The Island Years is a double CD compilation of John Cale's work during 1974 and 1975.

The collection, released in 1996, is composed of the three previously released Cale albums issued by Island Records: Fear, Slow Dazzle and Helen of Troy.

The album also includes some extra tracks, b-sides, and individual tracks from other albums but the Slow Dazzle's last and experimental track "The Jeweller" was shortened to 4:11 (The same length as on the original LP of Slow Dazzle.

On the CD version of the album, the track's duration is 5:07).

In 2007 The Island Years was reissued as a budget release, Gold, with the same track listing but reduced packaging.