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Polari Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The debut full-length solo studio release from Years & Years singer Olly Alexander was produced with Danny L Harle.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Feb 7, 2025
    80
    While Polari might not be destined for as many accolades as the all-conquering Brat, it establishes Olly as a solo artist to be reckoned with.
  2. 80
    Alexander’s fantastic voice is pushed to the fore, making the most of rich, appealing, high vocal tones reminiscent of Green Gartside of Scritti Politti or (in more modern terms) multi-billion streaming superstar the Weeknd. Even Dizzy sounds better in this context, a breathless banger that shakes off its Eurovision failure to spin around the dancefloor once more.
  3. Feb 7, 2025
    80
    ‘Polari’ is a feat of punchy alt-pop that embraces the resilient and immortal histories of the queer community, encapsulating Olly Alexander’s alluring, informed artistry as a solo performer.
  4. Feb 18, 2025
    70
    Fusing fragility with fierceness, ‘Polari’ is a confident debut offering from Olly and is an expressive and euphoric collection of floor-filling, punchy tracks that oozes confidence, colour and charm.
  5. Feb 7, 2025
    60
    Polari has its moments, but in the language that gives it its title, it’s bona, rather than fantabulosa.
  6. 40
    Polari is brash and bold on the surface, but Alexander flails when searching for something truly profound to say.