Olly Alexander Finds His Voice with 'Polari'
Olly Alexander has long been a defining figure in contemporary queer pop culture. As the frontman of Years & Years, he delivered chart-topping hits like 'King', 'Shine', and 'If You're Over Me' that resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences worldwide. Now, with his first album under his own name, Polari, Alexander steps into a new chapter that feels both deeply personal and expansively communal. Released in early 2025, the album is a masterful blend of dance-pop nostalgia, vulnerability, and historical homage.
The title Polari refers to a secret slang used primarily by queer men in Britain from the early 20th century until the 1960s, before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. Polari allowed gay men to communicate in public without being identified, weaving words from Italian, Romani, rhyming slang, and theatrical jargon. Terms like 'camp', 'drag', 'trade', and 'slap' entered mainstream English through this underground language. Alexander has described being immediately drawn to the idea of a hidden lexicon of desire and identity. In interviews, he noted: 'The idea of being gay and having a secret language spoke to me instantly. It’s a central part of my life. And out of that came the best record I’ve ever made.'
Polari opens with an electrifying burst of energy. The first track, 'Cupid’s Bow', is a dreamlike disco homage to cruising – the art of seeking anonymous romantic encounters. The song name-checks the Roman god of desire, a figure also invoked in George Michael’s classic 'Fastlove'. Alexander and his collaborators immersed themselves in the pop soundscapes of the 1980s, aiming to capture the joy, escapism, and euphoria of that era while updating it for a modern audience. The result is a song that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.
Throughout the album, tracks flow seamlessly into one another. The melancholic 'Archange' transitions without pause into the dynamic single 'When We Kiss', which has already become a fan favourite for its propulsive beat and romantic lyrics. The quieter moments come with 'Whisper In The Waves' – a gentle, ethereal piece that showcases Alexander’s softer vocal range – and the almost ambient 'Beautiful'. These tracks provide breathing room before the energy ramps up again with 'Heal You' and 'Language', the latter playing with words and double meanings in a nod to Polari itself.
A standout moment arrives in the middle of the album with 'Dizzy', the song that represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. While the contest itself sparked controversy and mixed reviews, the studio version of 'Dizzy' is a euphoric synth-pop anthem. Its opening notes recall the grandeur of Pet Shop Boys, and the song weaves together orchestral swells with a pounding four-on-the-floor beat. Alexander has spoken about the pressure of following in the footsteps of Eurovision legends, but 'Dizzy' stands on its own as a celebration of queer joy and resilience.
Another highlight is 'Make Me a Man', produced by none other than Vince Clarke, the legendary synth-pop pioneer behind Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Yazoo. Clarke’s signature melodic synth lines elevate the track, giving it an irresistible retro-futuristic feel. Alexander called the collaboration a 'dream come true', and the result is a song that explores themes of masculinity and identity with both humour and depth. The lyrics play with expectations, asking what it truly means to be 'made a man' in a world that often imposes rigid gender roles.
Beyond the music, Polari is a visual and thematic project. The album artwork features Alexander in dramatic, theatrical poses reminiscent of 1980s pop icons. The music videos for 'When We Kiss' and 'Whisper In The Waves' are lush, cinematic explorations of queer intimacy and fantasy. Every element – from the songwriting to the production to the imagery – feels intentional and deeply connected to Alexander’s personal journey as an artist and activist.
Alexander’s career began long before Years & Years. He trained at the BRIT School and appeared in British television series like Skins and God’s Own Country. His acting gave him a platform, but music remained his primary passion. When Years & Years went on hiatus, it allowed him to explore a more individual sound. Polari is the culmination of that exploration – a record that feels both like a debut and a culmination.
The historical context of Polari adds layers of meaning to the album. In the 1950s and 1960s, Polari was used in secret by gay men to avoid persecution. It entered mainstream consciousness through the BBC radio show Round the Horne, whose characters Julian and Sandy spoke Polari to the delight of audiences unaware of its queer origins. By naming his album after this language, Alexander reclaims a piece of hidden history and transforms it into a celebration. He is not only making music for today’s queer community but also honouring those who came before, who had to speak in coded whispers to survive.
The production on Polari is immaculate. Alongside Vince Clarke, Alexander worked with a team of producers and songwriters who helped him realise his vision. The album was recorded in multiple studios across London and Los Angeles, with a focus on capturing analogue warmth through vintage synthesizers and tape machines. The result is a sound that is both polished and raw – the drums hit hard, the basslines are infectious, and the vocals are front and centre, often layered into rich harmonies.
Lyrically, Alexander does not shy away from vulnerability. Songs like 'Heal You' and 'Beautiful' address themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the desire to care for others. In 'Language', he sings about the difficulty of expressing deep feelings, echoing the secret vocabulary of his queer ancestors. The album’s emotional core is its honesty – Alexander invites listeners into his world, sharing both triumphs and insecurities.
Following the album’s release, Alexander announced a UK and European tour, with a performance scheduled for March 26 at the Metropol in Berlin. The live show promises to be a spectacular production, with choreography, visuals, and an extended setlist that includes both solo material and Years & Years classics. Fans are eager to see how the new songs translate to the stage, especially the more intimate tracks like 'Whisper In The Waves'.
In a music landscape saturated with manufactured pop, Olly Alexander’s Polari stands out as a labour of love. It is an album that educates while it entertains, that references the past while pushing forward. It is a magnetic collection of pop hymns that deserve to be heard on dancefloors, in headphones, and at pride parades. Alexander has proven that he is not only a voice for his generation but also a custodian of queer history. With Polari, he has crafted a work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant – a secret language made loud and proud for the world to hear.
Source: queer.de News