It" is arguably the albums defining moment. With its bold lyrics, pulsating rhythm, and a uniquely hopeful message wrapped in critique, the song has cemented itself as one of the band’s enduring works.
Released at a time when political and social turmoil was on the rise globally, “Love It If We Made It” reflects a moment of profound uncertainty. Lead singer Matty Healy has been vocal about the fact that much of the inspiration for the track came from his own frustrations with the state of the world, amplified by the role of media and the rise of digital culture.
This song feels like a timestamp for 2018 but, more broadly, encapsulates a recurring theme in human history: the struggle to make sense of a world in chaos and the hope for collective progress despite everything.
A no holes barred state of address, that takes on everything from police brutality, to internet stan culture and even the refugee crisis all with the confines of a pop song. Healy’s lyrics read like a stream of consciousness, a flood of headlines, tweets, and fragments of conversations that many of us consume daily. The song touches on racism, police brutality, environmental decline, political corruption, and the erosion of truth in the age of social media.
But amid the biting commentary, the refrain of “Love it if we made it” rings like a mantra, a glimmer of hope in the midst of the disillusionment. In interviews, Healy described the song as a “cathartic scream” – a way of expressing the anger and sadness of a generation, yet with the hope that somehow, we’ll find a way through.
The songs video brings the lyrics to life, with photographs and videos being shown to tie in with the lyrics. With references to Michael Jackson, Kanye West, 9/11, the London Riots, Alan Kurdî and Grenfell amogst others. Acting as almost an addition to the song, overwhelming the listener similar to how modern media often does.
One of the video’s standout features is its use of bright, neon colors, which feels both artificial and intense – a fitting match for a song critiquing the hyper-saturated media culture. The contrast between vibrant visuals and somber themes creates an almost surreal effect, as though reality has become a fever dream of all the crises we face.
Watching the video, one can’t help but feel the sensory overload that mirrors daily life in the information age. The flashes of imagery act as a reminder of the many issues we’ve become desensitized to, and it’s almost like a plea to regain our collective sense of empathy.
Musically, “Love It If We Made It” is classic 1975: a shimmering mix of synthesizers, driving drums, and reverb-laden guitar that builds to a crescendo with each chorus. The instrumentation complements the song’s urgent tone, with Healy’s vocals moving between exasperation and optimism, mirroring the song's thematic duality. Produced by the band’s long-time collaborator George Daniel, the track creates a sense of urgency that reinforces the lyrics, making listeners feel like they’re scrolling through a never-ending newsfeed of crises and headlines.
The combination of pop elements with more abrasive themes is something The 1975 has explored in previous songs, but here it’s taken to a new level. Healy’s voice – sometimes sardonic, sometimes sincere – drives home the feeling of emotional overload, a sensation many listeners can relate to in the information-saturated age. The band are part of the "MTV Generaation" and grew up with some of the very best pop music ever, and this song is not only a powerful emotive speech about the state of the world it is also a brilliantly crafted piece of pop music.
Balancing earnesty with irony to create a well crafted affair. Healy is known for his willingness to address heavy subjects with a mix of sincerity and self-aware humor. This song leans heavily on irony, yet remains heartbreakingly genuine. The contrast between lyrical cynicism and the hopeful refrain is both jarring and compelling, making the song a rallying cry for those struggling to hold onto optimism.
“Love It If We Made It” is about resilience, both personal and collective. It captures the feeling of being on the brink of despair but holding onto the hope that we’ll make it through – together. By giving voice to the struggles of a generation, The 1975 has created a song that will continue to resonate for years to come. The song has become a defining anthem, both for the band and for fans who see themselves reflected in its lyrics.
Thank you for reading x
Jack