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Olly Alexander (Years & Years) Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Published on August 13, 2025in Best Albums

Ranking the discography of an artist like Olly Alexander (Years & Years) is always a fascinating exercise. From the trio's explosive debut to the current solo era, the sound and story have evolved dramatically.

This journey gives fans plenty to discuss and debate. We're exploring the Olly Alexander albums ranked, using fan sentiment as our primary guide.

It's a look at which records have resonated most deeply within the community. This helps us understand what many consider the best Years & Years album, though we'll also check how popularity data tells a different story.

Ranking Olly Alexander (Years & Years)'s albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Communion (2015)

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The debut studio album, Communion, introduced Years & Years to the world with a burst of infectious synth-pop.

It was a massive commercial success. The album debuted at number one in the UK and became the fastest-selling debut from a UK-signed band in 2015.

Critics gave the album a positive reception, praising its strong songwriting and pop anthems, even while some noted its familiar influences.

Key tracks:

  • King
  • Desire

It’s no surprise that Communion holds the top spot for fans. It was a cultural moment, packed with era-defining singles that are still irresistible on the dance floor.

For many, this album isn't just a collection of songs. It’s the definitive sound of Years & Years, capturing the initial magic and excitement of their arrival.


2. Palo Santo (2019)

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The band's second album, Palo Santo, was an ambitious concept album. It's set in a fictional, dystopian world where gender and sexuality rules are non-existent.

Olly Alexander used the project to explore themes of queerness, desire, and guilt through religious iconography and sci-fi visuals.

The album was praised by critics for its deeper emotional resonance and vibrant character, building on the foundation of their debut with more complex ideas.

Key tracks:

  • If You're Over Me
  • Valentino

Palo Santo) secures a high ranking because it represents a bold artistic evolution. Fans who value world-building and thematic depth often point to this record as a creative peak.

It's the moment Years & Years proved they were more than just incredible pop singles, delivering a cohesive and thought-provoking body of work.


3. Night Call (2022)

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Night Call marked a significant transition. It was the first album released after Years & Years officially became an Olly Alexander solo project.

The record continued the project's legacy of crafting exceptional pop music, leaning into a sound designed for escapism and the dance floor.

It was a commercial success, continuing the streak of high-charting releases for the Years & Years name.

Key tracks:

  • Hallucination
  • A Second to Midnight

As the first solo outing under the Years & Years banner, Night Call holds a unique spot in the discography. It feels both familiar and new.

While it may not have the foundational impact of Communion for some longtime listeners, its slick production and undeniable hooks keep it in high regard.


4. Odyssey (2024)

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This 2024 release acts as a career-spanning collection, bringing together the biggest hits from the Years & Years project.

It also features Olly Alexander's Eurovision 2024 entry, "Dizzy," which marked his first official release under his own name.

The album serves as a bridge between the Years & Years era and Alexander's future as a solo artist.

Key tracks:

  • King
  • Dizzy

As a compilation, Odyssey's position in a fan ranking is naturally complex. It's less a new artistic statement and more a celebration of the journey so far.

Its value comes from its convenience and its role in closing one chapter while opening another, particularly with the inclusion of "Dizzy."


5. Polari (2025)

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Released in early 2025, Polari is Olly Alexander's official debut solo album under his own name.

The album follows his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and represents a fresh start for the acclaimed singer and actor.

Named after the historical slang used in LGBTQ+ communities, the album signals a continued exploration of queer identity and history in his music.

Key tracks:

  • When We Kiss
  • Cupid's Bow

Placing an unreleased album is always based on anticipation rather than reception. Polari ranks here simply because it's the beginning of a new story.

Fans are eager to see how Olly's sound will evolve now that he's releasing music fully under his own name. This ranking will surely change once the full album is out in the world.


Picked your top Olly Alexander (Years & Years) classic? Check out Olly Alexander (Years & Years)'s discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.


Olly Alexander (Years & Years) albums: A look at popularity data

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While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Olly Alexander (Years & Years)'s albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity RankAlbum TitleRelease Year
1Communion2015
2Palo Santo2019
3Odyssey2024
4Night Call2022
5Polari2025

Quick FAQs about Olly Alexander (Years & Years)'s albums

Q: What was the inspiration behind the hit song "King"?

A: Olly Alexander has stated the song has a darker meaning than it appears. He wrote it about a difficult relationship and the complex feeling of enjoying being treated poorly by someone you like.

Q: How successful was the album Communion?

A: It was incredibly successful. Communion debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became the fastest-selling debut album of 2015 from a UK-signed band.


So there we have it, a look at the Olly Alexander (Years & Years) albums ranked from two different viewpoints.

Fan favorites often tell a story of impact and connection, while popularity data gives us a snapshot of what's resonating right now.

Ultimately, the "best" Olly Alexander (Years & Years) album is the one that means the most to you. Each record captures a specific moment in time.

What does your ranking look like?