What makes Olympia by Bryan Ferry notable?

'Olympia' received critical acclaim upon release, particularly for its innovative production and lyrical depth. The album peaked at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart, reaffirming Ferry's enduring appeal in the music industry and influencing a new generation of artists exploring similar soundscapes. By the time of releasing 'Olympia' in 2010, Bryan Ferry was well-established as a solo artist, having enjoyed significant success since the early 1970s with Roxy Music. This album followed his 2007 release 'Dylanesque', showcasing a return to original material after several covers projects. It reflects both his iconic style and contemporary influences, marking a phase of artistic rejuvenation.

Olympia works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and contemplative evening reflections.

How many songs are on Olympia?

Olympia has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Released 16 years ago this October

Olympia

Bryan Ferry · 2010

56 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A lush blend of sophisticated pop and rock, underscored by Ferry's suave vocals and rich instrumental arrangements.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Alphaville — This track stands out for its cinematic quality and nostalgic themes, capturing the essence of longing that permeates the album.
→
Song to the Siren — Ferry’s rendition of this classic showcases his emotive vocal delivery and adds a haunting layer to the song's poignant narrative.
→
Tender Is the Night — The track offers a reflective take on personal experiences, combining lush instrumentation with deeply introspective lyrics, making it emblematic of the album's overall theme.

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

Olympia showcases strong arrangements and varied tempos, balancing upbeat and introspective moments effectively.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent mid-tempo feel, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower songs.
Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement Ferry's vocal delivery, enhancing the overall sophistication of the sound.
The album includes a cover of 'Song to the Siren', which is reinterpreted with a modern production style distinct from its original version.

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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative evening reflections
rich, layered sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time of releasing 'Olympia' in 2010, Bryan Ferry was well-established as a solo artist, having enjoyed significant success since the early 1970s with Roxy Music. This album followed his 2007 release 'Dylanesque', showcasing a return to original material after several covers projects. It reflects both his iconic style and contemporary influences, marking a phase of artistic rejuvenation.
Stylistic neighbors: Roxy Music· David Bowie· Kate Bush