Hello hello, Queer Music Club! 👋🏽
While it may have been out for a few weeks now, I’d love to have a kiki about certified queer music icon Olly Alexander’s debut solo album Polari. I’ve been a long time fan of Olly and Years & Years and I’m so excited to follow his journey into this new era. This album is sweaty, synthy, slightly chaotic, and very, very gay—in the best way possible.
So let’s get into this track-by-track breakdown of Polari, shall we?
1. Polari
We’re opening with a glitchy, electric fever dream that sounds like it time-traveled straight from a queer underground club in the late 80s. There’s a lot going on—brash beats, electric guitar riffs—but tbh, it’s a shame all these pieces just don’t add up to more. It feels more like an interlude, a chaotic amuse-bouche to set the vibe.
2. Cupid’s Bow
A synthy, 80s-tinged pop that lyrically takes us on a chase for unrequited love. Yes please. This feels on brand for Olly and I’m here for it.
3. I Know
This track really builds on the album’s soundscape with chaotic beats, stabbing horns, and some diva vocals from Olly. We’re going full alt-queer-club-kid here, and I need someone to text me the address of whatever underground venue inspired this. Bring your mesh top and emotional baggage.
4. Shadow of Love
The cruising continues. Dark, dreamy, a little dangerous—the vibe is 3am right as you lock eyes with someone across a smoky dance floor. Olly’s vocals are serving sultry realness, and I am eating it up.
5. Make Me a Man
We’ve gone full maximalist on this track with so many competing ideas. It’s giving some Erasure vibes but I’m not sure it totally works. It’s been growing on me with time.
6. Dizzy
Olly’s Eurovision entry makes its appearance, and it honestly feels a little too polished and bland for the rest of the album.
7. Archangel
This is my favorite of the singles that led to the album’s release. Lyrically, it feels very reminiscent of Years & Years’ early music and really takes me back to the 2010s. Nostalgia’s fun and this is pop perfection. Don’t @ me.
8. Miss You So Much
And we’re back to the “all of the above” instrumentation of the album’s first half. I really want to love the driving chorus, but there’s just so much going on here.
9. When We Kiss
Another single I’ve really enjoyed. A dance floor tearjerker with whispered vocals and a pounding beat that makes you feel like the main character in your own emotional music video. This is what I come to Olly for. Danceable drama. Catharsis in glitter.
10. Whisper in the Waves
As close as we’re going to get to a ballad in this club. Dark, moody, and so vibey. I was hoping for a few more vocal runs from Olly (give me the drama!) but it’s still an interesting shift in tempo.
11. Beautiful
The sentiment here is sweet—maybe a little too sweet—but sonically we’re still deep in that neon-lit nightclub. I’m not texting my ex over it.
12. Heal You
Here it is, babes: the certified Pride anthem. It’s giving “rainbow flag waving dramatically in the wind” energy. Big vocals. Big message. I can’t wait to stomp through a Pride march with this queer empowerment bop blasting.
13. Language
We close out Polari with another moody, atmospheric track that feels a bit… vague? Lyrically it’s all over the place and aimless but the vibes are alright. A soft landing after a wild ride.
Final Thoughts
Not every track on Polari is perfect but there are definitely some tracks I’m really loving on this album and I appreciate the sound that’s being explored. This is a sweaty, seductive, and unapologetically queer ride.
Have you listened to the album yet? I’m dying to know what your faves are!
