Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Nichts besonderes. Gut produziert aber nicht mein Geschmack
Hi energy
Pretty ok, very 80s
I still don't know what to do with the Pet Shop Boys. I guess they are okay, but I just don't get to the point where I feel like I need to choose to listen to the Pet Shop Boys on my own. I am very familiar with at least 4 tracks from Actually, and have probably heard more from the album before. I just don't feel like I'd need to come back for repeats.
A pet shop boys albums that deserves to be on the list, not really my personal taste but can respect this is a good album.
Pretty good album.
2.8 underwhelming, I think PSB are fantastic at singles but they have one type of song that tends to get old when going through an album. The only stand out sounds were the singles. Fave songs: it's a sin, rent
It’s the 80s and it’s pop and it has some great tunes but it’s too samey and it’s too cold for a whole album. But those pop hits are great.
Even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined I would one day appreciate a Pet Shop Boys song, not to mention *several ones of them*. To be clear, the first two tracks are pretty dreadful, all cheese and no real substance. But after them, I actually enjoyed *each and every one* of the songs!!! "Shopping" is a snarly, topical cut picking up the ball right where Kraftwerk had left it a few years earlier. Cynical yet bittersweet "Rent" is a small wonder, lyrically, musically and arrangements-wide. And "I Want To Wake Up" is an infectious earworm. Those three stellar tracks slap, there's no doubt about that. And the rest is very good. Apart from the two duds opening the album, that is. As a consequence, *Actually* still sounds like a mixed bag for me (openers are usually essential to *fully* enjoy a record). But I'm putting this album in my waiting list nonethelles. And that's a surprise for me, probably one of the biggest surprises I've had since I started using this app. Number of albums left to review: 466 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 252. Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 125 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 158
Continuing a string of rather mediocre British acts from the 80s and 90s. It's not bad it's just nothing special. Just bland and 80s sounding. Pretty forgettable after you listen to it. Bland.
Slick pop arrangements accompanying dark lyrics.
Take my review with a grain of salt, as this kind of music really isn't my thing, but overall I was underwhelmed. I often felt like the arrangements weren't serving the material. Ultimately, I think other bands do this kind of thing better: Yaz (Yazoo) has better vocals, New Order has better melodies, etc. I never realized that was Dusty Springfield on "What Have Done to Deserve This." Side two was the better of the two, IMO.
Not my personal favorite.
kinda fun
I criticise a lot of these albums based on the vocals. And this really has some shit vocals. But here's the thing that got it up to 3 for me. They knew! They knew well enough to get Dusty in for a track. Waiting for a decent cover of It's a sin.
This was pretty decent. Synth-pop isn't my thing, but I did enjoy it on the whole. Favorite track: It's a Sin
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would but didn’t evoke any strong emotions
Takes me back to Highschool. Wasn't really a fan back then but their stuff has definitely grown on me over the years. Some of it is a bit corny, but overall, it's pretty well written stuff.
Not as good as I expected it to be - the Dusty Springfield collaboration was a pleasant surprise, and It's A Sin is a classic that I already knew, but the rest of it feels a bit lacking in nuance (maybe that's unfair given that it's 25 years old and society has really changed regarding a lot of things they were talking about). Definitely preferred the second side to the first, but it's a 3 from me.
Very 80s.
Walmart brand version of Violator by Depeche Mode. Decent stuff, pretty catchy.
much better than i was expecting! loved it's a sin. 3.5
Throughout this album, Pet Shop Boys weave together the themes of love, desire, isolation, and societal issues. Tracks like "Shopping" critique consumer culture, while "Heart" explores the vulnerability of romantic relationships. One of the big highlights goes by the name of, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" featuring the iconic Dusty Springfield. The collaboration between Pet Shop Boys and the soulful Springfield makes for a very interesting listen. Their contrasting yet complementary voices create a well crafted synergy. Production wise, the integration of electronic and orchestral elements creates a lush soundscape that get a futuristic feel and the duo's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the songs. ”Actually” does it’s job of delivering catchy pop songs that feel very 80s so if you are in your 40s/50s looking for nostalgia, look no further than this album.
the original gecs (?) - what if we put a bunch of wacky sounds in our songs and y know what it really worked. quintessentially 80s. best tracks: one more chance, its a sin, kings cross
Its kinda catchy but can't say i really liked any song. but didn't feel bad enough to give less than 3 stars
I get why the Pet Shop Boys are on this list. They were pretty popular, pretty catchy, and pretty (gay). But listening to this record in the year 2023, and man, I just can’t stand it. I’ve heard AJR. I’ve heard Weezer. I’ve willingly listened to Einstürzende Neubauten (Funny that “Kollaps” is on this list, and probably one of their roughest records). But I just can’t get behind Pet Shop Boys. I’m a big fan of other synth-pop bands like New Order, but I can certifiably say that the worst song on “Low Life” is better than whatever the Pet Shop Boys were cooking on “One More Chance.” Eugh. It soured the rest of the album for me. But the album is saved from being a flat one star due to the lyrics. Some great commentary over some mid-tier (and some completely washed) beats. But hey, it beats having to listen to Britney Spears one more time.
maybe i'm just not in the mood
Um, Actually, it's a pretty alright album
Upbeat, dancey, shades of Depeche Mode? Overall pretty enjoyable, just nothing to blow you away
I liked a few of the songs but didn't like it as well as I expected overall.
Sound- 80s dance pop. Some parts sound very dated. With that said, the lyrics are awesome- criticizing capitalism and far right politics. The lyrics reflect boredom, loneliness, and despair. I loved what this group had to say. While the sound of some songs may be very dated I can see why this made the list.
It was fine. I wasn't really impressed by the Pet Shop Boys, but nothing was terrible. Kind of forgettable.
3.5
nice men litt mye techno
Driving around a cloudy Amalfi coast.
first listen meh
80's as fuck. Synthetic feeling. 3.5
It has recently come to my attention that Pet Shop Boys' stockpile of bangers is larger than I gave them credit for. It's just as well, really, as when the tunes are weaker all we're left with is their distinctive brand of synth-pop, which I think is kinda naff, actually. One more 'Go West' or 'Always on My Mind' sized banger would've tipped the balance towards 4 stars, but as it is: 3.5.
Interesting postmodern commentary on consumerism while simultaneously sounding like I’m at the mall drinking an orange julius and heading to the arcade.
When I look back upon my life It's always with a sense of shame I've always been the one to blame For everything I long to do No matter when or where or who Has one thing in common too It's a sin So, its an OK album but I'm confused by its presence on this list. Why is this an album that everyone should hear before they die? Because its more 80s brit pop? Cant have too much of that? 3/5
2.5/5 80s synthpop
i dont like this genre very much but this was really good
Not a huge Pet Shop Boys fan, but this album was alright.
After the first few songs I realized I'd heard this album before and that I'd rated it before we started the group. Since I really didn't want to listen to it again, I figure I should give it that initial rating again. The fact I didn't want to listen to it should probably bring the score down, but oh well
Not really notable, another average album
Some good beats, but this was a little too disco and repetitive. I preferred Very.
pretty mid very early experimental pop like Kraftwerk but less bad
When it’s good, it’s great. But it isn’t good all the way through.
3.5
I didn't love it. May give it a relisten some day, but for now it's a three for me.
When this appeared on my daily selection, I was looking forward to reacquainting myself with it. Sadly, time hasn’t been kind to this album, aside from tracks that made it into the charts, the rest of it. It’s quite bland and a bit forgettable. 3/3
Early boy band vibes. Pop but with interesting messages / quite political
3.75
Another solid set of songs from the glum duo. Some cracking singles especially Rent. A couple of the sings wash over me but its generally good and probable improves on replay
One few songs are nice to hear.
Quintessential gay 80s music
Couple good songs. Classic 80s!
Not sure if I ever really listened to this band. Not bad
It was fine. Nothing I really liked or disliked in this one. Forgettable
Not my music. But some songs are good.
legalzinho legalzinho
Songs feel familiar, catchy, but inconsequential. The same feelings they gave me in 1987, so I guess that means the album holds up?
There are some really good tunes here, particularly Rent and It's a Sin, but it was a bit inconsistent and didn't have a huge impression on me
Good 80s album. Not something I would listen to on a regular basis
I'm not much of a Pet Shop Boys. The album was fine and I have no major complaints, but to me the music is bland and uninteresting. That being said, I actually didn't turn it off and listened to the whole thing through.
Auch klassischer 80s Sound. Kenne ich so noch von meiner Mutter.
Catchy tunes, similar vibe throughout the album. I would listen to it again, but on repeat it gets a bit boring after a while.
Easy to listen
Pet Shop Boys always get me in a good mood. Did conclude that they are mostly a 'greatest hits' band for me.
Boring and unnecessary second inclusion from this group.
Not bad but compared to their other albums this was pretty boring, everything sounded the same and only one hit/standout song.
Je préfère Please, mais c’est correct aussi. Il y a peut-être le plagia de « wild world » dans « It’s a sin », ainsi que le vocal qui est trop présent dans le mix qui m’agacent. À part ça, c’est l’fun.
I think the songwriting is good but those 80s effects make it hard for this album to feel timeless. I enjoyed it just fine anyways
I have never found myself really enjoying a Pet Shop Boys album from start to finish. There are however some undoubtedly good songs to be found within. It's A Sin particularly appealed to me. Not bad, a 2.5 for me but getting the bump to 3.
Pas mauvais, mais il n'y a aucune des chansons que je connais d'eux dessus. La meilleure est It's A Sin je crois! Leur beats sont bons, mais leur voix je l'ai toujours trouvé moyenne.
It's a Sin? It's an earworm more like. #actually #Ithinkyoullfind I got quite into this, and then the second half bored me
I like the hits of the Pet Shop Boys, What Have I Done to Deserve This? and It's a Sin are great, the rest was alright, but didn't stick out enough to make this a solid album for me. 2.5
Irgendwas zwischen 2 und 3. Ich bin gnädig und gebe 3.
Not at all my usual style, but pretty darn catchy.
No song really stood out to me, but it was alright.
the vibe is nice, but not my jam
korrek
Cool 80s Bancroft groove
my brother is also doing this generator and kept suggesting these guys to me. probably should have listened bc this was really solid pop music. i enjoy most synth stuff, but this was especially well-produced. I listened to the 2018 remaster so that may have an influence, but it was solid nonetheless. good music to do mindless office work to.
Átti þessa
Slow start but it really picks up and makes you want to move! I’d give it a 3.5 if I could.
Heard it before?: No, but have heard a few songs Enjoy it?: Yes! The traces of synth and soft sound are angelic to this, very enjoyable from start to finish Favourite song: Track 2 - What Have I Done to Deserve This?
Another album that is no more than fine. Don't see what qualifies it for any special recognition
While this album grew on me the more I listened to it, it was a snoozer overall. This might just be a preference, but I do not love synth-based music. I feel like this lacked any real groove, soul or melody. Some of the songs were long enough to create the impression of a groove or jam, but I'm not sure this was truly achieved. "I Want to Wake Up" and "Rent" were exceptions to that for me, as both did a pretty gtood job creating an atmosphere, but the rest didn't do much for me. The singing was unimpressive too. I'm not sure what the setting for this music is. Is it to dance to? Is it to listen to alone? Very 80's new-wave but not for me.
Liked it
No where near Behaviour level
actually, this is a good record.
Better than I thought it would be.
Hasn't aged as badly as you might think.
This is what the 80's sound like in my dreams.
It’s sad when people rate albums on this list low because it’s simply not their taste or hasn’t aged well, completely discounting their historic and cultural value. There’s a reason albums like this are on the list- not because they are groundbreaking masterpieces of music, but because they reflect the time period and have great historical value. The albums on this list are on here because they were influential, not because they are the best albums of all time. That’s a different list, and I think a lot of people forget that when listening. All that being said, while the relentless synth beats do get a bit tired, this album was fun and I love when melancholy/dark lyrics are set against an upbeat melody. 80s rule! My favorites: Rent, What Have I Done to Deserve This?, It’s a Sin, Heart, King’s Cross
I've been on a Swet Shop Boys kick of their song Anthem and at the very beginning they make clear that they are not the Pet Shop Boys. This album had a lot of style and made me think of West End Girls (and GTA). But it also reminded me a bit of Phil Collins in the slow style of a lot of the songs. Enjoyed this album but nothing to write home about.
Pulling this up on Apple Music, saying to myself "If this doesn't have West End Girls, we riot." It sure doesn't, but it does have "It's a Sin," which I didn't realize that I also know. These boys are pretty solid pop music, I will give them that. A great, dance-y energy throughout. I can't say that too many tracks stood out to me, but I appreciate what they were doing here. Not bad at all. Favorite tracks: It's a Sin, King's Cross. Album art: Two sleepy boys. Well, I guess the one is sleepy, I'm assuming his pal is sleepy by association. Not a bad cover though, this one's definitely distinct. 3/5
There's a few really good tracks on here, but a lot of those even wear out their welcome for me by going on just a bit longer than necessary.
Good electro pop but I don’t like electro pop
Really liked a lot of it but a whole album got a bit much?
Yeah it was OK. I guess
After their brilliant debut album with the iconic single West End Girls, you kinda expect a let down. This second album features a picture of one of them yawning on the cover. Of course it’s meant to be ironic, but it’s also very apt. They’ve got the bored, ironic synth pop sound down pat here, but this was a bit of a snooze fest for me. It’s too bad they peaked so early and were never able to strike lightning again
muy diver muy sexo muy dance party muy algo que seguro escucha luni :-) dos me hacen querer quedarme pelado lujitos de ser gey-> edit eran de cornudo SON YMO🙄
This is a fine example of synth pop and new wave. Most of these songs were new to me, and while I wouldn't say any of them just absolutely grabbed me and took me, I really did enjoy listening to the album. I'm looking forward to more Pet Shop Boys on this project. This album is more than a 3 for me, but less than a 4...one of those times I wish we had incremental star ratings!
Peppy
Some good music but nothing really memorable other than It’s a Sin
Liked this more than I expected, but still don't feel any need to come back to it. It's a lot like Depeche Mode to my ears. I wonder if they aren't very similar if you ignore lyrics, which I generally do ignore. 3/5
The sound design hasn't aged awfully well compared to something as Violator but it was still okay.
Pretty good, but this all still sounds samey to me like most new wave. But I recognize some of the songs and those hits are cool, so I kind of understand why this was chosen. C
De la synth-pop comme on aime, et comme aime encore davantage le père d'eltrapeze. Je voulais à ce titre rappeler la fois où le géniteur de mon ennemi juré s'est évanoui en voyant arriver Harry Styles sur scène. La honte.
I must have missed something listening through this. It wasn't bad but nothing screamed out that this should be on any all time list. Seemed like an 80s synth-pop album to me.
Enjoyed the first half more than I thought I would or should. Decent 80s music. Not a great back half.
Legal, mas nada marcante também. Gosto da vibe 80's. Melhor música: What Have I done to deserve this?
I remember so many of these songs from the radio in the late 80s.
15th June 2022 Listened on the drive in to London! Work night out after which was fun then stayed with harry. Not as good as Very but still enjoyable. Didn’t realise Dusty Springfield was on it, more synthy 80s goodness. 3.5 if I could.
There were some okay songs but on the whole I didn’t find it as intriguing as some of their other work
Not really my cup of tea - as in, I don't really enjoy listening to it. But I respect the wrapping of themes like critiques of Thatcherism and privatization, etc.
I enjoy their singles but don't like their sound enough for a whole album. Synthesized brass is an acquired taste that I can't seem to develop.
80s synth pop cheese. Completely of the times, it's not bad.
It’s ok. A little too much 80’s synth and drum machine for me. Too dance music-y.
The singer’s voice doesn’t really compliment the music. The lyrics and vocals don’t really feel like they fit, or they just feel too simple. In addition, the songs tend to drag on and become repetitive. That being said, the backing tracks are great pop hits. They’re the main highlight of this album, and they help keep it from being too forgettable. Mainly listen to them when you go through this album. Favorite track: It’s a Sin
The weaker Pet Shop Boys album. Actually feels like they're being held back by something that I can't seem to put my thing on, but the noises and sounds that give it that signature '80s feel don't hold up to the test of time. That being said, the best songs from this album are amazing. Highlights: 2, 4, and 7.
The Pet Shop Boys always know which chords I like. This one not so much though. 3
Sort fan, sort just there. Nothing special to me. C
Not whiny, hurray!
Is this song really "we're s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g, we're shopping"? Because it's adorable. Not my new favorite band or anything, but it's fun.
Started out really strong, but I got less enthusiastic as it labored on. I think small doses of Pet Shop Boys works best for me. First couple songs: great. “It Couldn’t Happen Here”… well ultimately I wish that one couldn’t, and hadn’t.
I don't often care for this style, and it has to be something really special to catch my notice. This did that, at least. Playing with expectations a bit in song structure. Their subjects are a little more interesting than "it feels good to dance," or "I got dumped and it's no fun." (There's a place for those too, but I need more from disco I guess.) It's a Sin is a banger, but one great track doesn't make a whole album in this game.
Gezellig
Best leuk, maar wel ontzettend eighties
I like. Lekker energiek.
Good at what they do. Synth isn’t my favorite but easy to listen to and their voices are nice. Very listenable, especially for the background.
Very 80s, very British, very Pop.
The last Pet Shop Boys album I drew, “Behaviour”, marked Pet Shop Boys’ move into more introspective, “cerebral” music. It did very little for me, so I was intrigued to hear their earlier, peppier side. On paper, 80s electronica and dance with a touch of campy theatrics and offbeat vocal stylings should be something I’d really enjoy, but “Actually” still hasn’t quite clicked for me. From the off, it’s at least a more upbeat and enjoyable record than “Behaviour”- the opener “One More Chance” is percussion-driven for the first couple of minutes until the keyboards snake in layer-by-layer, culminating in a borderline symphonic refrain. “What Have I Done To Deserve This” has an unexpected turn from Dusty Springfield, who does a sterling job and adds some variations to Neil Tennant’s fairly by-the-numbers vocals (some songs build towards a euphoric melodic chorus, then crash and burn with his deadpan spoken refrains). A Pet Shop Boys hosted-album with a roster of guest vocalists could have been an interesting idea. But it didn’t happen, and we get this. The highlights aside (the two openers, “Hit Music” and of course, “It’s a Sin”), the album begins to feel weighed down by all the mechanical electronics. It comes across a little cold without wit, bite or quirks. And the ballads (“It Couldn’t Happen Here”, “Rent” ) are downright dirges. Still, I think it has capacity to grow on me and I wouldn’t bludgeon anyone for putting it on- just didn’t feel like an instant classic. Yet.
-In this house, we criticize consumerism when we sing the song 'Shopping" -"Shopping," "Hit Music," "It's a Sin," and "heart" were all catchy enough. Most of the rest of the album was pleasant but nothing really stood out, didn't get too intense
Pretty slow. Nothing really jumped out.
3.3 - Nice new wave listen - enjoyed Shopping and the Cat Steven’s apeing on It’s a Sin.
Suuuuper 80s synth pop. Perhaps not the best from the “Boys”. Still it’s decent. Features a ton of meaty and danceable synth grooves even if the subject matters are shallow.
Actually, its pretty good. A ver, me ha dado ligeramente igual pero me gusta el sonido y lo disfruté mientras estaba en la bibliotek. ¿como es que Its a Sin estaba ya en mi cerebro sin saberlo?
Preciso escutar novamente, mas gostei da sonoridade.
Very much of its time.
I guess I’m a Pet Shop Boys fan now.
"What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is the question that i asked myself when i started listening. In the end it's not that bad. Three good songs ("What Have I Done to Deserve This?", "Rent" and "It's a Sin") and some filler.
Equal parts containing all the now-embarrassing elements of 1980s pop, and endearing nostalgic feelings of a simpler time. Studio mixing in a cave, heavy synthesizer effects and drum loops, the existential crisis one feels knowing that this is either highly processed or borne from a single electronically manipulated keyboard with sounds. The 80s were the pinnacle of music-making embracing the clean shortcuts of computerized compositions. This album hits all of those notes with the type of precision that electronic sound manipulation is designed to do, and to its discredit, it does it too well, for where music has evolved since the beginning, the 80s felt like more of a fad than it did an evolution. The 90s felt like a snapping out of that. It is difficult with such bias against the 80s, to take this album with any sense of meaningful seriousness. Instead, rather than being a gift, hindsight is a burden when listening to this. The music sounds easy and one-dimensional in spite of all the layers, and perhaps there is a way to narrow one's perspective to respect this for what it was in the time it was made, yet one can only be grateful that we have moved on. Three stars for historically endearing significance, for feeling irrelevant and serving as a reminder of when things were weird and embarrassing.
Classique new wave, mais pas le meilleur album du genre
Now I know who the Pet Shop Boys are.
Definitely a notch below their 80s synthpop contemporaries. 6/10
Lo mejor esta en los singles. Parece que los Pet shop boys son un grupp para escuchar en compilados o recopilaciones porque todo un disco tiene pocas sorpresas.
Enjoyable for the 80s!
Well produced synth pop
I don’t really care for this kind of music but it had some catchy songs 5/10
Really sing-songy at points and quite 80s. Lyrics are pretty good but I didn’t like much else. 5/10
The majority of the album feels like 80s electronic dance club music, although the final song, King's Cross, stands apart from the rest of the album. The electronic music is tolerable, but feels a little corny to me. King's Cross is a more serious song, and stylistically much more like the "serious songs" that respected rockers like Phil Collins or Don Henley produced during that era.
A strange lyrical obsession about paying the bills and rent - and generally quite a non-memorable album except for a couple of classics. It’s a container for it’s a sin and heart and kings cross I guess - the rest are fillers
Inoffensive stuff from the Pet Shop Boys, but nothing really catchy.
i actually thought it was fun and interesting to listen to. nothing super outgoing but i would listen to again
Well this is the *second* Pet Shop Boys album in the first 150 albums. ....? really? By the end of this exercise in about 3 years I'm going to be upset that they have (at least!?!?) 2 more albums on this list than most of my favourite bands but ok it's NOT ABOUT ME...sigh... (where was I?) Right. Pet Shop Boys. I scorned new-wavey-all-synth music in the 80s but now I quite enjoy it. To a point. Without looking back at my first review of the PSBs it probably goes something like this... it's nice. And this is nice! Nothing too memorable, though - it plays like a very pleasant sounding 80s soundtrack and is *fantastic* for background/working music. Nothing particularly negative outside of the fact that no individual songs are all that memorable. I can't remember anything in particular after finishing and looking at the song titles. Which...so why is this album on the list? Not that it's bad - it's nice! I've said that! But... It's a solid 3, would never argue against listening to this but not sure if I'd be in an overt mood: "PUT ON ACTUALLY!" In fact... the album cover is a brilliant slideshow of my reactions while first seeing this album then again sometime around song 7. In fact this would be nice to fall asleep to... [creates sleep playlist...] 5/10 3 stars.
Classic 80s sound on this album, but nothing that really stood out to me that much
Unexpectedly enjoyable. Some cool synth chords and a few stand out tracks ('it couldn't happen here').
pr good but no crazy standouts for me
Classic synth pop. Not really my bag but they are very good at it.
A couple of big tunes on here. More enjoyable than I was expecting, but I wasn’t expecting much.
80’er synth pop, god rytme, lidt ensformigt
Pretty good synth/dance/80s/pop album. Especially of note the hit with Dusty Springfield...What Have I Done to Deserve This. Not sure what more I can add. If this is your style of music you won<t go wrong. 3 stars
// Favs: – Score: Strong 2 to Light 3
I loved a couple songs on the album. I Want to Wake Up was a real stand-out. Overall the synths and 80s production got in the way for me, but not as much as I was expecting.
It´s not actually that bad
the album is decent, with somewhat simple lyrics here and there
3.5
Pretty catchy.
took me a minute but I got it
I enjoyed it initially, but to be honest, it did drag on quite a bit. The beats were very interesting and I'm sure this sounded very groundbreaking at the time, but the synth hasn't aged as well. The lyrics were interesting and clearly shaped by Thatcherism.
It was definitely an 80s album. I was not familiar with any of the songs. I am not going seek this album out again, but it is not a bad album.
Some good songs, some ok songs
Pretty fun, especially the first few songs and the hit (It’s a sin). Plenty of weird stuff on here as well. Is Shopping code for something?
First time listening to a whole PSB album. It was ok.
It's a sin is brill, everything else made me yawn
From a technical point of view, the way they were able to start a song with a theme that gave no hint of the main theme will also go down in history. (6/10) Favourite Tracks: It's a Sin, What Have I Done To Deserve This, "Always on my Mind"
Second Pet Shop Boys album! I know a lot of this already, and the hits are bangers. What I've discovered from listening to two of their albums is that a collection of the best PSB songs would be an easy five. But they haven't done that with a complete album yet. Still good, just not classic level.
42. As ruas estão vazias. É uma pena. Saí mais cedo para cá estar. MotA: What Have I Done to Deserve This? "The city is quiet, too cold to walk alone / Strangers in overcoats hurry on home"
A bit dated for me
Gick in med låga förväntningar pga 80-tal och synthpop och Pet Shop Boys. Förväntningarna blev både mötta och krossade. Bra spår som One More Chance, King's Cross och till viss del What Have I Done to Deserve This? möter skräp som Shopping och Heart. Shopping är inte dålig i sig, MEN fan LÄGG AV med att bokstavera det STÖR MIG Visst, It's a Sin är ok, men överskattad. Bästa låt: One More Chance, mest för refrängen. Det bästa med det svåra 80-talet komprimerat i en kvällsvibbande dansdänga.
I can appreciate this record's energetic and playful melodies, it's subtle dance-pop vibes, synth-riffs, and overall creative choices. Highlights are the amazingly catchy "What Have I Done", the funny and sarcastic "Shopping", "I Want to Wake Up", and the extremely tight instrumentals on "Heart". However, I find myself not enjoying the more melancholic, dreamy and slow tracks. Examples being "One More Chance", "Rent" and "It Couldn't Happen Here". Due to my lukewarm feelings about the record, though some enthusiasm is deserved, a 3/5 is fair.
Everything I would imagine 80’s dance-pop to sound like. Some really groovy songs and great sounding synth. A few of the songs stuck and others didn’t, but overall an album I’d throw into some playlists. “Heart” kept reminding me of music from Mario 64.
Eeeeh
This album was fine. Nothing exceptional to me. I do like synth pop but I don’t feel like there was a standout great song on this album… the base quality was better than average, though, so 3 stars.
A extremely synth heavy new wave pop album. It's pretty impressive what this duo can get out of building pop songs around synths and while I very much respect a lot of the craft to this album (and it is very well crafted), it's not my cup of tea at all. Impressive production, well-crafted pop songs, but again done in a style that doesn't stir much of anything in me.
Not a big fan
Not exactly my kinda thing, but well crafted and executed. Good melodies.
I didn’t hate it like I thought I would! :)
Nostalgic
Few tracks pretty good, but the remaining tracks are weak.
It's okay. Kind of forgettable.
Ennio Morricone has a writing credit on this album... Mind. Blown. Best track: It's A Sin
what a weird album to listen to 35 years after its release. it has most of PSBs biggest hits and they all stand up pretty well despite being done in the cheesiest era for pop music. Thats probably because you've heard them a million times and the stabby synths aren't as jarring. the rest of the album is terrible dated stuff from that era. I can't imagine the synth crazy sounds of the late 80s/early 90s ever come back round.
80's throwback album.
A hilarious start to the album with the bongo sounds to kick it off. What Have I Done To Deserve This is a fantastic pop tune, I liked hearing Dusty pop in with backing vocals and her own sections are great too. It's A Sin is my favourite off of the album and the driving backbeat is infectious. I'd like to comment more but I'm a bit behind. Enjoyed this generally, especially the singles. Solid 3/5.
One excellent song (Rent) surrounded by a couple of good songs and much fluff. PSB's compilation album is the better choice.
I ‘actually’ enjoyed this, the lyrics are a bit odd at times but I like their sound.
Solid!
Pet Shop Men.
Catchy! I do not know much Pet Shop Boys but I can get down with most of what they're doing here. Fun synth lines, dance beats, and lyrics make for a fun album, and I can't hate that. Unfortunately, some of the sampling here sucks and takes away from the overall product. Otherwise solid stuff.
Decent 80's Synth Pop
6.25
I liked the 80s vibes. "It's A Sin" is a real standout track but I liked a few of the other tracks too. 7/10
Better than expected, but not as good as Please
It's a Sin is the obvious standout - some other decent ones but a bit thin for me.
All I really want is a montage of me trying on different outfits with all my best friends shaking their heads while "Shopping" blares in the background! I have been diving into New Order ever since we listened to that Joy Division album, and I must say that brand of 80s new wave type stuff is much more interesting, but Pet Shop Boys is way more fun! I really enjoyed the catchiness of these tracks and the fact that they had something to say as well. I don't mind pop if there's substance. It did get way overly 80s for me though with some of those big bright synths and splashy drums, so I for sure tuned out at some of those 80s cheese moments. Not enough bangers on here to cut through the filler.
Actually good songs and production 👌🏽
fun album. Some of the songs are pretty cheesy. I imagine that is partly due to the synth-heavy production. Some aged really well, some not so much. "it couldn't happen here" does not hold up at all.
Classic 80s music. Not bad. 6/10.
Interesting listen
Psb es electro pop y talento, pero esa presentación no es la buena
Love a good Pet Shop Boys single. This album is very enjoyable, although the tracks really run together. PSB are better 1 or 2 songs at a time, and not all in a row like this.
There are definitely songs I can vibe with on this album, but overall it’s very ok. Also, for being the Pet Shop Boy, there were more female vocal parts than I expected. Favorite Track(s): “One More Chance” and “It’s A Sin”
Unique sound... reminds me a little of Cake on some songs
I’m hovering between a three and a four here, but I remember really liking this new wave sounds, especially songs like shopping
A eso suenan los 80s. No cabe duda que están junto con Madonna, New Order o Soft Cell como sonido característico de lo que era dance pop y synth pop. A lo fresco y alegre de la música agregan también un cantar monótono, sin inflexiones, casi vacío que suena... plástico; perfecto para la representación de un disco que habla de yuppies desengañados que viven sin importarles nada y buscando solo su beneficio. Pop que refleja los 80s pero que tiene letras con algo que decir. En realidad no le doy más calificación por dos cosas; una es que el disco musicalmente aunque bueno tuvo varias canciones que sentí demasiado similares (mismas cuerdas en el fondo, mismos efectos, mismos ritmos) y dos, que de manera personal no es el tipo de música que me llama a escuchar una y otra vez. Buen disco.
Favorite song: Rent
I enjoyed this. Very 80s but in a good way.
A time capsule of 80s synth sounds
I don't have anything additional to add about the Pet Shop Boys.
Conocía un par de rolas de éste disco y es bastante ameno, no cabe duda de que son unos pioneros y genios del electro-pop y me gusta que sean un grupo que siempre va a la vanguardia. Echenle un ojo a lo que hacen como productores y se van a llevar varias sorpresas
Levy jota vaivaa Pet Shop Boys -syndrooma. Hittibiisit ovat täyttä timanttia, kun taas täytebiisejä ei jaksa ollenkaan. En ole ikinä oikein jaksanut kuunnella bändin levyjä omina kokonaisuuksinaan, vaan yleensä soittimeen päätyy jonkinlainen kokoelmalevy. Kyllä tätä silti oikein mielellään kuuntelee.
"Shopping" was pretty great, as was "Rent" and a few other notable tracks, but was just a little too tame and samey to venture into 4th star territory for me. Enjoyable, but I don't know if I'll listen again.
Rent was stuck in my head for hours after listening to this album. I enjoyed the commentary + dance music combo in some songs, but I found myself drifting out of the album a lot. Maybe its because I don’t know much about music but some of it sounded sort of generic? Not sure. I think some of the songs could’ve been shorter.
Sounds like the 80s, not my favorite.
Svängigt och chill på samma gång
Fun album reminiscent of New Order that gets kind of borring and repetitive later on.
With the exception of the catchy tune “It’s a Sin” this is lame. There was a lot to like on “Please,” which I think preceded this album, but this falls short. Understand these guys were pioneers of electronic synth music, but this record ain’t for me.
some parts of this sound so modern and other parts so dated. i especially liked the intro to one more chance. generally quite one note and gets a little synth exhausting with a few highlights (rent, its a sin). would give 2.5/5 if possible
And occasional pet Shop boys song over the years is fine, but a full album of lifeless, no range singing and similar songs isn't for me.
I have a little nostalgia for some of the tracks on this album but, in general, I just wish that I were listening to Flight of the Conchords instead.
I just didn’t enjoy this one unfortunately. A bit cheesy
New wave. It's okay ish. 2.7 for me
Didn't enjoy this at all. It's a Sin is great song though
It's a sin that I don't have the patience to sit through droning 80s electronica
Great sound, but it gets old pretty quickly. Just in it hold up through the ears for me
Best selling Pet Shop Boys album. It's a sin.
A lot of filler but bookend tracks were good, solid vibes throughout but missing substance
After a while that all just started to sound the same
Maybe it because I have had too many whiny British dudes in a row, but I didn’t really like this outside of the Dusty song. 2 stars
Pleasant. Nothing to write home anout
There is someone, likely born in 1965, who probably goes up for this album. Unfortunately this is not me. It's an interesting album reflective of the time but consequently missed the mark in being timeless. The good songs prop this album up big time. "I Want To Wake Up" is a legitimate song that I will actually go back to. But most parts of this album are just not for me. Highlight: I Want To Wake Up
Niente di speciale.
2 stars
Hat mich damals schon nicht überzeugt
80s bullshit nonsense
Never really got into these cats.
I don't know, I love the 80's music but I wouldn't go to them for it
Some 80s pop gold amongst a heap of lightweight synth pop nonsense.
There are only two possible reactions to this album, and they are both depicted on the album cover. 2.0/5.0: Disappointing
i think at this point i can conclude im not a fan of the pet shop boys. this was incredibly boring
Pet shop boys really do have a distinct sound but I always find myself enjoying it less than I would have expected.
Must of the synth-pop music that came out of the 1980's didn't age well. This album is a good example of that.
Overall: 4/10 This album should have been called "Wine and Cheese" because the vocals are incredibly whiney and the instrumentation is cheesy and outdated. I just can't stand this guys voice at all and it makes it very hard to enjoy the songs that would be very good otherwise. A couple songs were enjoyable but thay voice is terrible to me. Fav Song: I Want to Wake Up
2/5
meh bad 80s sound didn't age well
Not my vibe but I get it
I mean like its alright like, who are deez guys tho and why are they important? they definitely have that 80's sound. No way they got Dusty Springfield on the beat tho thats tuff. rly hard to get into.
80’s vib
2.5
Wasn't too bad but I'd never choose to listen to it, no tracks stood out, and the singing is monotonous.
Not a fan of these cats but I appreciate what they do.
Old style
To quote another reviewer on here: "This is very Eighties, but not in a good way for me". The album never felt better than the sum of its parts. If 3/5 is an "enjoyable listen" to me, then this album is sadly a 2/5.
Second album proposé après 'Very' que je n'avais pas apprécié (noté 2/5 - musique d'ambiance peu intéressante). Ce nouvel album n'est pas mieux. Les morceaux sont inutilement longs, sans intérêt particulier, donc ennuyeux même s'ils ne sont pas désagréable à entendre. =>2/5
Synth pop isn't for me, but I found myself sometimes sorta liking this kinda?
I just didn’t enjoy this one unfortunately. A bit cheesy
============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ------------------PET SHOP BOYS--------------- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- --------------------ACTUALLY------------------ ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------(1987)------------------- ============================================== ============================================== -----------------CALIFICACIÓN----------------- --------------------★⯨☆☆☆-------------------- --------------------(1,95)-------------------- ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== 1. One More Chance (★★⯨☆☆) 2. What Have I Done to Deserve This? (★★☆☆☆) 3. Shopping (★★☆☆☆) 4. Rent (★⯨☆☆☆) 5. Hit Music (★★☆☆☆) 6. It Couldn't Happen Here (★⯨☆☆☆) 7. It's a Sin (★★☆☆☆) 8. I Want to Wake Up (★★☆☆☆) 9. Heart (★★☆☆☆) 10. King's Cross (★★☆☆☆) ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== PUNTAJE TOTAL 2,5+2+2+1,5+2+1,5+2+2+2+2 = 19,5 ============================================== ============================================== PUNTAJE PROMEDIO 19,5 / 10 = 1,95 ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== CALIFICACIÓN FINAL ★⯨☆☆☆ (1,95) ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== COMENTARIO -El sonido de los 80 se puede resumir bastante bien con las canciones de este álbum... y no me gusta. Suena demasiado poco profesional, como el sonido que un niño podría producir fácilmente con sus juguetes... ============================================== ==============================================
Just not for me
More British meh
boring
Meh
Dette var ganske rævva, må jeg si. Er ingenting uten "It's a sin".
PSB doesn't do it for me. A lot of these songs sound like they said, "I want to make a song called Rent", "I want to make a song called Hit Music" and then they just slapped a generic synthesizer preset on and babbled out the song title in a way they thought sounded cool or profound or something. When the album finished it auto-played into a Saint Etienne track. It was one of those moments where I thought, ooh actually this track is good, only to go and check and realise it wasn't the PSB any more. That's usually a litmus test to me that the album really did suck. 1.7/5
Yawn
Samey and not so invigorating
No soy fan
Meh. Very meh.
right down in the middle of the eighties garbage bin. smh
I don’t support pet shops
No creo que sea un disco para estar entre los 1001 que hay que escuchar antes de morir, muy normal
fav- Its a sin 2/5
The songs on this album are fine individually, but a whole album of them gets tiring fast.
Better than their first record but still pretty meh. Not a lot of strong songs.
Dated, annoys me
Not sure I needed 2 PSBoys albums on this list. The comment on the opening track is spot on, it really sets the tone, absolute shit opener. They to me will always be a singles band, the odd stand out track and the rest to make up 40 odd minutes of detached, urbanised synth dance pop. Im sure the yawn is an witty urban comment, but sums up the dreary content too. Scoring only for it’s a sin, by far the only high point, 2 Star
I liked a couple songs, for sure. But I'm not sure how often I'd come back to this, overall.
Not a huge fan
Very 80s synth pop, not my favorite style but understand why it is included in the list
remove the vocals.
When I saw this album cover, I was expecting more mediocre British rock, and well, this was slightly more refreshing than that. You can still hear that British twang in the singing. Some of the production techniques reminded me of Tears for Fears. There is a bit of a variety, but it was mostly 80s pop nostalgia. I think the second track was my favorite; the featured singer had a nicer voice than these bozos .
i love how clean the production is the rhythmic ideas are kinda boring is this the most 80's sounding album ever? I was optimistic with the first track, but the rest of the album had me glazing over. . . . generic generic 80's pop
What a cynical and empty album. Ok for the nostalgia listen I suppose but that’s it.
Meh definitely from the 80s
Extremely boring.
Couple of good tracks but not great.
I really enjoy 80s synth pop and in this you can hear hints of certain eras of Prince and Depeche Mode, which is no bad thing. Unfortunately there are plenty of bad in this album too. A lot of the music tilts into the annoying, the singers voice is often a bit on the weak side and the hooks are too repetitive without the punch to keep you drawn in. There are some moments of class in here too, a mixed bag that ultimately isn't for me. Doff of the cap to It's a Sin. Certified banger.