"Sex" | ||||
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Single by the 1975 | ||||
from the EP Sex and the album The 1975 | ||||
Released | 23 August 2013 | |||
Studio | Rose Cottage (Wilmslow, Cheshire, England) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:26 | |||
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The 1975 singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Sex" on YouTube |
"Sex" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second extended play (EP) of the same name (2012) and eponymous debut studio album (2013). The song was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. The band co-produced the EP version of the song with Michael and Robert Coles, while Mike Crossey provided additional production. The album version, produced by Crossey and the band, was released as the lead single on 23 August 2013 by Dirty Hit, Polydor Records and Vagrant Records. Written at the age of 19, Healy said the song represents a love letter to prudish teenage girls.
An indie rock, indie pop and emo song, "Sex" contains elements of Britpop, power pop and pop-punk. Centred around spontaneous sexual intercourse and relationship allegiances, the song's lyrics discuss teenage angst, lust and infidelity. Upon release, the song received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who praised its instrumentation, hooks and nostalgic lyrics, with some deeming it a highlight from Sex and The 1975. The song peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart and number 35 on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, and later was certified gold in both countries. Three music videos were released to accompany the song, including one set to an acoustic rendition of the track and a black and white version. The main version, directed by Adam Powell, was released on 26 July 2013. The visual depicts teenagers having sex, partying and taking drugs.