Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Greatly enjoyed something refreshing and innovative for it's time
If you were to go back a year ago when I started this project and told me that this album would be among my top-rated, I would think you were on some kind of drug. The people behind “West End Girls”? A nineties dance album? I had some doubts. I will admit, I can see this album being polarizing. It’s the epitome of early 90’s/late 80’s dance. Hell, I thought it would be forgettable. But, it’s strangely grounded. These aren’t club hits, it’s like… sort of sad dance. And for the life of me, I can’t explain why these songs hit so hard for me. I get like this weird sense of nostalgia from it, without it feeling dated or cheesy or monotone. I can’t describe it, it just hits me in the right ways. I guess I love the Pet Shop Boys when they sing ballads. My only concern is that this is apparently a departure from their usual sound, so I don’t know if the PSB high will carry. But fuck it, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. Favorite track: So Hard Other hits: Being Boring, How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?, Only the Wind, Nervously, Jealousy, My October Symphony, This Must the Place I Waited Years to Leave
My favourite Pet Shop Boys album, closely followed by actually. It’s got such a strong sentimental feeling carried throughout that I love and is bookended by two of the best pet shop boys songs ever recorded. Jealousy is the perfect theatrical ending to an album this good and I wish I could give it a 6.
superb synth pop album
Great
Dancy
Good
Great album
Really enjoyed this! I'm excited to listen to it again.
This gets a 5 on account of being a stonking album. Being Boring always makes me cry, brutal for a first track. So Hard goes, well, you know
One of my all time favourite albums
Das Album fängt mit „Being Boring“ an, einer eleganten und melancholischen Hymne über Erinnerungen, Verlust und das Streben nach Bedeutung. Der Song kombiniert eine tiefgründige Textur mit schwebenden Melodien – ein Highlight der Band. „So Hard“ bietet einen starken Kontrast: Eine dynamische, ironische Betrachtung von Konflikten in Beziehungen, unterstützt von einem treibenden Beat und cleveren Lyrics. Diese zwei Tracks verdeutlichen die emotionale Bandbreite des Albums und machen es zu einem zeitlosen Klassiker. Perfekt! 😊
Super!
Absolutely wonderful album. I have come to love the Pet Shop Boys through the years, though admittedly I don't have too much knowledge of individual albums. I really enjoyed this one and it was more mellow than I had anticipated. I have a Pet Shop Boys collection but many of these songs had not made any of my lists. Their brand of synth-pop is my sort of thing.
Very good!
Buenísimo. El mejor que les he escuchado hasta ahora. Más intenso, menos juguetón, clavado padre para deprimirse.
the Pet Shop Boys put together a grey record for "Behavior" (or "Behaviour" if you feel imperially inclined), and it makes sense. the record was post-everything -- post-AIDS, post-Communism, post-Reagan, post-Thatcherite economic boom. as a result, the record sounds less filled with zeal and more weariness, like waking up at noon on accident. it isn't pessimistic or optimistic; rather, the songs feel like they come from the source of bitter acceptance. even the throb of "So Hard"'s Hi-NRG bass and orchestra hits are tinged with drifting pads and lyrics concerning giving up you and your partner's respective affairs. it's fessing up, growing up, moving on. sometimes that isn't triumphant, it just happens. leaves fall sooner or later. grey can be beautiful.
The Pet Shop Boys reached this pinnacle of sound and depth with this record. They continued to make good music, but never made anything close to this again.
The Pet Shop Boys were the first British pop band I knew that did things differently. A remix album. An album of 12 inch cuts. Art house videos. ‘British’ rapping. And, with this album, choosing to go back to analogue synths because digital synths weren’t cutting the mustard. (Note: audiophile tendencies do not translate that well into cassette tape. Still, a nice touch.) If they’d kept ‘Miserabilism’ on the original pressing, this would have made it a six star album (for me). But then, truely, the album would have been very gloomy… It’s so hard to believe this is 35 years ago soon. My! October! Symphony celebrations are in order, I suspect. I was in a different place then, this was the place I waited years to leave. I did, eventually; there was a bit of jealousy involved, I suppose, but that’s what happens when people are being boring. I did say that to them. They were both lawyers like me (undergrads), and consequently found it a tad difficult to face the truth about themselves. One farted surreptitiously around us, claiming when caught that it’s only the wind. Barefaced lies like this, when it must be obvious that you’re telling porky lies: how can you expect to be taken seriously? Still, speaking frankly was something I did nervously… Did I ask say that PSB were the first (the only) group I stanned? I even had a BOY cap like Chris Lowe. Cost me a tenner from the BOY boutique in SOHO, which was a lot of money for a baseball cap in the late 1980s…
I really like this synthetic album
Great! I listened to it twice.
Really good
Pet Shop Boys’ Behaviour is a relaxing and nostalgic listening experience, with each track inviting the listener to immerse themselves in a world of subtle emotions and introspection. The exquisite production is a highlight, with meticulously crafted arrangements creating an immersive and dreamy atmosphere, while Neil Tennant’s mesmerizing vocals guide the journey with captivating smoothness. The perfect combination of evocative melodies and profound lyrics transforms every moment of Behaviour into a reverberation of the past, making it a truly unforgettable album.
With the Pet Shop Boys I’ve had so far, I’ve always had a bit of a hesitancy. Whether it be that the songs were too long, or that the slickness of the music undercut the satire in the lyrics, something stopped me from throwing myself into loving them. I have no reservations about how much I love Behaviour. The melancholy laid back nature of the beats perfectly complements the more personal bent of the lyrics, a lot of which use my favourite songwriting trick of being about the opposite of what the title promises, The End Of The World being the best example. This is perfect music to walk around a city at night to, reflecting on your own personal troubles, staring wistfully into the middle distance. I will be going back to Actually and Very with new ears having listened to it, am I a Pet Shop Boys fan now?
Magnificent
In the business of triggering dopamine
This album steps away from the upbeat club tracks that the Pet Shop Boys are known for in their earlier releases. It’s still synthpop and groovy, but it dives into a deeper, more introspective direction with lush, atmospheric synths. There’s also a heavier use of keyboard orchestration and subtle guitars, which gives it a more sophisticated, art pop feel.
What an album, the Pet Shop Boys rule. Its very 80s, but almost self reflective as the decade was rolling over. The production is clean, the singing is confident, and I just really enjoyed the synth instrumentation throughout. How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? Was my early standout, but I also loved Being Boring, My October Symphony, and Nervously. Great album that had my attention the whole time.
Fav: Jealousy Least Fav: Only The Wind One thing this list is making me realise is that I enjoy electronica a lot more than I thought I did. This album is very much a product of 80s-early 90s but does it so well.
with their mysterious, soft and entrancing rhythms and futuristic instrumentation, the pet shop boys have a wonderful new wave pop sound that'll make you move your feet and get controlled by the beat. songs of overcoming societal norms, passionate love and moody relationship reflections... it's a happy and sad album at the same time. what a treat.
Highlight der 80er!
Pet Shop Boys! ich kannte sie eher für die stampfenden Disco-Hymnen Ende 80er. Aber das hier ist ein verdammt gutes Album mit ironischen Statements und sowas von .. wow. habe das album in endlosschleife gehört und frage mich noch immer welcher song auf die 1001-liste soll? alle?
Я в каком-то космическом реггийном восторге от этой штуки Очень кайфово, чиллово и приятно все услышать Алкоальбом: коктейль скитлз (кисло и сладко, при этом очень люблю это!)
Кажется, я понимаю, почему эта музыка нравилась нашим родителям Это немного другой взгляд на пацанов, и он более "взрослый" тоже, как бы часто это не звучало из моих уст. Кстати по голосу тут вдруг напомнило (ужасная ассоциация) Яника Николенко из Би-2/Сплин, времён когда у него была англоязычная группа "Эдипов Комплекс" и они жоска косили по Дипишмод и PSB. Зашло, готов брать винил Ну и в конце: ОКТЯБРЬ!
Wow! Didn't realize it had so many Hits. A really good choice
Very nice album! Onу of the best pop albums forever!
Liked this one, every track.
Endlich mal was aufregendes!!
Was always a fan of them, and I still am. "Behaviour" was an excellent album. They always accomplish the task of combining danceable, but not shallow music with good lyrics.
Chill, nice energy but depressed/identity questioning themes that make it feel substantial.
Beautiful 80s album
A genuine brilliant album.
As ever, fantastic
Best Album from PSB!
I love this band and their silly lil synth-pop :) 10/10
Great album, not too hectic. Easy listening.
Yeah, now I'm sure. I like Pet Shop Boys. A lot.
Great electronic album
Sophisticated synth pop with a dash of lime. I love the music of the PSBs and this album is the fire behind that love. Well done and thank you Neil and Chris.
Really good!! Listened to it twice, it’s good background music. I thought I’d have more to say about it but I guess I don’t, favourite song Being Boring.
An excellent synth-pop album. Great tunes from start to finish: well-written and well-produced. None of my favourite songs by them were on this album but I’ve now discovered new favourites!
cool
The entire album felt like it could be on a Café Del Mar compilation before they were a thing, so ahead of it's time?
How many memories listening to this album...
Hurra hurra bra pop! Sämsta låten är ändå bättre än Gessles bästa.
Loved loved lived the synths
There are some bands who are frozen in their first flush of teenage youth for decades (think the Ramones), and other bands who appear middle-aged from the start. The National come to mind, but the daddies of the prematurely middle-aged pop star vibe are the Pet Shop Boys. So it is that this album is told mainly in the past tense. The adventures of youth (Being Boring) are events that happened years, perhaps decades ago. Though they were around before the phrase 'sad banger' was invented, they took the melancholia melodies at the heart of Kraftwerk and married them with lyrics focusing on failed romances, youths lost to AIDS, regrets at poor choices and misunderstandings. It's all very adult and amazing that they could do all this and sell millions of albums. There's a much quoted comment from Neil Tennant that once Domino Dancing went in the charts at 7 he knew their imperial period was over. This, the first album they made after that, is them staking out a more adult territory that would sustain them for decades. Is it five stars? Definitely 4.5 and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, if just for Being Boring which is perhaps their greatest ever piece of songwriting.
Having owned this album and having listened to it quite a lot in the early 90s, this was a lovely revisit of an old friend. This might well be my exhibit A for folks that look down on synth-pop as somehow robotic or mechanical. Listening to this I realize how masterfully the synthesizers are used to craft really interesting sounds and music. A couple of these songs have amazing bridges. There are authentic emotions and clever social commentary. And it begins and ends with harp flourishes! Bravo!
Not at all familiar with this album, but I fell in love with it immediately and hoped the feeling would last…it did!
More subdued than the Pet Shop Boys I'm used to. Sophisticated class.
Today was the perfect, gloomy day for a wistful, deeply reflective album that over the years has grown to mean more and more to me. I haven’t listened to this from beginning to end in some time, though, so it was on this rainy day that I revisited this well-worn album. Every note is so familiar and yet I am still discovering new emotions and meaning in these songs. This is arguably the best from a duo that has given me a lot of bests. While I loved every moment of my multiple listens to this today, the quiet parts really stood out to me today. “Being Boring”, “This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave,” “To Face The Truth,” “My October Symphony,” “Nervously,” “The End Of The World” capture so many important moments in my life. All without forgoing the dance floor masterpieces like “So Hard”. What an incredible album.
Piirrän tälläkin hetkellä tulevaa sarjakuva-albumiani, joka on (jälleen kerran) novellikokoelma. Jokainen tarina viittaa yhteen tärkeään biisiin, yhteensä 12 niitä ihan tärkeimpiä biisejä on kokoelmassa (albumissa?) mukana. Being Boring on yksi näistä.
Solid pop album with really catchy melodies and lyrics. Probably pretty influential in the electro music scene.
This album contains two of my favourite Pet Shop Boys singles, 'So Hard' and 'Being Boring', so it seems a good place to start for a deeper dive into their discography. Pleasingly, the rest of the album lives up to the standard of those singles and continues the wistful and introspective themes. Chock full of glorious melodies, sad lyrics and catchy hooks, this is total Bill-bait. Two thirds of the tracks on the album could have been a singles, with only a small dip in quality in the middle third of the record. The album mixes of 'Being Boring' and 'Jealousy' are also superior to the single edits and add to the overall feel of the piece. Looking forward to the other two PSB albums on the list. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: So Hard Date listened: 17/05/22
I came across a cache of old photos And invitations to teenage parties "Dress in white" one said, with quotations From someone's wife, a famous writer In the nineteen-twenties
Me gustó de principio a fin y pues nunca había escuchado un disco completo de los Pet Shop Boys. 9/10
I wasn’t prepared for how much I would love this!
This one sounded really cool. I liked the synth sound a lot.
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: being boring, how can you expect to be taken seriously, my October symphony, the end of the world
New wave at its best
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I didn’t appreciate how good the PSB were when they first came on the scene, now I get it!
just became a Pet Shop Boys fan
A somber outing for the psb. Nice for a moment of reflection.
Definitely an album of its time. It sounds extremely 1990. Aside from the dated drum machine effects, I really enjoyed it. I’m not one for synth-based songwriting but their melodies make up for it.
Hell yes.
Not too bad. I enjoyed it more than I expected
It sounds both dated and fresh at the same time. I guess that's testament to how well put together this album is.
Really fantastic, moody synth-pop. Don't think I'd heard a song from this record before, but I thought this was pretty great from front to back
voice fits so well. dont love all the tracks but some pleasant bangers throughout this guys voice reminds me of death cab man what's his voice
Surprisingly good!
Very different from most other pet boys but it went hard
I went in with very little knowledge of Pet Shop Boys or their music. I emerge a fan. It feels like pop music’s wacky synth experiments and over-processed-saturated-fat productions of the 1980s finally metabolized at the turn of the decade to allow this album to be made. It’s sleek and glossy, with lots of exciting sounds, but also a lot of restraint and a very strong pop sensibility. The toys and tools of production serve the album, not the other way around. I enjoyed most tracks, but “To Face The Truth” was a highlight for me.
Familiar with the name, not with the music. The smooth production left me with FOMO. It’s time for a Pet Shop Boys deep dive…
Pet Shop Boys will never die, only grow stronger. Neil Tennant has the most buttery cool voice in the business. This album is a chiller, more reflective collection that has a little bit maturity, a little bit “what’s on the horizon?” and of lot of effortlessly cool Britpop magic.
not too shabby, good production and well ahead of its time
4 stars wdym die haben auch west end girl produziert TUFF
76/100. Sometimes simplicity really is the best approach, and Pet Shop Boys execute that perfectly on this album. The songwriting feels very direct and understated. The songs do not try to overwhelm you with huge production tricks or dramatic performances. Instead, they let the melodies and atmosphere speak for themselves. Musically, the album is full of smooth and groovy synthpop, but there is also a strong sense of loneliness and melancholy. Even the more upbeat moments carry an emotional distance that makes the record feel reflective and bittersweet.
Well, this isn't the pet shop boys I think of when I think of the band that's for sure. I guess the end of the 80s hit the Pet Shop Boys like a bad hangover, because for better and worse that's kinda what this sounds like. It's somewhere between soothing and slow as molasses; consistent and one note; distinct and dull. Overall though, I weirdly enjoyed the experience? Mostly anyways. I did think it began to drag in the back stretch but overall this is a solid 4.
Four stars, really good early 90s electronic feel.
Don’t listen to the haters (aka Declan)
Messed with this heavy, really liked: being boring, so hard, nervously, and the end of the world. Some songs were bad tho.
Nice Pop music
I don’t know what it is about this band. They surprise me every time. Was fully bracing for a cringefest. But no. This had some very pretty passages, lots of good lyrics and toe-tappers. First song is the standout imo.
4/5
PET SHOP BOYS !!!! truly a generational album #goated
I've only ever listened to the singles off of pet shop boys albums, so I didn't really know what to expect tbh. This however is a treat, great synth pop and lots of florid elements throughout, the strings pairing on tracks really work well. The melodies and overall tone are great throughout, not a bad track on the album. I quite like the storytelling style of lyricism, not for everyone but it works well for me. I will say, you can tell this is from the 90s. The drum machine and the soundboard elements can be very distracting. This will turn a lot of people off, I still have to say it doesn't bother me much. I find it more funny that anything, but still it dates it heavily. Overall, give it a try. I really enjoyed it, will be playing this more often now. Surprised me but good stuff. Fav track: My October Symphony
sooo different than what I was expecting. A lot of cool synthy stuff going on and strong lyrics
Found it soothing and a bit catchy. I enjoyed the ride
It was fun. Like listening to a mix of Kate Bush, Japanese City Pop, and Tame Impala. 4 stars
being boring et end of the world added into my playlist surtout being boring HIHIHIHIHIHIHI j'ai pas mal aimer honnetement 3.95 (oui mes notes sont aberrantes ET ALORS)
I'm not a big fan of Pet Shop Boys. So this album was actually quite surprising to me. No real highlights on it but a very nice sound, nice songs and as a whole a nice album.
Didn’t realize I was a fan of synth pop
This part of the Wikipedia page captures my opinion of it pretty well... Singer Tennant reflected on the different style of Behaviour: "It was more reflective and more musical-sounding, and also it probably didn't have irritatingly crass ideas in it, like our songs often do." Much more preferable to previous PSB albums I've listened to, his voice seems much more laid back, tuneful and calming than other releases.
Det va ikke så verst gøy, men det va ikke veldig interessant heller.
Enjoyable. Never going to be my favorite, but this band is fun.
Crime j’ai eu l’occasion de faire quelques écoutes et j’ai pas mal aimé ça! Surtout les 2-3 premières. Par contre dans le synth-pop de cette époque, je préfère le New Order qu’on a du la dernière fois, ou Violator de Depeche Mode tant qu’à y être.
3.5/5
I liked Being Boring
This is one of my favorite albums out of the 80's. A friend of mine was a musician and played their covers a lot, so I was kind of deep dive introduced and was already way into the alternative scene. Even though my overall tastes have moved around a lot, still, I will stand by The Pet Shop Boys. Definitely iconic, definitely canon for the alt 80's era.
So fun to hear the other songs!
9/10
Funky
Wenn ich mir mal mini Huusschildchrott de Fabio würdi zuelegge, würdi ganz sicher zude Pet Shop Boys gah! Nebe West End Girlds hend die zwei ja no e ganzi mängi z büüte. Gern 4 lustigi hüet für min Leguan
pet shop boys Völlig überraschend hend die mir gfalle und mir ‚Heds pop joys‘ geh
Me gustó
Terrific record #johnscassettes
If you're going in to hear more like Go West or DJ Culture or Let's Make Lots of Money then you may be disappointed. More restrained than their precious albums, this still contains some gorgeous music. So Hard, Jealousy, This Must Be the Place are all excellent. And Being Boring is clearly the standout from this album, and, indeed, one of the standouts of their career. October Symphony and Only the Wind drag it down a bit, but still this is one of the classics of 90s electro.
I like the analogue synth, and the production's is pretty solid on this album. Tennant's nasally vocals really started to get to me by the halfway point of the album, though. I realize it's just that he's English, but the way he pronounces the last syllable of words like "taken" or "revelation" sort of irks me. Particularly in "The End of the World" with the lines: > Piles of toast and broken promis-ehs > Among the books and pens and reading glass-uhs That's just a personal issue I have and not really something I'm taking into account for my rating of the album. Overall there are a bunch of fantastic songs on this record and I'll definitely be coming back to them again in the future. One of my favourites that I hadn't listened to before this was "Only the Wind" which has those funny synthesized orchestral hits that remind me of some vaporwave songs I listened to in high school. It was really the lyrics that made this a favourite from the album, but the melody started to get stuck in my head by the end of the song. The chord progression throughout "Nervously" has a nice chorale-like feel like to it, with lots of leading tones and even what sounded to me like a plagal ii6/5 cadence. Certainly some mode mixture going on there.
I thought the Pet Shop Boys were along the same lines as the Beach Boys. Turns out I was wrong! This album proved to me that I can actually enjoy new wave music. 8/10.
This pop-synth duo didn't sell 100 million records for nothin'. Masters at it.
i really liked it, 4.5
Being Boring - 4.5/5 This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave - 4/5 To Face the Truth - 3.5/5 How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? - 3.5/5 Only the Wind - 3.5/5 My October Symphony - 3.5/5 So Hard - 4/5 Nervously - 3/5 The End of the World - 4/5 Jealousy - 3.5/5 A more chilled-out and mature version of the Pet Shop Boys that I really did not expect. I really only knew them through West End Girls, so hearing this version of them was pleasantly surprising. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Being Boring, This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave, So Hard, The End of the World
Not at all what I was as expecting as far as sound and really enjoyed it. Really nice sound design and a chill vibe. Definitely 2000s indie pop stuff like Destroyer.
This album steps away from the upbeat club tracks that the Pet Shop Boys are known for in their earlier releases. It’s still synthpop and groovy, but it dives into a deeper, more introspective direction with lush, atmospheric synths. There’s also a heavier use of keyboard orchestration and subtle guitars, which gives it a more sophisticated, art pop feel.
I am a lover of Pet Shop Boys. Excited to dig back into this one. It's great. Of course it is.
Actually really like this one. “Being Boring” is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs.
I liked this more than I was expecting to. It’s definitely not my usual genre and there are moments where it gets too synthy for me, but on the whole I really liked it. Fav song: How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? Least fav: Only the Wind
Little too beep boppy for me at points but overall I find myself a Pet Shop Boys fan. Found the lyricism and story behind Being Boring very touching. Not sure why they say "years" like that. Favourite: How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? Least: So Hard
better than the album i heard before
The 2nd album I ever bought. You want to know the first? Well, that's not important right know *shuffles feet awkwardly* Not *quite* as good as the albums that came before it, but all the important bits are there. Neil's arch sneery detached vocal, Chris' soaring bleeps and bloops.
vet ikke hva jeg skal forvente // wow being boring er litt av et åpningsspor! kanskje jeg liker 80 talls synthpop likevel. høydepunkt: Being Boring, Jealousy, My October Symphony omg jeg innså etter en full gjennomgang at jeg har hørt albumet på shuffle
Very, very, very much like proto-Destroyer. Definitely not how I remember Pet Shop Boys, in a good way.
Like the electro beats. Fun listen in the background.
Very chill and I liked it a lot. I was vibing. I didn't really listen to much pet shop boys but I definitely will after this.
4/5 Very chill album, I enjoyed each song and have added it to my list of albums I enjoy. I don't have much else to say.
Fun fact, I started listening to the completely wrong Pet Shop Boys album, I listened to 'Actually' instead of 'Behavior'. Probably because all of these guys' album covers look the same and also have similar-sounding titles. But I digress, this was pretty damn good. I mean, there's something bold about unabashedly doing this undeniably '80s new-wave sound at the turn of the decade, at a time where electronic based music was evolving completely, especially in the mainstream. But there's always something about the '80s synth clunk, twangy clean guitar leads, and the deadpan delivery here that's just so charming, and these guys are nothing if not talented. The songs are evocative, moody, long, interesting, and, above all, entrancing - you really get lost in this album. Each song feels like a little room or vibrant ecosystem that you just get chucked into and then come out feeling a different kind of way each time. It's great new-wave, 'Being Boring' especially was incredible, just super catchy and really excels in being subtle and slow without ever feeling dull. Best song here. I also really enjoyed the lush strings driving the song 'How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously?' which was a particularly harsh song here, not sure who it's targeted at exactly. And 'So Hard' was also pretty good, minus that annoying string stab sound that dates the song beyond repair. 'The End of the World' was maybe the softest song here, the tightest song here in just about every way. Some moments are better than others, and the back half is certainly weaker than the front one. But the vibes here are just incredible. I love the sounds of this album.
My boyfriend won’t get this comparison: Listening to this album made me feel like I was Caroline Bassette walking into Calvin Klein during her hay day.
By the time 'Behaviour' rolled around, the Pet Shop Boys had already established themselves as one of the premier synth-pop acts of the 1980s through hits such as 'West End Girls', 'It's a Sin' and 'Heart', and 'Behaviour' ensured their transition to the 1990s was seamless. 'Behaviour' embraces the emerging sounds of the 90s with those atmospheric, "Round The Twist" sounding synths, and Neil Tennant's voice adopts a sensual hush reminiscent of his contemporaries Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) and Bernard Sumner (New Order). Ever since I really got into Nine Inch Nails and New Order, I've been drawn towards lush-sounding synths and dense electronic soundscapes, and 'Behaviour' certainly ticks plenty of those boxes for me. The production on this record (helmed by Tennant and bandmate Chris Lowe alongside Harold Faltermyer) is immaculate and, as I alluded to previously, it almost instinctively leaned into the direction synth-heavy music was taking into the 90s, replacing the choppy 80s electronic blasts of noise for more sustained, strings-inspired arrangements. I really enjoy the opening two songs ('Being Boring', 'This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave') and I also love the rave-inspired shuffle of 'How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?' and the awesome cameo performance from guitar extraordinaire Johnny Marr (The Smiths) on 'My October Symphony'. 'Behaviour' showed the Pet Shop Boys embracing the 90s with open arms, rather than struggling for relevance like many of their contemporaries in what was arguably popular music's most seismic shift since Beatlemania. Best songs: Being Boring, This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave, How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?, My October Symphony.
This list has definitely made me more appreciative of 80s electronica, don't think I'd have enjoyed it a few years back but there was lots of great tracks here. Nice layers of interesting bits. Not sure I like the vocals, the guy sounds a lot like Tim Minchin now that I think of it. Not as good as the human league but still enjoyable. 3.5
Way more low key than the PSB bangers I've come to expect, and it was surprisingly sweet and pretty
No esperaba engancharme tanto con este synth-pop. Me pareció un discazo. 8/10
The grown-up, more relaxed version of the Pet Shop Boys. Great album, still just as talented, but more music that you can chill out to instead of play as you host a dance party.
best: being boring how can you expect to be taken seriously? my october symphony
Very strong 4.5. I will round down though. None of the songs were skips, but a few weren't as good as the rest. They would probably grow on me with further listens though. Then this could become a 5 star.
Good but not for me
A great album that was slightly worsened by the fact of the singer not having a fantastic voice. Wonderful instrumentals, though!
I don’t think the pet shop boys make misses. Another brilliant album. Probably not quite their best and not quite 5 stars either. But still one to keep coming back to
This is every bit the sound of the Pet Shop Boys, but in a much more mature way. Less dance hall pumped up jam, and more just electronic alternative jams. This is a good album. Pitchfork: 8.5 Rolling Stone: n/a Best Songs Being Boring Only the Wind My October Symphony So Hard Jealousy
I was surprised how popular Pet Shop Boys have remained in the UK to this day, really not having heard them since they were huge in the US when I was a kid. I was also how surprised how much I liked this. Probably won't go through their whole discography as I've got well over a 1001 albums to listen to here, but this was good.
I've only known these guys from their songs "West End Girls" and "Always on my Mind." Synth-pop is quite bland, but these guys manage to make it interesting more than your average synth-pop album. The vocals are really nice. The tunes on this one are certified for the dance floor. Highlight Song/s: "To Face the Truth" and "How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously"
i'll always love cheesy 80/90s synthpop
Nobody does Sophisti-Pop quite like the Pet Shop Boys
Great vocals, synthy drum machines. He sounds like a more charismatic Bernard Sumner to me.
Glatt överraskad! Känns som något jag hade gillat som liten.
What a freaking amazing album!!!! 4.5
I enjoyed this much more than I expected I would. Every synth on every song sounds great. If only PSB had a stronger singer, this album could have been a stone cold classic.
I really like these songs and these old synth sounds.
This is a really great album with zero hits. I’d give it five stars if I could remember half of the songs.
Not the Best of the Pet Shop Boys but always pleased to listen to their music
PSB:tä on tullut kuunneltua, mutta tätä levyä ei. Ihan ok biisejä, mutta ehkä hivenen tasapaksu.
251125 20:37 4 / highlights: how can you expect to be taken seriously, so hard, being boring
Not the upbeat disco sound you would expect from the Pet Shop Boys given their style in their peak years, maybe with a few exceptions like So Hard. This mostly has the vibe of a comedown after the party bangers of the 80s - much more melancholy and almost has a chill-wave feel. I do think Neil Tennant is a fantastic lyricist and his writing probably shines a bit more in an album like this. As well as the singles I also thought 'To Face The Truth' was a moving song with a strong sense of yearning and regret
I really enjoyed this album! It’s my first time listening to a full album in a while and this was a good mellow one to get back into, like it put me in a trance. Love the synth (Stranger Things has helped me appreciate synth more). I enjoy This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave.
Never been a fan of Pet Shop Boys but did enjoy this album
This must be imperial phase PSBs. Excellent. Wistful, wry.
Yayy fun to get some synth-pop on here! I’ve been really wanting to listen to more pet shop boys and I really enjoyed this. I liked the general melodies a lot, the album felt pretty cohesive, and was overall pretty chill but in a good way. This wasn’t like standout great but I def liked it. fav songs: to face the truth, jealousy
Surprisingly enjoyable
Being Boring is one of my favourite PSB songs and there a couple of other minor classics on here, but overall not my favourite of their albums.
my shit
Something about the synth on this album just really appeals to me. Starts off with a bang with the first couple of songs being excellent. Much of the rest of the album doesn't quite reach that height for me, but it's a solid listen.
I still really like this music, it's obviously dated and a little corny, but I can get myself immersed in it very easily. It's just pure fun.
A fantastic example of what synthpop could be all about! Lush, ethereal, with deeply personal and melancholy lyrics contrasting with innately danceable and boppable music. This is everything you could hope to happen and more when gay men get their hands on a synthesizer.
Really cool album
A very dark and atmospheric album from a group that specializes in atmospheric (and sometimes dark). My favorite thing about Pet Shop Boys is how they pair moody lyrics with happy, danceable beats, but this album is much grimmer. Thankfully, you can still dance to it. It's slick production and the guys at their best.
Pet Shop Boys is funny for me. I want to be a huge fan. I like everything about them and love their hits and find albums like this just ok. I think maybe the problem is me...
Yes. Yes!
As the 90s dawned, the Pet Shop Boys made a conscious step away from the harsh digital sounds of the 80s by using analogue synths and featuring Johnny Marr on guitar. They also brought Harold Faltermeyer in as a producer and Angelo Badalamenti for strings and orchestral arrangements. The result is a more restrained and thoughtful record than some of their better known big gay disco stomps of the 80s, harking back to their iconic first hit West End Girls. I really enjoyed the lush electronica on this, with shimmering string arrangements set against songs of quiet grief for friends lost to AIDS in the 80s and introspective worries about the state of the world.
3.7 good stuff from my teen days
It took me a little bit to adapt to the more slow and somber direction against their best known earlier hits but I really liked it
This was an interesting dive into UK synth/pop from decades past that I was never exposed to. Although the singer, Tennant, wasn't out at the time, nowadays it reads like an introspective and celebratory gay anthem. My first real deep listen to Pet Shop Boys, I feel like this was just the first surface scratch of a very deep genre and sound. That said, I did find it a bit repetitive and drawn-out at times... like, I kept waiting for him to do something a bit different, but most of the tracks just went along in a very similar vein. Almost like, once you had heard one song on the album, well, you've heard the rest of the album. Incredibly well produced and executed though, the quality is damned high.
Being boring, and so it is/ beautiful and cute vocal, not my favorite but I would like to listen to it again
This was a fine album. It was interesting to hear more from these guys than what I've heard on the radio. Would probably be a great album to put on if I was trying to seduce a gay guy, maybe.
I was surprised how much I was feeling this one. Solid 90s album!
None of their biggest hits but just consistently good!
I like the insightful, clever lyrics matched with the electronic sound and the mellow lounge-singer voice
Very pretty album. Not normally a fan of electronic but this was very tastefully done synth pop. The singing was wonderful as well and really complemented the music. Favorites: Being Boring, To Face the Truth Least Favorite: Nervously
Makes a valiant effort to produce an album for the new decade with sounds that would be common for the 90s. Catchy at times, but at others seems monotonous. 8/10
Big fan of PSB - this album marks the shift to more grown up adult pop from the Smash Hits tastic bangers of Please and Actually (which are peak PSB for me). Some classics on here like Being Boring and Jealousy but a few that IMHO are a bit meh so its a high 4.
Last of peak Pet Shop Boys? Being Boring is a great reflective song. Chilled pop album. 3 songs make their greatest hits collection, so decent return?
really solid
Woohoo, an album I'm actually excited to listen to. Many of the Pet Shop Boys songs I know are remixes of other artists' songs, but I like all of what I've heard. However, it is becoming apparent to me that all of their songs sound very similar - nearly indistinguishable! Similar vocals, similar background music (wistful synths, fast-paced ambling), lyrics about nostalgia with a lot of chorus-repetition. I like all of those qualities, so I enjoyed every song, but I do think it could be better if they varied things a little more. Overall, this album was less good than I'd hoped, but I did still like it. Also, I think they should have a 'the' in their name. Highlights: 'So Hard', 'The End of the World' Lowlight: 'To Face the Truth' (a little slower than the rest, although that lax vowel in "truth" provides some enrichment)
a very pleasant listen
7/10…new romantic / synthpop
Better than expected. Not familiar with them. Semi slower Brit synth pop
this is better than my impression of 80s synthpop. and wait a minute, Johnny Marr is featured on this! in general i like this. 4/5
I liked it. Different from their biggest hits, but that made it more unique and fresh.
heard of them but never listened till now, actually loved it, I can definitely see tv girl in there
chill
8/10
Interesting
Smart and sophisticated pop that also is the start of a sound trope for the group.
Reminds me of Erasure, a lot of the tracks sound like they're from Time Splitters 2
Kakva predivna elegantna melankolija
probably 4/5
A chill PSB album. Much different than their other work.
I was pleasantly suprised how much I enjoyed this, it's super chill and atmospheric and has a sort of slightly gloomy feel to it that almost made me feel like I was listening to a goth/dark wave album at times. I definitely can see myself coming back to it, it'd be a perfect soundtrack for a nighttime drive.
Classic album from the Pet Shop Boys, includes "Being Boring", "So Hard", and my favourite track on the album "Jealously".
Listened to the 2018 Remaster on Spotify. Not a big fan of the Pet Shop Boys, obviously I've heard their hits. This is a really good album. Solid, all the way through. Their hits are fairly representative of what this album sounds like, so strap in for an accent to come through. Simply good music. Loved "Being Boring", "My October Symphony", "Only the Wind" My Rating: 4/5
I forget I like the Pet Shop Boys as Synth Pop is not a go to genre, by they are so good. Stand out tracks: - Being Boring - This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave - Only The Wind - My October Symphony - Nervously - The End of the World
Enjoyable record of well produced pop songs, vocals are great
137/1089 - This was surprisingly good. I'd like if more tracks had the style of drums on Being Boring and My October Symphony and less of the reverb gated snare that plagues 80s music (and early 90s it looks like). I'm also not a fan of the casio keyboard orchestra hits that sound like I'm playing Super Mario World on my SNES.
Really really liked this chill vibe. 4 stars
Neat but doesn't do it for me.
Lovely. Nostalgic vibes
4/5. I'm starting to love the Pet Shop Boys more with each new album I listen to. It's beautiful at times, funny at others and the production is always fantastic, using orchestral sounds to drive the beat. Their vocals sound innocent and naive, backdropped against epic music. I wouldn't say this was perfect, as some songs I don't remember, but it still was great and the aesthetic is always excellent. A much more calm and chill album than their other records. Best Song: Being Boring, Nervously, How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?, The End Of The World
La voce mi piace tantissimo, l'album non è male
Pop perfection (completely biased kid in me talking but I still think it holds up)
This album is moody and sad as it was released in the heart of the AIDS epidemic. I’d imagine at this point they’d lost far too many friends and lovers to that horrid disease. It has an autumnal chill, full of nostalgia and longing for the past when youthful dreams felt so strong and a seemingly long life is still ahead of them. They also balance that sentiment out with singing about finding and maintaining love in this new era for gay men. This album is an important document to younger generations of LGBT people to never forget what happened to this generation and to never take for granted the great life they may have simply because they are allowed to live each day without the fear of death haunting them. I’d say this is the Pet Shop Boys best record.
Loved this!
Oddly, having known of Pet Shop Boys for decades I’ve never really listened to them. But this is very much my jam. The backing beats, the synths, and the vocals all add up to be catnip for me. I wouldn’t say there’s a standout song though. It’s mostly vibes throughout the entire album. 4/5
Never used to enjoy them but I thought this was good! Nice instrumentals
Pretty chilld and fun!
4.5
I really appreciate the intricacy of the analogue synthesizers and emphasis on subtlety that this album brings. The complexity of intending to write something happy but winding up melancholy harmonized with the Alt movement going on in the US headed toward grunge and the core of Brit Pop.
Jag tänkte att detta måste vara PSB:s mästerverk. Efter att lyssnat som vuxen så hade peaken redan varit på de föregående skivorna. Det är alldeles för många såsiga och trista låtar för att helheten ska bli 5/5. Dock är det tidvis långt före sin tid och låter radio dept och liknande band.
The Littlest Pet Shop full of the Biggest Boys
They have a unique sound. I enjoyed this album.
I really like Neil Tennant's almost no effort singing style. I can get why it annoys some people but I like that he leans into his limitations and uses it to fit with the mood they create in their music. I have a slightly crackly old copy of this on vinyl. It always makes me think I need to go back and explore the rest of their career. I liked the albums before and after this one too.
A more understated album without any big set pieces, and I enjoyed the introspection. For me "So Hard" was the obvious highlight; a forgotten gem. I do love an orch hit.
4 - surprisingly enjoyed it. Just a fun album
You know what, I didn't realise that The Pet Shop Boys were actually really good. I always just assumed they were another cheesy 80s synthpop band, but this is actually really unique and creative.
Best wel een vibe. Niks bijzonders maar wel lekker luisteren
7/10 Of all the synthy syth stuff, this is not the best, but synth therefore 4 star. I don't make the rules.
## Review of *Behaviour* by Pet Shop Boys Released in 1990, *Behaviour* marked a pivotal moment in the career of Pet Shop Boys, showcasing a shift from their high-energy synth-pop hits to a more introspective and melancholic sound. This fourth studio album is often regarded as one of their most mature and cohesive works, blending thoughtful lyrics, refined production, and complex themes. Below is an in-depth analysis of the album, covering its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrical content of *Behaviour* is deeply personal and reflective. Neil Tennant's songwriting explores themes such as nostalgia, loss, relationships, societal critique, and emotional vulnerability. - **"Being Boring"**: The opening track is a poignant reflection on youth, friendship, and the passage of time. Inspired partly by the AIDS epidemic and Tennant's own experiences, it conveys a bittersweet sense of joy intertwined with melancholy. Lines like *“We were never being boring”* encapsulate the carefree spirit of youth while mourning what has been lost[1]. - **"This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave"**: This song delves into Tennant's traumatic school experiences and was originally intended as a James Bond theme. Its cinematic quality amplifies the emotional weight[1][2]. - **"Only the Wind"**: Using weather imagery to depict domestic violence, this track is both haunting and poetic[1][3]. - **"How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?"**: A satirical critique of fame-hungry celebrities, this song showcases Tennant's sharp wit[1]. - Other tracks like "Jealousy," "To Face the Truth," and "Nervously" further explore themes of heartbreak, reconciliation, and vulnerability with eloquence and empathy[3]. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Behaviour* diverges from the upbeat disco sound of earlier albums like *Introspective*. Instead, it adopts a more subdued and lush approach. - The album incorporates jazzier chord progressions, softer synth pads, and elements of deep house that were ahead of their time[2]. Tracks like "Only The Wind" and "To Face The Truth" lean into 70s disco and soul influences. - Songs such as "So Hard" retain some Hi-NRG energy but are tinged with melancholy orchestral flourishes that align with the album's overall mood[2][3]. - The collaboration with Johnny Marr on "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave" adds a layer of sophistication through his guitar work[1][3]. - While some tracks maintain electronic dance elements ("The End of the World"), others like "Nervously" are tender ballads that showcase the duo's versatility[3]. --- ### **Production** Produced by Harold Faltermeyer (known for his work with Giorgio Moroder), *Behaviour* features immaculate production that balances electronic textures with organic warmth. - Faltermeyer’s experience in synth-driven music shines through in tracks like "So Hard," which bridges 80s synth-pop with emerging 90s electronic trends[2]. - The use of reverb and layered synths creates an atmospheric quality that complements the introspective tone of the album. Tracks like "Being Boring" benefit from this lush soundscape[2]. - However, some critics have noted that certain production choices—like tasteful wah-wah effects—feel dated when compared to their earlier works or later albums like *Very*[3]. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *Behaviour* is introspective and somber. It reflects on personal struggles while addressing broader societal issues. - **Loss and Nostalgia**: Tracks like "Being Boring" mourn lost friends and bygone eras while celebrating youthful exuberance. - **Relationships**: Many songs explore complex dynamics in love—whether it's jealousy ("Jealousy"), heartbreak ("To Face The Truth"), or compromise ("So Hard")[3]. - **Social Commentary**: Tennant critiques celebrity culture ("How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?") and reflects on historical events like the Russian Revolution ("My October Symphony")[1]. The album’s tone mirrors the post-AIDS crisis era and societal shifts following the Thatcher-Reagan economic boom. It captures a sense of weariness yet avoids outright pessimism[3]. --- ### **Influence** While *Behaviour* was not as commercially successful as previous albums like *Actually*, its artistic depth earned critical acclaim over time. - The album influenced subsequent generations of musicians by showcasing how electronic pop could be used for introspection rather than just dance-floor energy. Artists like Madonna have cited Pet Shop Boys as an inspiration for their ability to balance pop sensibilities with sophistication[1]. - Tracks like "Being Boring" have become fan favorites despite initial lukewarm reception upon release. The album’s mature direction paved the way for later works exploring similar reflective themes[2]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Lyrical Depth**: The album’s lyrics are among Tennant’s finest—eloquent, empathetic, and emotionally resonant. 2. **Cohesive Mood**: The melancholic tone ties the tracks together into a unified listening experience. 3. **Innovative Production**: Faltermeyer’s sophisticated production anticipates trends in 90s house music while maintaining accessibility. 4. **Versatility**: Balancing ballads ("Nervously") with danceable tracks ("So Hard") showcases Pet Shop Boys' range. 5. **Timeless Themes**: Issues like loss, love, and societal critique remain relevant decades later. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Commercial Reception**: Fans accustomed to upbeat hits struggled to embrace its subdued tone upon release. 2. **Dated Elements**: Some production choices (e.g., wah-wah effects) feel less timeless compared to earlier works. 3. **Cohesion Challenges**: While unified in mood, certain tracks (e.g., "So Hard") disrupt the melancholy flow. 4. **Limited Accessibility**: Its introspective nature may not appeal to casual listeners seeking immediate pop gratification. --- ### Conclusion *Behaviour* stands as one of Pet Shop Boys’ most mature and artistically ambitious albums. While it marked a departure from their chart-topping hits of the 80s, its introspection, lyrical sophistication, and innovative production solidify its place as a masterpiece in their discography. Though it may not have aged perfectly in all aspects, its influence on electronic pop music remains undeniable. For fans seeking depth beyond dance-floor anthems or newcomers exploring Pet Shop Boys’ reflective side, *Behaviour* is essential listening—a testament to how pop music can transcend superficiality to explore profound human emotions.
calm, synth Great listen front to back
I like the PSBs. I mean it all sounds the same to me, but its dreamy with casual beat and feels familiar and warm. On the other hand, I could see that some would find it repetitive and boring, I guess?
How have I never listened to this album it it is absolutely enchanting.
This one kind of surprised me. Kind of boring but at the same time pretty pleasant, and had enough interesting parts for me to not lose interest. Did kind of feel like they were holding onto the 80s too much, but that might just be because they helped define the sound of the 80s themselves.
To me, this is electronic lounge music done right. All the songs are engaging, but Jealousy in particular is the perfect blend of pathos and urgency.
Sophisticated and chill.
Synth pop, nostalgic dreamy vibes - Instrumentals are great, have a classic feel but also aged pretty well - Melodies and vocals are pretty good
I was surprised by this one. I liked it a lot more than I expected. I assumed they were another britpop band, but it's got a brightness and bounce that UK groups seemed to be abandoning at the time.
Just a solid, chill pop album with a lot of care behind it. If cars still had CD players built into them, I feel like every rental should come pre equipped with this in the player.
Melancholia reigns supreme on this Harold Faltermeyer produced album. This feeling of decay can be found in almost every track, and it's bitter-sweet and beautiful. It starts with Being Boring and continues on through the likes of Only the Wind and My October Symphony, all the way through to Jealousy. This is how electronic pop music was meant to be. 4/5
Very chill synth pop, I really like it. It's easy to listen to and catchy, even the less popular songs. Not sure if I have ever heard this album the whole way through but it is definitely worth it. Something about the singing that is robotic but melodic at the same time, it's hard to describe but its a great vibe that works really well. I'm sure I will be listening to this again.
Cool dark handsome synth pop.
Pet Shop Boys synth-pop British queer rave music that never had enough of an edge for me. Although some of the lyrics have that poetic queer yearning to be exciting, sophisticated, bored by the banality of everything around you, and perpetually young. This Must Be The Place I Waited Years to Leave has a Depeche Mode quality. This is only an essential album in Great Britain, Robert Christgau's critical discourse evasively calls" Behaviour" "likable" for "consumers attuned to its overriding aesthetic or individual vision." "To Face The Truth" may have inspired Yo La Tengo's "Season of the Shark" (I wonder if that is intentional?) It does seem to be a song that responds to the 1980s synth pop lounge of Everything But the Girl and influences Massive Attack, while simultaneously evoking classic jazz and pop ballads. "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?" is incredible, an incisive critique of a popular female singer courting media controversy and celebrity while attempting to seem an "intellectual giant" with cultural credibility. The album has subtle charms, wry intelligence, and camp sensibility.
I like the Pet Shop Boys but, a few of their singles apart, I don't love them. Just about a 4 for me.
This album was really nice to listen to, I am already a Pet Shop Boys fan though.
I cannot place my finger on what it is with this album, but I reallllyyy like this. The singer's voice is kind of perfect for the genre/style. The music has some of the early 90s to it, which I generally don't like, but it doesn't ruin it and is honestly confined to mostly percussion and some synth bits. The songs where the singer stretches his range, have so far, about halfway through, been some of my favorite songs. In total, I don't really think this is extraordinary. It is very good, and it surpassed my expectations, by quite a bit. Favorite Song(s): To Face the Truth, Nervously
Still charming, innit?
• I like Pet Shop Boys, but I’m by no means a mega fan or anything. • This isn’t one I’ve heard. The main one I’ve listened to is Please (1986), and that one I’ve listened to quite a bit recently because I found a mint copy of it for cheap. • Right at the first track, I feel like I’m going to like this. • It’s like Pet Shop Boy’s version of New Order’s Technique (1989) – keeps the core elements of the earlier output while changing the timbre and instruments, and it helps bring out what makes them a unique act. • This is a smooth album for sure, and it might get up there for me with Roxy Music’s Avalon and Prefab Sprout’s Steve McQueen. • The songs blend together, but that’s fine. • I feel a million indie rock fellas have recorded a two-minute long song that sounds like “To Face The Truth” on a four-track within the last ten years or so. • It is extremely 1990, but it feels to me like Pet Shop Boys managed to work with that pretty well… rephrase • Most of the album is cold, wistful, and stiff, and I dig. A 5/5 feels like a bit much, but this was good!
I have always liked these guys-I have a soft spot for this band and era.
Like this band a lot but why do they have so many albums on this list??? Anyway great album
I've only been a casual PSB listener over the years, so very little familiarity with their albums as a whole. This was a great end-to-end album, with even the lesser-known tracks like "Only the Wind" really surprising me with their strong melodies and polish. There's a good amount of variety here and I feel it really showcases their range.
I've heard a few albums from them now and they've all been exceptionally well done synth-pop, rarely a weak track to be seen.
4 Could see myself really getting into it
This was a cool album I will definitely be coming back too. Fits multiple vibes.
Synth city. I love this, so mellow, sad and introspective.
When I read “synth-pop duo,” I instinctively rolled my eyes at yet another group that would be repetitive slosh. But, on a grey Monday morning in the Pacific Northwest, this album was perfect for my drive to work. Moody, passive, and an ever-present beat.
Big fan of PSB - this album marks the shift to more grown up adult pop from the Smash Hits tastic bangers of Please and Actually (which are peak PSB for me). Some classics on here like Being Boring and Jealousy but a few that IMHO are a bit meh so its a high 4.
Album kept getting better
Honestly grew on me a lot. Meticulously crafted. Could use a bit more edge but hey not everyone has that in their arsenal… 3.7
Groovy, catchy and even sensual at times. Definitely a product of the time, but in the best way.
Favorites were "Being Boring", "This Must Be The Place I Waited Years to Leave" and "My October Symphony". Nice album.
Smooth Pet Shop Boys
Es un muy buen disco. Tiene los típicos arreglos electrónicos de los 80s pero fino, sofisticado, calidad, no solamente vistoso. Me hace acordar mucho a Clics Modernos. Por ahí no es tanto de mi onda pero claramente se nota el buen nivel.
This sounds great overall, such a cohesive sound. Songs are long and blur into each other, but the overall vibe is preserved in each song. No stand out songs for me but I enjoyed it. 4
Relaxing album. Very good
Didn't expect to enjoy this, it was good!
Very chilled vibe and a good relaxing listen
Some great tracks but didn't enjoy all of it 4 stars
After recently being assigned Pet Shop Boys' album Very for review, I revisited their earlier works but somehow overlooked Behaviour. I have to say, this might now be my favorite album of theirs. The use of classic analog synths, along with the TR808 and TR909, creates a much warmer sound compared to the digital synths of their first three albums. This shift to a more analog approach really resonates with me. While Pet Shop Boys have always embraced melancholy, Behaviour takes it to another level, steeped in heartbreak, and I love it. As with all their albums, Behaviour is impressively consistent, making it difficult to choose standout tracks. I’d rate this album a solid 4.5.
A down tempo, emotional PSB album for gazing out a rain-streaked window, perhaps, or for feeling the weight of the changing season's gloom when the accursed sun begins setting at five fucking thirty. Still electronic and clever, but pensive and less dancey.
Perfect for driving with the top down, super early in the morning, after a long night out. This Must Be the Place I Waited to Leave and How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously were highlights
Fourth studio album of PSB on the list. Rated their first two as 5-star, gave their fifth one (Very) 2-star, and rate "Behaviour" as a 4-star album, but at the top end, as half of the songs are 5-star, while the other half is 3-4 star. PSB always released strong b-sides, but around this period these b-sides could have made their albums quite a bit stronger (here "Miserabilism" comes into mind - why make this a 1991 b-side?) vote in 1990: 8/10 vote in 2024: 8/10
The kind of synth-pop that I can appreciate.
According to vocalist Neil Tennant, this album was heavily inspired by Depeche Mode’s Violator, which you can definitely hear in the heavier tone of some songs. And while Behaviour isn’t quite a stone classic in the mode of the former, it’s still very charming and engaging.
Always down for some Pet Shop Boys!
# Playlist Track - Jealousy # Notes - Good album, but a bit repetitive.
I enjoyed it more than I imagined. great melodies and sounds
depeche mode light mode
nice 80‘s vibe (though the album came out in 1990) in my area we would say nice „schnulzen“-music
Meh
This shit gas bro
Classic late 80s album. Unique sound and fun tracks.
Un bon album de Pet Shop Boys. Je l'ai trouvé plus cohésif et mieux construit que Actually surprenament. J'attends toujours Please par contre. 7.5/10
Fun 80s sounds (even though this came out in 1990). Would like to hear an instrumental version of this.
Is there an instrumental version of this? I'd actually be raving about it if it wasn't for the naff vocals.
A wonderful romp from 80s legends aging like a fine wine into the 90s.
I like these guys. Some good synthy British pop
Good
A good well balanced moody record. Not totally memorable bit probably the most even Per Shop Boys record on this list so far.
I don't really like the 1980s sound of the Pet Shop Boys, but I'll make an exception for Behaviour. It does not contain that many hit singles, but overall the quality of the songs is quite good and I like the minimal production.
I was not expecting such a great album, nice discovery!
Simply solid brit pop.
Let’s come back to this one
Algjört feel-good dæmi.
Best album this week for me.
It's been a long time since I've listened to this album. It has held up pretty well and brought back some memories. I enjoyed more than I thought I would.