"I Can Change" is a standout synth-pop single by American band LCD Soundsystem, released in 2010 as part of their third studio album, This Is Happening. Blending emotionally raw lyrics with a sleek, retro-inspired electronic arrangement, the track captures both the vulnerability and dance-floor energy characteristic of the band’s style.
Song Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | LCD Soundsystem |
| Album | This Is Happening (2010) |
| Songwriters | James Murphy, Pat Mahoney |
| Producer | James Murphy |
| Length | 5:56 (album version) |
| Label | DFA |
| Chart Peak | #85 France |
| Notable Covers | Ezra Furman (acoustic cover) |
Composition & Style
- The song draws heavily on 1980s synth-pop, with James Murphy citing Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) era as a major influence1.
- Layers of analog synths, shimmering bell-tones, and tightly sequenced drum machines evoke New Wave classics, while maintaining LCD Soundsystem’s modern, indie-dance sensibility2.
- Murphy’s vocal delivery is earnest and confessional, set against a persistent, hypnotic groove.
Lyrics & Themes
- The song’s lyrics revolve around desperation and longing to save a failing relationship, with the repeated promise, “I can change if it helps you fall in love...”12.
- There is a self-aware, almost tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of one’s own flaws and the difficulty of genuine transformation.
- Critics highlight the tension between the upbeat, danceable arrangement and the heartbreaking, vulnerable emotional core1.
- Standout lines include: “Love is an open book to a verse of your bad poetry / and this is coming from me...”2.
Legacy and Reception
- Praised for balancing authentic melancholy with dancefloor appeal; it’s considered one of LCD Soundsystem’s most emotionally direct tracks2.
- Included in the soundtrack for the video game FIFA 11, broadening its reach3.
- The track’s distinctive sound and emotional honesty have led to covers by other artists, including a well-regarded acoustic version by Ezra Furman4.
- Although not a major chart hit, "I Can Change" has become a fan favorite and a high point in the band's live sets.
Track Variations & Releases
| Version | Length |
|---|---|
| Album version | 5:56 |
| Radio edit | 4:04 |
| Stereogamous Remix | 8:34 |
| Tiga Remix | 7:46 |
| Instrumental | 5:56 |
Influence & Notable Facts
- James Murphy described initial anxiety about the song’s vulnerability, debating whether to include it on the album, but ultimately embraced its “desperate” honesty1.
- The song’s interplay of classic synth hooks and modern production makes it feel simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary1.
"I Can Change" stands as an anthem for anyone grappling with the complexities of love and self-improvement, blending LCD Soundsystem’s signature wit, vulnerability, and infectious grooves213.
