| "Give Yourself a Try" | ||||
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| Single by the 1975 | ||||
| from the album A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships | ||||
| Released | 31 May 2018 | |||
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| Length | 3:17 | |||
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| The 1975 singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Give Yourself a Try" on YouTube | ||||
"Give Yourself a Try" is a song by English band the 1975 from their third studio album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018). The song was written by band members Matty Healy, George Daniel, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald, while Daniel and Healy handled the production. It was released on 31 May 2018 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the lead single from the album. The band was inspired by the works of Joy Division, specifically their track "Disorder", which Healy said stemmed from both acts originating from Macclesfield. He wrote the song using a mix of autobiographical and fictional elements, wanting to capture the health and social anxiety experienced by millennials.
A lo-fi indie rock and post-punk song, "Give Yourself a Try" revolves around an aggressive pop-punk guitar riff reminiscent of "Disorder". The former's production consists of post-punk guitars, a robotic synth hook, a motorik-leaning beat and influences of Britpop, synth-pop, pop, pop-punk and garage punk. Thematically, it deals with maturing and escaping the trappings of fame, with Healy calling for people to recognize their self-worth and become a part of the world. Lyrically, the song covers ageing, identity and introspection, among others.
Upon release, "Give Yourself a Try" received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who compared it to the Strokes and praised the lyrics and production, noting the song expands the 1975's sound while retaining their signature style. The song later appeared on several year-end lists and earned a nomination for Best Rock Song at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020. Commercially, it reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart, number 27 in Scotland, number 51 in Ireland and number 12 on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The song was later certified silver in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). An accompanying music video, directed by Diane Martel, was released on 31 May 2018. The visual–which Healy said was inspired by Lady Gaga and self-reflection–features the band performing the song in a mirrored room.