Communion (Years & Years album)

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Communion
Studio album by
Years & Years
Released10 July 2015
Recorded2014–15
Genre
Length48:26
Label
Producer
Years & Years chronology
Y & Y EP
(2015) 		Communion
(2015) 		Palo Santo
(2018)
Singles from Communion
  1. "Real"
    Released: 17 February 2014
  2. "Take Shelter"
    Released: 18 August 2014
  3. "Desire"
    Released: 23 November 2014
  4. "King"
    Released: 27 February 2015
  5. "Worship"
    Released: 18 March 2015
  6. "Shine"
    Released: 5 July 2015
  7. "Eyes Shut"
    Released: 13 November 2015

Communion is the debut studio album by English synth-pop trio Years & Years. It was released on 10 July 2015 through Polydor Records for the United Kingdom and other countries and Interscope Records for the United States only. The album garnered a positive reception but critics felt there was derivativeness throughout the songs. Communion debuted at number one in the United Kingdom and spawned six singles: "Real", "Take Shelter", "Desire", "King", "Shine" and "Eyes Shut".

Background[edit]

In 2014, the group signed to Polydor Records. In January 2015, Years & Years won the prestigious BBC Sound of 2015.[3] The trio were also nominated for the Critics Choice Award for the 2015 Brit Awards.[4]

The album's title and release date was announced on 18 March 2015, when it was made available to pre-order on iTunes.[5]

Singles[edit]

"Real" was released as the album's first single on 17 February 2014. Alexander said that some of the lyrics in "Real" were inspired by experiences he had with a former boyfriend: "When I met him, I was really wasted and I fell off a bin and had to go A&E because I sprained my wrist, so I put in the line, 'Broke my bones playing games with you'. And then I got this rash... That's where the line, 'I itch all night, I itch for you' comes from."[6]

"Take Shelter" was released as the album's second single on 18 August 2014 and peaked at number 140 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Desire" was released on 23 November 2014 as the album's third single and peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart.[7]

"King" was released as the album's fourth single on 27 February 2015. The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart,[7] with a combined sales-streaming figure of 101,000 copies, and reached number three on the Irish Singles Chart. It is the group's signature song and biggest hit single to date. Alexander has stated many times that the hit song has a much darker meaning:[8] "I was going out with a guy that was kind of a douche bag, but I still really liked him," explains Olly. "I know lots of people can related to this. It's a song about how it feels good to be treated badly by someone."[9]

"Shine" was released as the album's fifth single on 5 July 2015 and debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

"Eyes Shut" was released as the album's sixth single on 13 November 2015. A slower song Alexander has stated that he wrote the song when he was going through a period of depression [1] Alexander has frequently spoken about his Mental Health, particularly that he struggles with depression, anxiety and when he was younger an eating disorder and self harm. He's confirmed he sees a private therapist and takes medication [10]

A new version of "Desire" featuring Tove Lo was released on 4 March 2016.

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.3/10[11]
Metacritic68/100[12]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[13]
Billboard[1]
DIY[14]
The Guardian[15]
The Independent[16]
The Line of Best Fit7.5/10[17]
musicOMH[18]
NME[19]
Pitchfork7.4/10[2]
Spin7/10[20]

The album has received positive reviews. Communion received a score of 68 on Metacritic based on 18 professional reviews.[12] In an enthusiastic review, AllMusic rated the album 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the group's ability to skillfully bridge the "ambient '80s style synth-pop of M83 with the funky dancefloor grooves of Justin Timberlake" and transform their influences into something new.[13] In another 4 out of 5 review, DIY praised singer Olly Alexander for managing to avoid cliché while tackling well-tread subjects such as heartbreak and loneliness, and remarks that the group adds a human touch to powerful pop anthems.[14] Pitchfork, which rated the album a 7.4 out of 10, addressed potential critiques by remarking that while much of the album may seem familiar, Years & Years distills rather than dilutes the formula of "reimagined '80s and '90s club pop".[2]

Multiple reviews, however, commented on the derivativeness of the songs with The Independent calling the album a "slick amalgamation of 2014's sounds".[16] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian wrote that the group doesn't "seem to have an original idea in their collective heads", but still acknowledged that the album's "watertight" pop songwriting made it enjoyable.[15] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times made a similar critique of the album, to which he referred as "diet-club music", but again praised the songwriting as excellent and effective.[21] In an overall positive review, Billboard noted that the group has a "skill set, not a sound", particularly pointing out the album's strong melodies, emotional honesty and broad tastes.[1] In mixed reviews, NME rated the album 2 out of 5 lamenting that the album had little to say and took no risks,[19] while Drowned in Sound gave the album a 5 out of 10, writing that while many elements of the album were pleasant, overall it did not command listeners' attention.[22]

Commercial performance[edit]

Communion debuted at number one in the United Kingdom, outselling the rest of the top five combined in its first week of release.[23] In the United States, the album debuted at number 47 selling 8,841 copies in its first week.[24]

Communion sold over one million copies worldwide and became the fastest-selling debut in 2015 from a UK-signed band.[25]

In the release of their second album Palo Santo, Communion re-entered the UK chart at 64 with sales over 1,212.

Track listing[edit]

Communion – Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Foundation"
2:58
2."Real"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Years & Years
  • Andy Smith
  • Ralph
4:10
3."Shine"
  • Years & Years
  • Ralph
4:14
4."Take Shelter"
  • Years & Years
  • Smith
  • Ralph
4:07
5."Worship"
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
  • TMS
3:40
6."Eyes Shut"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
3:18
7."Ties"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Mark Ralph
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
3:46
8."King"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Smith
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
  • Smith[a]
3:35
9."Desire"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Hull
  • Ralph
  • Two Inch Punch
  • Years & Years[a]
3:25
10."Gold"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
3:59
11."Without"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
3:30
12."Border"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
4:22
13."Memo"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Years & Years
  • Ralph
3:22
Total length:48:26
Communion – Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)[26]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."1977"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
3:00
15."Ready for You" (Acoustic)
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
3:17
16."I Want to Love"
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Years & Years
2:21
17."King" (Acoustic)
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Smith
 4:03
Total length:61:07
Communion – Super deluxe edition (bonus tracks)[27]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
18."Breathe"
3:53
19."Desire" (BBC Live Lounge Version)
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Hull
3:17
Total length:68:22
Communion – Super deluxe edition (7" vinyl)[27]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Eyes Shut" (Live in London)
  • Alexander
  • Turkmen
  • Goldsworthy
  • Ralph
  • Spencer
 
2."Don't Save Me" (BBC Live Lounge Version)
  

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies an additional producer

Charts and certifications[edit]

Release history[edit]

Country Date Edition Format(s) Label
Various[67] 10 July 2015
  • Standard
  • deluxe
  • super deluxe

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Partridge, Kenneth (3 July 2015). "Years & Years' Debut 'Communion' Is Filled With Confessional Synth-Pop: Album Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  2. ^ a b c Finney, Tim (10 July 2015). "Years & Years: Communion Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  3. ^ Youngs, Ian (9 January 2015). "Years & Years top BBC Sound Of 2015 list". BBC. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  4. ^ Singh, Anita (15 January 2015). "Brit Awards nominations list 2015: year of the male". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  5. ^ Years and Years [@yearsandyears] (18 March 2015). "OK you can now pre-order our debut album Communion out 22-06-15" (Tweet). Retrieved 20 March 2015 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Levine, Nick (7 April 2016). "Years & Years: How They Became The Most Important Pop Band Of Our Time". NME. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Years & Years - Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company.
  8. ^ Bowsher, Allison (6 November 2015). "Years & Years Reveal The Dark Meaning Behind Their Single 'Kings'". Much. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  9. ^ "Years & Years Discuss Their Beginning Years and Legacy Years". Much. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2024 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ Stansfield, Ted (16 May 2016). "Olly Alexander on mental health and the music industry". Dazed. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  11. ^ "Years & Years – Communion". AnyDecentMusic?. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  12. ^ a b "Years & Years – Communion reviews and tracks". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  13. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "Communion - Years & Years". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  14. ^ a b Hunt, El (10 July 2015). "Years & Years – Communion". DIY. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  15. ^ a b Petridis, Alexis (9 July 2015). "Years & Years: Night Call review – Olly Alexander hits the dancefloor". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  16. ^ a b Harley, Kevin (3 July 2015). "Years & Years, Communion - album review: a slick amalgam of 2014's sounds that does nothing to excite". The Independent. Archived from the original on 3 November 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  17. ^ Jeakins, Daniel (6 July 2015). "Years & Years - Communion". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  18. ^ Hogwood, Ben (7 July 2015). "Years & Years – Night Call". musicOMH. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  19. ^ a b Daly, Rhian (2 July 2015). "Years & Years – 'Communion'". NME. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  20. ^ Joyce, Colin (15 July 2015). "Review: Years & Years Sanctify Body And Blood On 'Communion'". Spin. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  21. ^ "Review: On 'Communion,' Years & Years Turns the Familiar Into Something of Its Own". The New York Times. 9 July 2015.
  22. ^ Nellis, Krystina (3 July 2015). "Album Review: Years & Years - Communion". Drowned In Sound. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  23. ^ "Years & Years' debut at Number 1: "This is the best day of our lives"". Official Charts Company. 17 July 2015. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  24. ^ Cantor, Brian (21 July 2015). "Years & Years' "Communion" Debuted With ~9K First Week US Sales (Updated)". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  25. ^ "Y14th Jan: Years & Years lead nominations for Brit Awards 2016s".[permanent dead link]
  26. ^ "iTunes - Music - Communion (Deluxe) by Years & Years". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). 18 March 2015.
  27. ^ a b "Years and Years UK Official Store". Universal Music Store. Archived from the original on 31 December 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  28. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  29. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Years & Years – Communion" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  30. ^ "Ultratop.be – Years & Years – Communion" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  31. ^ "Ultratop.be – Years & Years – Communion" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  32. ^ "Years Years Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard.
  33. ^ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 32.Týden 2015 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart.
  34. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  35. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Years & Years – Communion" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  36. ^ "Years & Years: Communion" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  37. ^ "Lescharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Years & Years – Communion" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  39. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2015. 28. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  40. ^ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 29, 2015". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  41. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  42. ^ "Charts.nz – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  43. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien.
  44. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  46. ^ "Album Chart – 2015.07.05~2015.07.11" (in Korean). GAON. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  47. ^ "International Album Chart – 2015.07.05~2015.07.11" (in Korean). GAON. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  48. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien.
  49. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  50. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Years & Years – Communion". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  51. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  52. ^ "Official Dance Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  53. ^ "Years Years Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  54. ^ "Years Years Chart History (Top Dance/Electronic Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  55. ^ "ultratop.be – Jaaroverzichten 2015" (in Dutch). ultratop.be. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  56. ^ "ALBUM TOP-100 2015". Hitlisten (in Danish). Archived from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  57. ^ Copsey, Rob (5 January 2016). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Artist Albums of 2015 revealed". Official Charts Company. Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  58. ^ "Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  59. ^ "Album Top-100 2016" (in Danish). Hitlisten.NU. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  60. ^ White, Jack (30 December 2016). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Albums of 2016". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  61. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Years & Years – Communion" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  62. ^ "Danish album certifications – Years & Years – Communion". IFPI Danmark.
  63. ^ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Type Years & Years in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Communion in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  64. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2018 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  65. ^ "Veckolista Album, vecka 10, 2016 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 25 August 2022. Scroll to position 60 to view certification.
  66. ^ "British album certifications – Years & Years – Communion". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  67. ^ References for various releases of Communion:
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