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★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
Being hailed as "the next big thing" in music can often be an unfortunate curse when artists cannot live up to the honorary title that has been harmlessly bestowed upon them after only their first single is dropped.
However, UK band Years & Years have definitely worked hard to try and not disappoint fans and critics with the release of their acclaimed debut album Communion. While artsy, 80s synth-inspired music can lean too far outside of the box to attract devoted listeners, the 13-track collection of ambient, dance floor worthy pop music does just the opposite.
Preceded by successful singles, including breakout hit "King" and equally as brilliant "Shine", the new album is able to avoid the obvious, tried and tired cliches when dealing with love and heartache in their lyrics while supporting their messages with intriguing, groovy production and catchy hooks tailored for repeated radio airplay. Throw in impressive musicianship and strong vocal performances from lead singer Olly Alexander, and you have a refreshing take on the pop genre.
The album opens up with a tamed bang. On "Foundation", attention is primarily focused on Alexander's soulful and chilling vocals, at times reminiscent of The Weeknd and Michael Jackson. With a darker vibe, the song of a failed relationship is not the bouncy, uplifting pop music we have come to expect from the band. Though production is a huge element of the opener, its there to aid, not overpower the somber aesthetic.
Years & Years finds a catchy spring in their step on "Real", a previously released single based on confusing, mixed emotions as the lead singer questions his insecurities and the part he played in losing his former lover. "Yeah, if I had been enough for you, would I be better?, would I be good?," he sings on a chorus that uses upbeat production to counteract the hints of sorrow coming from the vocal performance.
"Shine", the band's current radio single, maintains their unique blend of 80s-inspired synthpop while adding an adorable message of love and the butterfly feelings that come with a new, unfolding romance. The electro-pop elements heard throughout the track's chorus will definitely get people moving and grooving along to the beat, as the lyrical content will send lovestruck teens into a summer frenzy.
The band is able to successfully change up their sound and style once again for "Take Shelter", a slightly more urban/R&B influenced track with some Caribbean flare thrown into the intriguing mix. Critics have called out the effort for being "formulaic" but those words seem unjustified when the addictive nature of the upbeat production is felt. Alexander's vocals are focused as the club/radio-friendly tone screams chart topper.
Influences from the R&B genre can still be heard on "Worship", easily one of the album's brightest moments. Alexander lusts over the one who has captured his attention with the help of 90s throwback backing beats, a chorus enriched in gospel inspiration and sultry songwriting. "I worship high praises, my longing drives me crazy for you," he beautifully sings on the track's memorable chorus. Genres blend effortlessly on this impressive standout.
One of the few ballads on the album, "Eyes Shut", is a glorious, stripped back and vulnerable moment for Alexander. As he sings that nothing will hurt him with his eyes shut, critics and fans will finally appreciate the singer's crafty and impressive songwriting skills and his layered and powerful vocal talents. Some people would be quick to compare the track to the work of Sam Smith, but that would be lazy. Alexander gives the effort more depth.
Built around a repetitive, radio-friendly chorus, "Ties" packs a punch, but ends up becoming a softer blow that the preceding tracks. The vocal performance sounds eerily similar to that of Justin Timberlake as a story of a lover with ulterior motives unfolds for the listeners. While the production remains fresh and interesting, and the vocal performance is on point as always, something seems to be missing from the finished package.
"King", the album's sparkly breakout fourth single, still has the uptempo, big arena vibe and sound that made it one of 2015s critically acclaimed releases. More than just the standard dance/pop track, the song is buried in house elements and able to convey the singer's melancholy feelings during the aftermath of an unfortunate breakup. "I dreamed you dreamed of me, calling out my name, is it worth the price?" Alexander questions on the album highlight.
Third single "Desire" wastes no time at hitting listeners with an array of complexity in terms of songwriting and vocal delivery. With a club-charged, bouncing beat, Alexander offers a peek into his crowded mind as he sorts out his feelings between love and desire. The lead singer seems to have been abused by love countless times in the past, so hearing his uncertainty and hesitancy on the synthpop track is expected.
It may seem difficult to describe a track with words such as "subdued" and "intense", but "Gold" somehow embodies both of the contrasting characteristics. As it opens with low vocals from Alexander, it is quickly clear the song is building to something much more as it progresses. There's a sense of urgency coming from the singer's performance and his clever songwriting as he sings of fading away and not being owned.
Everything comes to a slight, appreciated halt for the slow, swoon-worthy "Without", a track where Alexander discovers love may just be a little out of his reach. As the song starts off with sweet lyrics, it quickly takes a somber turn for the worst. "You keep shivering into the night, I can let you hold me, and tell each other that we might survive, if we keep it going," he sings before the touching yet sad chorus rolls around one last time.
"Border" is another effort constructed around an insanely catchy and repetitive chorus. Instead of the uptempo, sleek dance production that was the foundation of their shining singles, simple, folk-like beats are heard throughout. The singer claims that his heart will be stronger, that he will be alright, flowing the end of his relationship. Thought the message sounds sincere, the finished product is slightly forgettable, filling up space.
The album closes out with "Memo", a R&B-inspired crushing lost love story strongly supported by a delicate and soulful vocal performance from Alexander. Accompanied mostly by the piano, the track sheds lights on the capabilities of the band. Not only can they deliver electro-driven dance tracks, but they can give life to earnest and heartfelt moments as well. As a closing track, it leaves the door wide open for the next chapter.
Communion is a impressive collection of track that stay true to the refreshing pop sound of Years & Years, while also showing critics and naysayers that they are capable of much more. While most of the tracks do dig their roots deep into the 80s snythpop genre, there are moments of 90s R&B brilliance sprinkled throughout the album. Though topics of love, heartbreak and uncertainty have been touched many times before, the project is able to find new, exciting ways of telling the already told stories. The tracks all work, even the ones that don't pack a strong punch, thanks to the chameleon-like vocal styling of Alexander, who proves the craze and acclaim were well deserved when the last song comes to an end.
Tracks to Hear: "Real", "Take Shelter", "Worship", "King" and "Without"
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