Years & Years: The Electropop Vision of Olly Alexander

Years & Years is a British electropop group that achieved major chart success in the mid-2010s. Originally a trio, the project is now the solo vehicle for frontman Olly Alexander, known for its synth-driven anthems and queer-positive themes.

Early career

Years & Years formed in London in 2010, initially as a five-piece band before solidifying as a trio comprising Olly Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy, and Emre Türkmen. Their early development involved self-releasing tracks online, building a grassroots following that led to signing with the French independent label Kitsuné in 2014.

Breakthrough

The group's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the single King, which debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. This success propelled their debut album, Communion, released that same year on Polydor Records, which also entered the UK charts at number one and was later certified double platinum.

Key tracks

King - This 2015 single provided the group's first UK number-one hit and defined their anthemic, synth-pop sound.

Shine - A standout track from Communion, it became a top-five hit in the UK and a staple of their live performances.

If You're Over Me - This 2018 single from the second album Palo Santo marked a shift towards brighter pop and gave the group another UK top-ten hit.

Starstruck - Released in 2021, this track signaled Olly Alexander's new era as the sole face of Years & Years, embracing a more disco-influenced sound.

Following the success of Communion, the band released their second studio album, Palo Santo, in 2018, which was accompanied by a conceptually rich, dystopian music film. In 2021, members Goldsworthy and Türkmen stepped back from performing, and Olly Alexander announced he would continue Years & Years as a solo project, releasing the album Night Call in 2022.

Fans of Years & Years' blend of dance-pop and emotive songwriting might also enjoy the work of Sam Smith, who similarly merges soulful vocals with contemporary pop production. The synth-driven soundscapes are echoed by M83, known for crafting expansive electronic pop epics. For another act with strong queer aesthetics and catchy electropop, explore Charli XCX.

The music of Years & Years, from their chart-topping trio days to Olly Alexander's vibrant solo work, continues to be featured across various online radio streams and alternative pop stations. Listeners can discover the evolving sound of this electropop act through the radio stations available on onairium.com.