Matty Healy, frontman of The 1975, recently addressed the removal of the song “Human Too” from the band’s 2022 album on streaming platforms. He offered insight into the decision via Reddit.
A fan had noticed the track’s disappearance from streaming platforms and reached out to Healy for clarification. In his response, the musician explained the reasoning behind the removal.
“Hey! Human Too was removed from the album so the album is more how I want it to be,” Healy said. “Previous physical release obviously remain the same.”
Healy also hinted at the possibility of future removals. He noted that he may reconsider other tracks from the band’s catalog. “I doubt the same will happen with any other records as I am pretty happy with them outside of ‘What should I say’ from Notes On A Conditional Form,” he continued. “So that may also be removed who knows. Sending love, Matty xxx.”
The removal reflects a broader trend in the streaming era. Artists now have the ability to refine their work after its initial release. This decision by Healy demonstrates how digital platforms have fundamentally changed the relationship between musicians and their published material.
Ground News reported that “Human Too” was removed from Being Funny in a Foreign Language, the band’s 2022 album, because Matty Healy no longer liked the song. He wanted the album to better reflect his artistic vision. The track’s disappearance from all streaming platforms marks a significant moment in how artists are utilizing their creative control in the digital age.
Importantly, ArcaMax Entertainment noted that physical copies of the album remain unchanged. Fans who purchased the original CD or vinyl release will still have access to “Human Too.” This distinction highlights the unique challenge posed by streaming services, where artists can now alter their digital catalogs independently from physical media.
Beyond “Human Too,” Healy has also expressed consideration for removing another track from the band’s earlier work. The Needle Drop revealed that Healy mentioned potentially removing “What Should I Say” from their 2020 album Notes On A Conditional Form. No final decision has been made on that track. This retroactive alteration of digital music content has become increasingly common in the streaming era, allowing artists greater flexibility in curating how their work is presented to audiences.
The decision underscores a growing phenomenon where musicians are taking advantage of streaming platforms’ capabilities to refine their discographies long after release. They are reshaping how listeners experience their albums in real time.
