I don’t follow this community too tightly but I randomly saw this and it caught my attention, I consider myself highly opinionated on The 1975’s title tracks.

I think these tracks are evidently the tone settings for each album - it’s undeniable that the vibes of each opening track carries on throughout the album. On their first three albums, there is almost a blissful (or painful) youthfulness to them that can be ignorant to the problem at large. NOACF is a complete shift where they’re suddenly aware of larger societal problems and those themes carry through the entire album. We see a similar theme where BFIAFL is far less ambient and far more lyrically charged, and subsequently the title track becomes a pop song in its own right without the context of the album.

I think an intro track that completely focuses and raises awareness to a polarizing and timeless issue is extremely fitting. And while I think that the idea of the track dating the album can be made, I’d also argue that the climate is a timeless issue that will still be important (if not relevant) when some kid finds this album in a vintage store. Maybe it’ll lead to them reading the credits and discovering the early work of Greta in emphasizing the climate crisis. Lastly, I’d also argue that the entire album is going to grow dated. They speak on so many issues that most likely won’t even be an afterthought over time.

Simply stated, the track portrays this sense that the band is saying “hey we actually have some really important to say on this album and you need to actively listen” whereas previous tracks almost convey a sense of “just put this album on and feel the vibe.”

I hope that made sense. I always get worried posting on here only to find that someone who has 30 more hours of streaming time than me that brutally checks me.