Description
Years and Years – Palo Santo – Double Vinyl Record
Palo Santo is the second studio album by British synth-pop band Years & Years, released on July 6, 2018. The album showcases the band’s signature blend of infectious pop melodies, electronic beats, and deeply introspective lyrics, while exploring themes of love, identity, desire, and the complexity of human relationships. Fronted by singer Olly Alexander, Years & Years builds upon their debut album, Communion (2015), adding a darker, more mature tone with Palo Santo. The album is set in a fictional, dystopian universe, ‘Palo Santo,’ where humans perform for androids, creating an intriguing narrative backdrop that serves as a metaphor for self-discovery and societal expectations.
The title ‘Palo Santo,’ which translates to ‘holy wood’ in Spanish, refers to a type of incense used in cleansing rituals, symbolizing purification and renewal. This theme resonates throughout the album, as Alexander explores the idea of shedding one’s former self, discovering truth, and finding liberation. The fictional world of Palo Santo serves as both a narrative device and a metaphor, allowing the band to tackle themes of gender, sexuality, and societal pressure within a fantasy setting.
Alexander, who has been vocal about LGBTQ+ issues, used Palo Santo as a platform to address identity and acceptance with honesty and vulnerability. His personal journey of embracing his sexuality and exploring self-love is reflected in the lyrics, making the album a powerful statement about freedom and authenticity.
Key Tracks
‘Sanctify’ – The lead single introduces listeners to the world of Palo Santo, blending sensual beats with lyrics about forbidden desire. Alexander’s vocals, soft yet intense, capture the emotional weight of attraction and acceptance, especially in the context of embracing one’s sexuality.
‘If You’re Over Me’ – One of the album’s catchiest tracks, this song pairs upbeat melodies with lyrics that reflect on the end of a relationship. It’s a playful yet poignant exploration of heartbreak, showing the band’s knack for crafting pop hits with deeper meaning.
‘All For You’ – This track delves into the complexities of love and sacrifice. Its infectious beat and synth-driven production capture the thrill and turmoil of relationships, reflecting both desire and regret.
‘Karma’ – With a powerful beat and anthemic chorus, ‘Karma’ explores themes of justice and self-worth. The lyrics reflect on overcoming past hurt and finding empowerment, making it an anthem for resilience and self-empowerment.
‘Hypnotised’ – A slower, haunting track, ‘Hypnotised’ showcases Alexander’s vulnerability as he sings about the lure of self-destructive love. The ethereal production and haunting melody make it one of the album’s standout emotional moments.
‘Palo Santo’ – The title track ties the album’s themes together with a mystical, almost religious tone. The song captures the essence of rebirth and purification, echoing the album’s concept of finding truth and liberation.
‘Lucky Escape’ – In this song, Alexander reflects on leaving a toxic relationship, describing the experience as a ‘lucky escape.’ The track’s upbeat energy contrasts with its heavy lyrical content, making it both reflective and liberating.
Palo Santo weaves themes of self-acceptance, love, and liberation through its electronic and synth-pop sounds. The concept of a futuristic world where humans are entertainment for androids allows Years & Years to explore identity and societal expectations creatively, with the setting serving as a metaphor for feelings of alienation and acceptance. Alexander’s lyrics are candid, with references to love and sexuality that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
The production, helmed by Kid Harpoon and Greg Kurstin, combines dark synths, dance beats, and electronic textures to create a sound that is both haunting and euphoric. The production is lush and atmospheric, drawing listeners into the fictional universe of Palo Santo while still maintaining the pop appeal that made Years & Years popular. Alexander’s expressive vocals, combined with the intricate production, create a balance of vulnerability and intensity that defines the album’s sound.
Palo Santo received positive reviews for its ambition, thematic depth, and polished production. Critics praised Alexander’s vocal delivery and the album’s exploration of complex themes in a pop context, with many noting the creative leap from their debut album. The singles “Sanctify” and “If You’re Over Me” achieved commercial success, with the latter reaching the UK Top 10, further cementing Years & Years’ place in the pop scene.
The album resonated with fans, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, who connected with Alexander’s openness about identity and love. The album’s exploration of societal expectations, sexuality, and self-acceptance has been influential, with Alexander’s voice becoming one of the prominent voices for LGBTQ+ representation in pop music.
Palo Santo stands as a significant work for Years & Years, blending high-energy pop with profound, reflective lyrics about identity and acceptance. The album’s concept and themes helped to push boundaries within mainstream pop music, introducing complex narratives in a way that resonates with a broad audience. For fans of synth-pop, electronic music, and artists who challenge norms, Palo Santo is both an immersive experience and a thought-provoking statement on what it means to be true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity.
Palo Santo is a bold, imaginative, and deeply personal album that showcases Years & Years’ growth as artists. With its themes of love, acceptance, and liberation, the album continues to inspire and connect with listeners, offering both an escape and a reflection on the journey toward self-discovery.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Sanctify
Hallelujah
All for You
Karma
Hypnotised
Rendezvous
If You’re Over Me
Preacher
Lucky Escape
Palo Santo
Here (Interlude)
Howl
Don’t Panic
Up in Flames
