What makes Palo Santo by Years & Years notable?

Palo Santo debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its production and lyrical depth. The album also sparked discussions around LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music, with Alexander's open exploration of identity and desire resonating with listeners worldwide. Released on January 1, 2018, Palo Santo is Years & Years' second studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Communion. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position in the pop landscape while expanding their sound and exploring more personal themes. This album marked a maturation in their artistry and further established frontman Olly Alexander's role as a prominent voice in contemporary pop.

Who is Palo Santo for?

Palo Santo works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, introspective moments of emotional depth and uplifting energy for social settings.

How many songs are on Palo Santo?

Palo Santo has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Palo Santo

Years & Years · 2018

36 min · 11 tracks · alternative dance

A vibrant blend of pop and electronic beats, infused with themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sanctify — The lead single captures the album's essence with its infectious beat and lyrics that confront inner conflicts about love and desire. Its anthemic quality sets the tone for the themes explored throughout the record.
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Hypnotised — This track features a dreamy soundscape paired with introspective lyrics about longing and connection, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotional depth with danceable pop energy.
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If You're Over Me — With its catchy chorus and relatable narrative about moving on from a relationship, this song exemplifies the album's theme of self-empowerment amidst vulnerability.
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Palo Santo — The title track embodies the spiritual aspects of the album, using metaphorical language to explore themes of cleansing and renewal within personal relationships.

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 blends pop and electronic elements effectively, with strong lyrical themes but some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The first four tracks maintain a consistent dance tempo, while the fifth introduces a slower groove that shifts the album's energy.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Hallelujah' and 'If You're Over Me'.

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 pacing for focused listening
introspective moments of emotional depth
uplifting energy for social settings
vibrant rhythms for dance parties

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification tracks
dislike consistent flow and resolution

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, Palo Santo is Years & Years' second studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Communion. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position in the pop landscape while expanding their sound and exploring more personal themes. This album marked a maturation in their artistry and further established frontman Olly Alexander's role as a prominent voice in contemporary pop.
Stylistic neighbors: Hot Chip· Röyksopp· Chvrches