Olly Alexander invites listeners to go on a journey through his experiences with relationships, love, and expressing true desires on his new album, Polari.
Olly Alexander‘s first solo album, Polari, is a journey of self-exploration, whether it’s identity or self-expression in general. Polari, meaning “to talk,” was possibly used as early as the 1600s. Polari emerged from European and Romani communities, and in the twentieth century, it became a secret language for homosexuals and any stigmatized group of people. Some only knew a few slang terms of Polari, while others used the words in a more complex way. This secret language was used until around the 1970s.
Olly Alexander’s album Polari tells a story of connection, love, desire, unadulterated joy, and feeling like you have a place in the world. Each track pulls the listener deeper into this story and gives them a keen understanding of the concept of Polari as a language. As the listener goes through the album, they become immersed in the language of Polari.
The first track is called “Polari.” This track starts with a light, airy instrumental that immediately changes to a percussive and electronic instrumental. The secret language of Polari is called into action with the lyrics “Say what you gotta say” and “Talk to me.” This short track is a great start to the album, putting the idea of Polari in the listener’s mind and preparing them for what is to come.
The fourth track, “Shadow Of Love,” is about a short relationship, or possibly a one-night stand. Olly Alexander allows the listener into his mind by giving them a glimpse of this relationship. He is saying that he wants the slightest bit of love before his lover leaves. The lyrics “love me once and then forget about me” solidify this message of the song.
The eleventh track is called “Beautiful.” This track starts with a joyful, sparkling instrumental that transitions into a fusion of an upbeat dance track and the previous joyful instrumental. Lyrically, this song discusses going through life and experiencing different situations with a lover. Olly Alexander passionately sings about how beautiful life is with someone you love by your side to help guide you through the unknown.
The last track on this album is “Language.” Starting with a magical, enchanting instrumental, this track is the ultimate declaration of love. Olly Alexander says he knows his lover feels “the earth moving under [his lover’s] feet,” and in response, he says he will “stop the world from turning.” He also exclaims that loving him is the “only thing” he knows.
Polari is an album that tells a story about self-expression, identity, love, and community, and is out February 7. The UK and Europe 2025 Up Close And… Polari Tour starts on March 19.
