What makes Communion by Years & Years notable?

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and was nominated for the BRIT Award for Best British Album. It solidified Years & Years as a key player in the alternative dance music scene, influencing a wave of pop artists who embraced electronic elements. Released on July 10, 2015, Communion marked Years & Years' debut album after their successful EPs. At this point, the band had already gained significant attention with singles like 'Desire', setting them up for a breakthrough in the mainstream music scene.

Who is Communion for?

Communion works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance energy, emotional anthems for celebration and uplifting sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on Communion?

Communion has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Communion

Years & Years · 2015

48 min · 13 tracks · alternative dance

Synth-driven pop anthems blend emotional vulnerability with danceable grooves and soaring melodies throughout this debut album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shine — This track exemplifies the album's uplifting spirit, merging infectious hooks with themes of self-acceptance and empowerment, making it a standout anthem.
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King — As one of the lead singles, 'King' showcases the band's ability to create catchy pop while addressing themes of heartbreak and desire, encapsulating their signature sound.
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Real — 'Real' dives into the complexities of relationships with its introspective lyrics and polished production, reflecting the album's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines catchy melodies with emotional depth, making it a notable debut in alternative dance.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong synth line in 'Foundation' that sets an upbeat tone, which is maintained through the first six tracks.
Tracks like 'King' and 'Shine' feature layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, contrasting with more rhythmic, danceable sections.
Several songs incorporate a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and backing harmonies, enhancing engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo dance energy
emotional anthems for celebration
uplifting sing-alongs with friends
catchy hooks for repeated listens

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike emotional engagement in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 10, 2015, Communion marked Years & Years' debut album after their successful EPs. At this point, the band had already gained significant attention with singles like 'Desire', setting them up for a breakthrough in the mainstream music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Hot Chip· Röyksopp· Chvrches