Polari (album)
| Polari | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 7 February 2025 | |||
| Genre | Alternative pop | |||
| Length | 40:15 | |||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Producer |
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| Olly Alexander chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Polari | ||||
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Polari is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Olly Alexander, that was released on 7 February 2025 through Polydor Records. Created with producer Danny L Harle, it is the first solo album released under Alexander's name following the disbandment of Years & Years, which last released an album in 2022. Polari takes its name from the coded language historically used in Britain by the gay community and was supported by the "Up Close and Polari Tour" throughout Europe in early 2025.
According to Alexander, the album is inspired by electropop and other music of the 1980s such as Pet Shop Boys, Kate Bush, and Erasure. The album includes references to cowboys, gods, and music executives, and its themes include intimacy, desire, voyeurism, and fate. The aesthetics of Polari are inspired by filmmaker and gay rights activist Derek Jarman.
"Cupid's Bow", the album's lead single, was released on 11 October 2024, while the title track was released on 22 November 2024. In addition, "Archangel" was released as the third single on 13 December 2024, followed by "When We Kiss" on 10 January 2025. Polari also includes "Dizzy", Alexander's entry representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.