In a surprising move, The 1975 has removed the track 'Human Too' from streaming platforms. The song, which was part of their 2022 album Being Funny in a Foreign Language, no longer aligns with frontman Matthew Healy's artistic vision for the album. Healy took to Reddit to explain the decision, stating, 'Human Too was removed from the album so the album is more how I want it to be.' His candid admission sheds light on the evolving nature of creative expression in today's digital age.
The band's decision to alter an album post-release reflects a growing trend among artists to refine their work after it has reached the public. Healy reassured fans that other albums are safe, although he hinted that 'What Should I Say' from Notes on a Conditional Form may face a similar fate. In the age of streaming and digital media, such changes are achievable and even sometimes expected, though entirely removing a song years after release remains relatively unusual.
This development highlights an interesting aspect of modern music consumption. Unlike physical media, where changes are permanent and difficult to reverse, the digital realm allows artists to more fluidly interact with and modify their creations. Healy noted that 'Human Too' still appears on existing physical copies of the album, preserving its initial artistic statement for those who favor tangibility over streaming convenience.
The removal of 'Human Too' illustrates the fluidity of art in today's music industry, where artists can continually refine and redefine their works after they have been released to the public. The shift from physical to digital formats has granted musicians unprecedented control over their art, empowering them to adapt their projects to fit their evolving visions.
As the boundaries between completion and perfectionism blur, fans might see more artists embracing this capability to make retroactive alterations that align with current artistic intents. While some listeners cherish these updates as fresh interpretations, others pine for the original versions that evoke nostalgia and a connection to a specific time and place.
With the power to modify albums post-release, musicians like Healy can continuously improve their output. But with this power comes the challenge of meeting fans' expectations while staying true to their original inspirations. Only time will tell if this trend will set a precedent for how albums are consumed and appreciated in the future.