Reviews (page 4 of 8)
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.
Good news everyone! I still don't like the Pet Shop Boys. We can't hold any grudge, they even announce the program in plain English on the first track "Being Boring". From this point of view, it's a huge success. Can't wait to listen to the last record on the list (not).
A few good songs but overall it was kinda boring
3.7 good stuff from my teen days
I get it. It's just not my thing
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 is fine as background music but don’t feel it’s worthy of being included on this list. I assume that if this made the cut there will be more Pet Shop Boys on the list since this contained none of their popular singles.
While I typically enjoy this genre of music, Pet Shop Boys just aren’t for me.
Not too bad, wanted to enjoy it more than I did but perhaps too many slower songs on the record.
Não sou um grande fã de Pet Shop Boys, mas tenho um interesse e um apego genuíno por suas canções. Ouvi apenas um de seus discos na vida, mas sou familiar com diversas de suas faixas mais famosas, e até mesmo assisti eles ao vivo em um festival de música alguns anos atrás. O show deles foi fantástico, aliás! De qualquer modo, eu já tinha uma imagem mental bem construída e formulada do que seria um LP deles. Mas quando comecei a ouvir o álbum de hoje, Behaviour, fui pego de surpresa. Os elementos sintéticos e as vozes, às vezes monótonas, estão aqui como de costume, mas o tom dessas canções é menos dançante, menos discoteca, e mais introspectivo. Uma mudança bem interessante de ritmo, mas não é uma que eu acho que casou tão bem assim com os artistas. Acredito que a voz do vocalista não é um match tão perfeito assim para o estilo sonoro produzido aqui. Os instrumentais são ótimos, mas são inegavelmente produtos de seu tempo. Essa data de expiração invisível não é um problema tão grande nos seus outros discos pois a produção mais animada e festejante disfarça bem os artefatos antiquados, mas aqui eles ficam expostos e claros. Um álbum bom mas que parece muito datado pro meu gosto. Eles possuem obras melhores. 3.5/5
These guys are like a slightly more modern Simon and Garfunkel, but they say "years" in a really brain-tickly way so they're better by default. Anyways, turns out 1990 had the best synthpop. The fact that this and Depeche Mode's Violator came out in the same year is wild. I should stop comparing these guys to other bands I like and just talk about the music. The music is crazy and adds some good LGBT+ representation to this list that isn't wildly flamboyant bisexuals. One of those "I never would've guessed but it makes perfect sense that he's gay" type situations. Really nice for relaxing nighttime listening, despite how funky a lot of the songs are. Great writing in all areas and definitely one of the best 90s albums of the list so far.
Reminds me of the Bee Gees a litle, but with electronic music. 3 stars or C+.
Way too dated sounding, doesn't hold up
Utterly forgettable
Not a bad listen
I enjoyed this the least of the 3 PSB albums so far. Too slow.
Another pet shop boys. Don't get me wrong Neil has some nice tunes, but I just don't enjoy listening to this. Last time we had one someone said it was perfect 80s pop music, that maybe true, but then I absolutely hate 80s pop sounds and production. The generic electronic drum sounds, the crass bass sounds, the amateur sounding synths, the awful orchestra hits. Growing up in the 90s everyone I knew loved 80s nights and those sounds used to grate on me then and the pet shop boys take it to a whole other extreme. I wondered if I'd like it with some real instruments and I realised that there some heavy similarities in the feel of the tracks to the lightening seeds, who I enjoy but find fairly un-confrontational. Hopefully there are more lightening seeds than pet shop boys left to listen to.
Yet another rerun. One Pet Shop Boys album is sufficient for this list.
Better than the other Pet Shop Boys we've had on here.
Oh good, I thought, I like the PSB Then I listened to it What a boring album None of the things I usually associate with a PSB song and just a lot of time circling the drain Genuinely one of the most disappointing listens on this list
A bit boring, but well made and still enjoyable enough. It's like the British version of enigma. The opening track has such an unfortunate name that it makes it easy to make fun of. Still enjoyed this, a nice combination of synth-pop and, at the time up and coming genres like house and dance.
Sounds like an album from the band that did “West End Girls”.
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.
I like Pet Shop Boys early music. I don’t like this. Plods along.
My least favourite of the 3 PSB albums I’ve heard - who’d’ve thunk I’d prefer the balls-out disco anthems to the (slightly) more subtle and restrained stuff? There are still a few bangers on this one (like Being Boring and How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?), but also some more forgettable tunes that aren’t strong enough to distract from those gaudy synth sounds. 2.5 / 3
2/5
Being boring, and so it is/ beautiful and cute vocal, not my favorite but I would like to listen to it again
It's not good when you get to the halfway point and wonder how much more of this you have to endure. I've never been a fan of the Pet Shop Boys. I think I might have been too young when they were popular to really "get" them. I don't seek out their musical aesthetic. Neil's vocals grate on me a bit. I don't mind synth, but this album sounds dated and cloying. I appreciate that others like this, but yeah. It's not buying with PSB is selling. Being Boring, So Hard, and To Face the Truth were mildly interesting. My October Symphony was dreadful. Jealousy was too over the top to be taken seriously. On to the next!
Not really for me. That kinda of early dance pop. And it has the I'm Too Sexy, drum beat playing all the time. You hear it once and it won't go away lol
More 90's synth-pop that I never really got into back in the day. The 90's were my country music phase. As I've gotten older and my music tastes have expanded, I can appreciate synth-pop in small doses. This album feels like It's easy to put this on in the background while you concentrate on other tasks. But nothing stands out as a must listen. I feel this is a good representation of the genre. There's certainly a place for this kind of music. Like... It's the kind of album some gay guy with the wrong impression might put on to seduce me.
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.
Love them endlessly. Amazing album
Fine. Pleasant and decent grooves. No standout songs for me.
I think these Boys caught me at a good time. I was digging into some synthy 80s music just a couple days ago. Some of this is really fun but it really goes on longer than needed. Shush a bit, tuneage.
Oh, yeah. It was alright. Never really into the Oet Shoo Boys, but they’re OK. I’m glad they make music people like.
Best Song: Being Boring. I think I liked this more simply because it was the first song, before I grew tired of the schtick. Worst Song: To Face The Truth. Another case of the Pet Shop Boys sounding like they're singing the song they sing right before they murder you. Overall: Everything about this album feels dated. I don't like the campy theatricality of it. The contrast between big production and stage-whisper vocals never worked for me. Not an album I'll be returning to.
I was surprised how much I was feeling this one. Solid 90s album!
“How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?” sounds like a Genesis-era Sonic the Hedgehog song haha Some great moments, but it didn’t really stick in my brain. Overall enjoyable though.
None of their biggest hits but just consistently good!
By the end of the listening session, I’d lost muscle mass and most of my body hair had fallen off. Quite an experience.
I never want to actively listen to Pet Shop Boys but usually end up enjoying many of their tracks. Good electronic pop.
Not a fan of the lead singers voice. Album was fine.
It was fine. Sort of like the other Pet Shop Boys that were generated, nothing here annoyed me to the point of turning off or makes me want to listen again anytime.
Good shit
Anodyne, antiseptic, engineered and machined within an inch of its life. They undermine what I know is a deep well of humanity and understanding by putting it in the most perfectly machined box. An utter disappointment.
3
Out of all the pop subgenres, synthpop (along with art pop) is probably the closest to enjoyable for me. It’s not something I would be able to listen to for hours on end without getting bored, but it’s better than most pop. I don’t usually enjoy something that’s as chill as this album, but the vibe here is pretty nice. The opening track is the catchiest one, and the others are not as good, but they’re still pretty enjoyable. That being said, this type of music needs to really be exceptional to impress me (e.g., Imaginal Disk), and this album is not quite there (a bit too relaxed for my liking), but the atmosphere and the lush, detailed production are very pleasant. 7/10
2.0 There are some neat little riffs here and there but the Pet shop boys are not for me
i respect pet shop boys but i cannot say that i like them
Nice album.
Alright fun, but still feels like second rate
Pretty boring sound after their excellent stuff from the 80s, but still enjoyed listening.
This had me worried at first, very much like a New Order album, which is to say pleasantly, maddeningly inoffensive; opening with “Being Boring” either a dare or an admission. I’m not asking for GG Allin’s corpse to shit on my chest, but some bite’s welcome. The bite’s there, along with melancholy, wit, spite, some sweetly understated melodies, and sparkly accents verging on the psychedelic - rave’s catholic range is an influence. This grew on me, subtle, eventually sumptuous.
The Pet Shop Boys' "grown up" album; I liked it at the time but did not love it as much as their previous outings, and thought a couple of the tracks were a bit poor (a lot of competition in 1990, fabulous year). Revisiting today as a "grown up" I couldn't really find a weak spot, and enjoyed every moment. "Being Boring" is their loveliest single, magical. I remember *really* relating to "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years To Leave"; man, school is BORING eh? Laughable in retrospect, as are most 15yos. "My October Symphony" features a daily double of tasteful early '90s collaborators in Johnny Marr and the Balanescu Quartet. The Q reviewer must have cum so hard! Harold Faltermeyer's production and his analog synth sounds also bang "So Hard" (especially) No listen is complete without the concurrent non-album single "Where The Streets Have No Name", which gives Bono's earnest lecturing the hi-NRG treatment and cheeky segue it always needed. Not quite as good as their "Always On My Mind", but very little is. I guess I've talked myself into a 5 here..
Meeeeeeh
I thought "How Can You Expect...?" was a decent pop song, but otherwise this album was just full of dull synth loops.
Ehh. Kinda boring. Thought I would recognize something but didn't.
solidly meh
73/1001 :: Pet Shop Boys - Behaviour Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: No Fav Songs: This Must Be The Place I waited To Leave This was better the 2nd time around for me but all in all this is not my bag. Some really interesting industrial beats but honestly I didn’t love the singing. It was also too dancy for me in spots. Love the artwork though. On to the next...
Lounge disco - a bit odd but it’s not bad. The first track kind of sums it all up, really.
Preppy and dance-pop like, leaning towards sophisti-pop. Very much a Harold Faltermeyer joint too, with the ever present use of synths and keyboards. It's almost too...sterile at times though? There were some elements I enjoyed, namely some of the chill and vibe-y tracks. I don't think the rest aged that well unfortunately.
There's something nicely melancholic about the music, but I can't get over the "default preset" sound of it all. Those synths had been around for a while. But maybe that's actually not detrimental to my judgement: this album is a nice enough artifact. Not quite digging it, however.
Every once in a while, I encounter a vocalist that I find difficult to listen to. Neil Tennant is that vocalist. West End Girls is one of my least favorite songs of all time, and this album was a lot more of his "unique" pronunciations that I've read are completely natural, but I find them off-putting all the same. When you rhyme "shay-keeng" (shaking) with "mis-tay-kahn" (mistaken), I hear pretension. What irks me is that these *would* be close to rhyming if they were pronounced similarly. If that's your deal, then use different words so that the music sounds right. This was a big deal in the 90's HIV crisis, and a lot of folks suffering might have found comfort in the themes that he was speaking to throughout the album. I see why it's on the list, and I wouldn't want to take that away from anyone else. Having not lived through that experience and found an emotional connection with this band or its music, I do not derive any nostalgia or subjective enjoyment from listening. I gave it two tries and got to a point where the second felt less than unbearable, but I think I prefer the more aggressive synth approach of Depeche Mode vs. this introspective, dreary style.
Never really listened to these guys so this is very new to me. I find this album intriguing as it has a mix of textures and moods and interesting lyrics, but the overall vibe and production isn't much to my liking.
Came out in 1990 but sounds like peak 80s to me. A bit sleepier than I hoped it would be.
Haha, I actually gave this album a listen earlier last week. A fresh go with it again this morning has done it no harm at all. This is how you do synth-pop down to the letter, in my humble opinion. Neil Tennant has a really distinctive voice which goes hand in hand perfectly with the ethereal and ingraining, yet ominous textures on offer here, and his wry lyrical approach ensures that their music cuts deeper beyond just the sonic aspect. It's quite a dark and wistful album underneath the layers of deceptively welcoming and delicate instrumentation, with themes of loss, abusive relationships and existential contemplation underlining it. There are through lines to what would become trip hop on several tracks, not least "My October Symphony", concluding on THAT violin note which is proper heart in mouth stuff. This is the perfect album to chuck on between the changing of the seasons as days begin to grow shorter, temperatures recede and realisations of the impending gloom and humdrum dawn upon you. Maybe I'm a few weeks early to the "party", but I'm already in the zone for it and dusting off my invitation. I haven't got any Pet Shop Boys on vinyl, but I'm on a mission to rectify that in the near future. They don't have any bad albums across this era of their career, but Behaviour might just be their best, marking a distinctive shift with their canon which would define their future direction.
point8.
I like the insightful, clever lyrics matched with the electronic sound and the mellow lounge-singer voice
“We were never boring,” sing the Pet Shop Boys in the first song on “Behavior.” I don't know their earlier work well enough to judge, but at the very least, the next line should be, “but now we're starting to be.” The tracks aren't really bad, but somehow you expect something like a camera pan through a canyon or a montage of the day's images, or at least something relevant or interesting that this music can play in the background without distracting from the images. But I don't understand what this album is supposed to be good for on its own.
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
A bit bland by their standards
I usually like The Pet Shop Boys (or at least I really like their It’s a Sin song from another album), but this was boring for me.
plätschert vor sich hin.
I actually quite like the Pet Shop Boys, but this was tedious shite.
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
No thanks
Very surrised by how enjoyable this was for being 80-s ish synth pop
I would say a nothingburger from the Pet Shop Boys. It's not bad though, but nothing special
Love
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?
The fact that this came out in 1990 means that these guys weren’t just chasing trends with this album. This synthy sound was on the way out by then, which means that these guys genuinely thought that this was the best way for them to express themselves. That leads me to appreciate it as slightly more than another generic 80s pop album.
Not really my thing tbh
I can't bear 80s synth pop. Get some proper drums.
Not really my taste. The keyboard instrumentals take me out of this genre.
really solid
4.5/5 - Lovely little synth-pop record. Added to my Buy list. - Spacey, light, dark, moody - This album conceals a quiet energy that flows front to back. - I felt the first half of the record was strongest, but the back half doesn't feel less composed. *Hear: "Being Boring" and "How Can You Expect ..."
The Pet Shop Boys are a unique and fun sound and provide great listening music in the car. I just don't think that they offer music that is lasting and I think that they play to a limited listening group. Great vocals but few of their songs remain in your head once the air time is over.
The internet notes that Pet Shop Boys are a synth-pop group, and all this time I thought they were a rock and roll band. I guess there is a need to categorize everything. This album was enjoyable listening, and I thought it got better as it went along. But there were too many average songs to boost its rating to four stars.
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)
Chill vibe
Really like the sound and mixing, but something about vocals isn’t right to me. I guess it’s just that style but could be better. Definitely a great album with some bangers
A pleasant enough listen, although I found myself thinking when will it be over? Neils vocals are an acquired taste, not one that agrees with me. Good use of beats but the lyrics are so serious.
a very pleasant listen
Скука
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
Some of the lyrics are interesting, thought provoking even, but musically this is all a bit safe. A lot of the songs sound the same though. Some standout tracks, but some mediocre guff too.
If your opening track is Being Boring boasting lines of Never Being Boring, you best not be boring. You were! Even when the beats picked up, I was still bored.
It’s fine for background music if you don’t have to actually listen to it. I love the first PSB album. This I didn’t. It was decidedly meh.
Probably the best form of Everything But the Girl and The xx. Still suffers from the obnoxiousness of both of those groups.
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
So so
This album sounds GREAT! Impeccable production, and the songs themselves are very good. Bouncy and dancey, yet a cloud of meloncholy hangs over it every second. This album is like crying on the dancefloor. Awesome
Greatly enjoyed something refreshing and innovative for it's time
Again, I don't dislike Pet Shop Boys at a songwriting level, but the overall style just doesn't grab me. I suppose I enjoyed the "Very" album a little more than this one, but it's kind of close.
A surprisingly mellow album as I mainly recall the Pet Shop Boys being a lot more “disco” so this was a fine album just to chill and listen to.
eerste nummer zegt alles : being boring... nochtans hebben ze enkele goeie nummers, maar niet op dit excuus voor een plaat
I had this playing in the background and almost none of it stood out to me, it was just there. Like end credits music. Only The Wind sounded like something out of a Persona game but outside that this album was mostly a miss.
Didn’t really do much for me. Found it mostly light and forgettable
One of those albums which is obviously high-quality, but not one to which I respond personally. They do certainly capture a time and mood.
Not bad, but definitely not my style
Dreadfully boring.
Kiddie pool levels of depth. I too had a keyboard back then that had the impact sound effect and I liked to overplay it just like these guys. The difference was I was 10.
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
Decent 80s pop
Awful boring
Previously rated: Actually (3/5) ********************** You're inviting the jokes when you start your album with a song with "Boring" in the title and the actual music is boring too. It picks up a little with "How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?" and "So Hard" was OK. It's a pop album that is trying to sound sophisticated, but that doesn't make it good. Just slightly above a 2/5.
Behavior finds the Pet Shop Boys in synth pop territory, experimenting with beat-heavy sounds that would become more prominent on Very. I personally enjoy this style more.
Interesting
For a Pet Shop Boys album, this was a bit downbeat. While the lyrics were a witty as ever, I didn't find the hooks to be as catchy as ever. Not bad, but I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the group's previous three albums (especially Introspective, which is conspicuously absent from this list). Key tracks: Being Boring
Yawn! Not a fan of this Album. More into what was played on the radio in the early 80s. Suberbia, west end and it’s a sin.
Hieman ironisesti Pet Shop Boysin ehkä tylsin albumi, kun tunnelma on rauhallinen koko ajan. Hassuista pikku pimputuksista ja 2000-luvun ekojen vuosien kitaroista kyllä ehdottomasti sympatia- / hymy tuli huulille -pisteet.
Much better than I could of imagined as I’m not a big fan of their music generally though they have a few decent tunes. So a whole listenable album was a very pleasant surprise!
Fuck sake I can't believe these mind numbing tracks are over 5 minutes long. 80s synthesizer drum machine slop. Give me free jazz any day over this
This genre really isn't my cup of tea. Some songs were good, but I don't like the style.
Have always liked this album. “Being Boring” and “Jealousy” make a nice bookend of slower songs. Yet it’s the faster paced songs “How Can You…” and “So Hard” that show more that PSB wit. The rest is ‘fine’ to mediocre though, and creates too much ennui. Prefer the album before (“Introspective”) and after (“Very”).
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
Why was this style of singing where you aren't really singing so popular in 80's pop?
This isnt the pet shop boys album for me. Was a bit of a snooze fest.
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.
Gay sounds! Another gay sounds, the first one is more gay then this one. I prefer this one: more melancholic, profund and misterius. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I like to listen. Enjoyable.
I like older Pet Shop Boys this album and it’s rhythm track or very annoying.
A chill PSB album. Much different than their other work.
Fun
not really my thing
I've heard of this band, but I don't think I have really listened to them. They're sound and his voice sounds familiar. I do believe I have heard a track of theirs. I dig this. Very 80's. Good stuff. I dig it. 3-stars
Pretty decent synth pop. They definitely use some effects to make it feel grandiose which seems pretty influential. It was decent.
This is 80's radio synth pop at it's absolute peak I think, and peak in the sense that the genre is encapsulated by this album, not that it is the best. The singing is competent to good, especially since there isn't any obvious autotuning going on here. It's the musical parts that are so painfully casio keyboard kit that bring it down to me. The technology was there to make some really interesting sounds (see the Duran Duran album we got a few days ago) but this is right out of the sample kit that was included with every keyboard. The songwriting elevates it a bit but if you take the voices out it, it becomes elevator music. Thankfully the voices are center stage but I can't get over that part of it. It isn't bad, it's just aged pretty poorly and absolutely seems like one of those things that you'd have to be a certain age at a certain times to be in to it.
On the opening song I was thoroughly enjoying myself. The production felt crips and clean. Then at 1:49 he singing began. Blegh.
I do like Pet Shop Boys but not as much as the creator of this list does.
First half lived up to its promise by being boring. Second half was better.
I'm still hearing the kind of middle-tempo, atmospheric, synthpop I was hearing from the 'Boys in the mid 1980s! I worked in clubs and Top 40 radio during their heyday, and they were very well received musically and lyrically. Behaviour might not have been as targeted as the earlier albums, but there was a quite a taste turnover during that time as well.
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.
Can't connect
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
Meh
Neat 80s synth stuff, overall felt dated.
The Pet Shop Boys are at their best when their songs have a certain poignancy to them. This is a great collection of Neil and Chris at their most melancholic. Whilst not some of my favourite songs instrumentally (the keyboard work on this album can get quite hokey), lyrically they’re firing on all cylinders.
Sounds like a listening tour of New Wave from the 80s. Some sounds like Depeche Mode, some sounds like Culture Club. "How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously?" is a rip off of "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul.
Unfortunately, it did not age very well. Here and there it reminds me of elevator music. Fav: Jealousy
I'm not going to say the vocals or music were bad. Quite the opposite. This album was relaxing, but underwhelming for lack of a better term. It was a bit "meh" and didn't really excite me. By the time I got to the end of the album, I didn't remember any of the tracks all that well as none of them stuck out.
Buen tecno pop disco. Sin interés
superb synth pop album
For some reason I thought this was 60’s, then I listened and it’s 80’s? Weird. It’s alright
i wanted to like this but it was just wayyy too mellow and smooth in the bad way. even the tracks that are not ballads manage to encapsulate the ambiance of boredom found in a ballad (ballad hater over here)
Gay
This grew on me as I listened and it seems well recorded. However overall this was still very boring to me and I will not listen again.
We're going pet shopping again. I would say I'm impressed by how insistent this list is on recommending the music of Pet Shop Boys, though much to the credit of the band they're immensely successful and have enjoyed a long-lasting career of critical acclaim. I've always been subconsciously aware of these guys due to their offhand mention in The Office, so there's that goin' for 'em, too. My previous Pet Shop Boys album - Very - was an experience I didn't enjoy. I remember that album for it's Very of-the-time dance music and some ridiculously shitty instrumentation/vocals. In all fairness, if I were to give that album a go now I would more than likely come away with a less hostile impression. I'm no longer in the "early album blues" of my thousand album voyage. I've been out at sea for quite some time now. There appears to have been a bit of a mix-up at the album factory, as I'm surprised by the sound of this album. I'm by no means an aficionado of 90s dance, though I've always associated the stanky jank of Very with early 90s dance music and the subdued, ambient, atmospheric sound of this preceding album with late 90s dance music. In any case, it's pretty alright. Being Boring is a solid opener. I like the rave ambience that hangs over the piece and the miscellaneous, plucky electronic sounds that appear throughout the song (this is an electronic album. You'll just have to deal with my inability to describe anything). This Must Be the Place I Waited-geez this is a long ass title is a good follow up. The percussion on the track reminds me of another song. Wait, lemme turn this shit off for a sec it's on the tip of my braincell oh my gorsh what the fuck is it. Aha! 3:30 of the Glass Beach song "Dallas". Amazing what the mind can conjure. That album is one I haven't heard in ages and was one of the first I ever sat down and listened to. Takes me back to simpler times. Anyways, the bass guitar is a nice addition to the long ass title song, too. Moving on. To Face the Truth is an even better track. I have no idea how to describe the electronic sound or what works about it, but it's easily the strongest song on the album. The miscellaneous, thudding electronic sounds in the chorus are good. The relaxing vocals are paired nicely with the subdued, yet lively sound and the piano goes a long way in the giving the song a serene, undistilled vibe. I'd describe the song as "techno-tropical". It's very relaxing. How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? (they SERIOUSLY need to work on their song titles) is another good song. It's likely the best showing in the songwriting department. That chorus is very strong. I also like the "trickling" percussion sound on "Nervously". The way the song builds and deepens over the course of the track is pleasing, too. It's difficult to say much about this album as it's pretty much the same thing across every track. Some basic songwriting and lyrics, too. I can't complain as it's ultimately a pleasing sound, though I can't say that songs like The End of the World and Jealousy did much to hold my attention. Truth be told this album does lose me somewhere along the way, though it's a solid inclusion. 90s dance was a unique and culturally dominant variant of music, so it's definitely worthy of being immortalised on this list. This specific album is a solid pick, too. I may return to it sometime in the future. =================== Album number 200! Just 17 more to go and I will have officially cleared a fifth of the list. The last hundred albums haven't been as kind to me as the previous hundred, though this period has marked a pretty significant change in my ability to appreciate music. Through the process of trying to articulate my thoughts on music I've become much more understanding of the genres that didn't work for me in the past. I've also found a bit of a passion in trying to review music. It's easily the most daunting of any artform to write about, which is definitely a challenge I enjoy. Out of the past hundred albums only one has managed to solidify itself as a favourite of mine: Royksopp's Melody A.M.. A little disappointing. The previous hundred consisted of two albums that I really enjoyed: A Wizard / A True Star and The Stone Roses. Maybe the next hundred will meet the quota by presenting me with three albums that I really like. There are other albums from this hundred that I like, though not nearly enough to warrant the "favourite" status. Meat Is Murder was pretty good - especially The Headmaster Ritual. Cosmo's Factory surprised me with it's quality. I was not a fan of Bayou Country, the previous album from Creedence. Kollaps worked quite well for me despite the abominable user score. Vespertine by Bjork finally made me get off my ass and listen to her music. It's quite good musically, though I'm still not sold on Bjork's voice or wacked out lyrics. Pet Sounds is the album I am most enthusiastic about revisiting. There are many good creative choices on that album that I hope will become more polished with time. Dusty in Memphis by Springy Dustfield was another good album. I didn't have the wisdom to give it a 4 at the time, though I would now. A classy, quality pop album from a time when those were on the way out. This hundred marked the end of many multi-album artists and the introduction of a few more. I listened to the final albums from ABBA, The Cure, Black Sabbath and Green Day. I also rolled the first Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads and R.E.M. albums. Phew - quite a lot of introductions.. Let's see how many favourite albums are still in the trunk. Hopefully I don't exhaust my supply too early - many of the recent albums have been ones that I've already heard. The Beatles: 4/7 (-2 since last hundred) Eels: 1/1 The Flaming Lips: 2/2 Gorillaz: 1/1 Pink Floyd: 3/4 Radiohead: 2/6 Total: 13 albums remain
Not my favorite petshop boys album
Great
okay but not for me
Album 809 of 1089 Pet Shop Boys - Pet Shop Boys (1990) Rating : 1.5 / 5 The track "Being Boring" aptly summarizes how this album came across to me. Dull boring and too melancholic for what I expect from them.
lisää näitä taas jahas. pojat eläinkaupassa yhä. oisko seuraava kerta sporttikauppa.. urheilukauppa.. enemmän pojille eikö? jjeyeeaaas to leave. tälläs kertaa aika tylsäntylsä.. ei hidas tai hiljainentai toistuva.. vaan tylsä. uskomattomat syntti poppi tekniikat hallussa ja tälläistä garage bänd musiikkia on lopputuloksena.. mitä tässä tapahtui mitä ihmettä ja miksi ihmeessa arvostettu listanarvoiseksi? vähän voimaa siihen laulamiseen ja myös.. ujottaako siellä? miksi ujottaa.. kuin kaksintaistelussa ampuisi laukauksen vahingossa omalla vuorolla ja sitten oksentaisi konsanaan kuin sillälailla.. herätyyys... herätyyys.. My October Symphony
Not a huge fan of the band but they had some really nice hits in the 80's that I remember. Not one of them was to be found on the album. I'll mark this down as confirmation that Brit Pop is not for me as it seemed like a pretty meh album.
First couple songs were great with their kinda Depeche Mode meets New Order vibe. Seriously thought I was cruising towards an easy four on this one. Quickly though, that dark vibe gave way to 90's pop type stuff, ballads, new jack swing, etc. Not that those aren't good tracks to go down, just I'm not feeling them as much in this context especially with the first couple songs being the vibe I was expecting. Fine album, but not really grabbing me.
Enjoyable record of well produced pop songs, vocals are great
A few great songs otherwise ok. 3.5/5
This was considerably more gentle than I expected. Sort of a precursor to Air in my opinion. Pleasant, but always right on the edge of being outdated and a litttle dull. I wonder how many more years this will be listenable
I don't hate it... the synth pop stuff is good, but I just really don't like the vocals. Gonna give this one a 2.6 or so... It's well produced synth pop.
fuck... 2 Pet Shop Boys albums IN A ROW. I had good associations with this band until now. Neither this nor the previous album had a single one of their top hits on it. Just kind of cringy 80s synth pop. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some 80s synth pop now and then. Just not from these guys, I guess.
Eh. Kind of boring.
Forget Iran, we should just bomb the heck out of every recording studio in the UK and end this decades long war on music
Not their best album
Jeg synes det lyder super, men udforsker heller ikke ret meget mere end den ene stemning og lyd, og så bliver 50 minutter lidt langt
Kan måske godt blive lidt ensartet men det lyder fedt! De bedste numre er virkelig fede!
Exactly what I expected when I think of Pet Shop Boys.
Release and Burning the Heather are their best albums. So far the two on this list have been blander ones.
This seems to be the one without any hits. I wasn't able to pay much attention today; it was not bothersome but nothing grabbed me.
odd but good
A few classic songs but generally we don't think they're an album artist.
Fairly pleasant
His voice is kinda annoying.
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
Tough to separate my affection for a lot of music from this specific era from how I respond to it (having not listening to it in over 30 years maybe). For me, the first electronic album looms large here: PSB’s own contributions to it and even having Marr present. Also helps having Mr Axel-F himself producing. And Angelo! They continue to pull from r&b; previously Motown, now contemporary soul hits and, in one unfortunate moment, New Jack Swing. That aside, it’s a pretty well-executed set for the duo. I like, but tend to tire of Tennant’s voice over the course of an entire collection, but that’s a me problem.
It's exactly what it is. Pop music from 1990. Nothing more, nothing less.
Not bad. Early new age genre so I give them points for that.
Neat but doesn't do it for me.
I remembered Pet Shop Boys as a 80s disco band, but this was pretty cool, chill and funky. I actually liked it.
Osaksi liian loungemaista lässyä mutta välistä hyvää kamaa.
Lovely. Nostalgic vibes
Eh, not bad but made me sleepy
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
Cool album with a great finishing track, really enjoyed this one. Hard to categorize, but good music is good music. 7.3/10
Honestly, this album did nothing for me. I listened to it yesterday and I can't remember a single lyric or melody.
Just kind of no energy like they usually have.
Good production Performance ruins the vibe a little bit He sounds like gru
Don't get it... at all... weak vocals over boring beats... are the lyrics clever? no idea... can't get past the music... is it sort of pleasant? i guess... i actually know people who love these guys and buy all their records... all i can hear when they play is "West End Girls" over and over again... it baffles me that these guys had a career past that song... who did these guys pay to be on this list? this is just a travesty... lol... the first song is even called "Being Boring"... obviously autobiographical... lol... it may be a UK/Euro thing... but, this "music" is antiseptic... soulless... does it make you tap your foot? a bit... would i rather listen to this than Death Metal? yes... one star just for that...
Pop perfection (completely biased kid in me talking but I still think it holds up)
At first its fun, different, and interesting. After a while thought it becomes all one note and very samsies. I don't want that to take away from something different and that this is a good album for some mellow days. But it could benefit from just a little variety.
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.
Funny that this starts with a song called Being Boring, because that’s a pretty good description of this album. It wasn’t offensive or bad, but I didn’t find it good either. Just kinda there. And like I was having a conversation with that person who’s always a negative Nathan. Even when the underlying musical structure seemed interesting, the vocals brought it down a notch and sucked the energy out a little. Nearly a 2, but I’ll be nice.
Is this on the jukebox for profiling purposes? Don’t recognize a song on it. Dance!! But dance sadly. It’s much better than I expected.
This looks like it has the potential to go either way I suppose. This is a band I'm vaguely familiar with, though only through their 80's work. For what it is it's fine, so I'm hoping it's an evolution of that sound. I'm expecting some alright, but not extraordinary synthpop. Being Boring The synths are really good. They have a very distinctly warm sound to them. Catchy chorus. Kinda cheesy. Gets a bit repetitive to be honest. The datedness adds some charm to it. Sounds great, but lacks some substance. Fine. 3/5 This Must Be The Place I Waited Years to Leave Clunky title. Great synth sound, even the drums sound alive and vibrant. The vocals work well enough. The clunkiness of the title sort of translates to the performance itself, it just doesn't sound great language wise. I really like the instrumental, though I'm fairly ambivalent about the rest of the song. Fine. 3/5 To Face The Truth Yeah this does not work. Hate the vocals here. The slow tempo and echoey and exaggerated production does it no favours. Really don't like the loud hi-hats either. I find the lyrical writing very cliche and stale. A slog to get through. Awful. 1/5 How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? I wish there was a world where I couod like this. Some of the synths sound good. The rest just sounds dated to the point where I find it annoying rather than charming. The singer's voice contrasts way too much against the electric guitar to the point where the combo of the two just sounds ridiculous. Awkward chorus. Awful. 1/5 Only the Wind Sterile and cold. Hate the crashing synths. That sound has never sounded good. Otherwise the instrumental is mostly uneventful other than a couple half pleasant solo and a slightly overpowering piano. Hate the repetitive drum machine. This style of songwriting just isn't for me. Awful. 1/5 My October Symphony The tempo is at least fun. Has an uplifting beat with a groovy guitar. Feels maybe a bit empty around the verses. Kinda like the bassline. Kinda like the static and cold vocal performance here. The vocal sample adds a bit of additional dynamism to the track. The psychedelic guitar solo and the out of nowhere violin is a fairly effective way to end the song. Strangely works. Good. 4/5 So Hard The base drum and synth combination works pretty well. Still hate the crashing synths, ruins the smooth vibe completely. Decent enough chorus. Goofy synth break. Decently dancable I guess. The final string of repeating choruses sort of gives life to the general idea of the song. Brought down by its worst feature. Average. 2.5/5 Nervously Not entirely unpleasant, but absolutely not a favourite. Really don't like these slower paced songs on here. His voice doesn't convey the emotion that's required for this to be interesting in any way. At the same time the production of the track makes it sound extremely melodramatic and cliche, especially with the oscillating synths that move in a chime like pattern across the mix. As well as the soft percussion. I guess there's a cool vocal effect on the chorus that sounded pretty cool. Did not like. 2/5 The End of the World The general sound of this is good from a production standpoint, though I find it perhaps a bit sterile. To my ears this is extremely generic for a synthpop track. I guess the chorus is kinda catchy, but otherwise it does nothing for me. Average. 2.5/5 Jealousy Another track where the instrumental really works. Feels large, and has some depth to it. I think the vocals work better here than anywhere else on the album. He has a bitter intonation that fits with the themeing of the track. Very colourful and rich outro, love how lush and melodic it feels. Quite liked that one. Good. 4/5 I'm just gonna say that was a weird first impression. First and foremost I'll have to praise the general sound of this, as it's produced wonderfully. I'm really impressed with the richness of the recording and the way each track is layered. The synths sound absolutely magnificent throughout this album, having a crisp, potent and full sound that stays with you from start to finish. It's composed in such a way that every instrumental is distinct and unique in the context of the album. There are plenty of instrumental lines that pop out and become more and more effective as they repeat. Pair this with some alright melody work and you get a few infectious moments. All that being said, I can't say I like it that much after this first initial listen. The songwriting style feels clunky and forced. I'm really not impressed with the vocals. And while I praise their synthesizer work there's usually a glaring creative choice that I really don't like in almost every single one of these tracks. I also think the lyricism on here comes of as shallow and melodramatic. It's not incompentent, and I somewhat can understand it at times, but in the end it gets too much for me. It's a shame as I can tell talented people worked on this. If there are any other Pet Shop Boys albums on this list I'll make sure to revisit this one afterwards. Perhaps it clicks with me, with that added context. 2/5
Loved this!
Elevator music
It's ok... Not great but not terrible.
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
Sometimes a bit cringe but otherwise great
Dancy
Not bad
While good these songs are easily forgettable
I’ve actually mostly enjoyed all the Pet Shop Boys albums I’ve gotten here, but it does seem a little unfair that they have (at least) three entries. I’d keep this one and toss the others.
Meh
First song is "Being boring". They're experts. They had quite a few hits. None of them are on this album. They always made dance music with serious undertones. This album is more on the serious side. They had songs like that on their previous albums. The songs on this album are OK. The arrangements sound cheap. The singer is not very good. I think they belong on the list, but this album doesn't.
Never used to enjoy them but I thought this was good! Nice instrumentals
Pretty chilld and fun!
Good vibes, and nothing more. It just cements my thoughts that PSB is a great singles band. ⭐⭐⭐
From Pet Sounds to Pet Shop Boys. It’s a long way from the best. Weak is a good description of this album.
Slower electronic. Found it enjoyable, and the voice sounds pretty unique to me
More shit pop boys? No thanks
Meh, no me llamó la atención.
Pretty standard casual synth-pop. Some smooth grooves, atmospheric sounds and somewhat catchy melodies. More of a chill listen than a dance party album. Pleasant enough but overall left little impression on me.
The first song, Boring, Boring, sums it up really
This is fine but I guess I don't like the Pet Shop Boys as much as I thought I would!
Good electronic pop music but sounds pretty much like everything else they’ve ever done. Not bad but not earth shattering
It's pretty good, but at times the laid back mood makes it lose its focus for me. Still pretty enjoyable overall
A record so boring it just finished and I already can’t remember any of it. So un-noteworthy it doesn’t even deserve 1/5.
I found this to be very boring.
Good
4.5
Seriously track 1 says everything about this record and possibly ythis group. Nah jk it's not that bad, top teir 80s production at least
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.
I wouldn't go searching for this album.
Pet Shop boys are great but this album is middling at best
Great album
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Really enjoyed this! I'm excited to listen to it again.
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.
Good album. Not something I'd listen to often.
Didn't mind this, kinda made me think of proto-postal service, or maybe dancy Cure if Robert Smith wasn't so sad. Slower stuff was a bit of a drag, but enjoyed the upbeat shit.
Bailed about 1/2 way into this one. Admittedly not that bad, but lame. Like super lame. Like these fuckers should just wedgie themselves and steal their own lunch money.
I liked the upbeat stuff more than the slower stuff. Some of it reminded me of Flight of the Conchords though. Being my introduction to Pet Shop Boys, not a terrible listen. 3.5 stars.
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.
That's not my taste in music - But ok
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.
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
Really nice
I'll give it a somewhat generous 3. It is rather plain pop music, but good at it and for some reason I quite like them. Maybe not their best album.
4 - surprisingly enjoyed it. Just a fun album
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! 😊
Some of the beats are amazing. The singing is blah. But them beats on some of these🔥🔥🔥
Engaging synth work; the instrumentation and production were my favorite part. Some of the songs are maybe stretched past their tearing point. I do wonder how this sounded to the original 1990 audience. Was it dated already by then? Was this still the prevailing sound of pop music? Makes me wonder, I guess.
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
While I'd choose musicians that played actual instruments over computers all day every day, I was surprised that this was actually listenable. (What is it with this author's obsession with electronica?) I wouldn't ever seek this out but I wouldn't cringe at having to listen to it either. 2.75/5
I like old Pet Shop Boys stuff but didn’t enjoy this one. Over-produced and just weird.
First track says it all for me. ‘Being Boring.’ I couldn’t tell one song from another and all I could think of listening to the drum machine was that it sounded like Tenny on his keyboard.
pretty good but just makes me think of other, even better Pet Shop Boys songs. the singles on this were not as peak as basically any of their other albums
Not terrible just a bit repetitive for me
Back to back? Hopefully this means I'm done with them.
7/10 Of all the synthy syth stuff, this is not the best, but synth therefore 4 star. I don't make the rules.
Super!
Wish I would have liked this more, but it lacks something :(
I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. 3.5
## 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
decent synth album, probably won't go back.
I can see the appeal, I really can. It's got that house / electronica kind of feel. It's just... the vocals are very nasally, which grated on me. A LOT. I probably would have gotten into it more if they had a less nasally singer. And because of it being more of a dance music format, the lyrics got a bit repetitive. So... I didn't HATE it, but the vocals made it tough to sit through. Top tracks: "Jealousy," "This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave", "Being Boring," "How Can You Expect To Be taken Seriously?"
Speaking of British synth-pop (just finishing listening to The The's debut album), here's one of the quintessential British synth-pop bands. With their fourth album? Already rated their fifth album. I guess they're going to get at least three albums on the list because one of their first two albums must make the list - they were important and relevant to synth pop before the 90's. It's melodic and all, but it's kind of background music to me. Same kind of sound throughout. Honestly, for me, the biggest part of this album culturally or historically was their music video for Being Boring. I remember seeing that on tv (blurred I'm sure) and thinking "who is this and can you show that on tv?" That video, that song, this band was big for the gay community and breaking down barriers, even if censors and straights were upset with some of what they were doing. Still, to me, it's average music. A more majestic sound than other synth-pop, so unique but still average.
The 1001 did not need three Pet Shop Boys albums. Insert eye-roll emoji here. Frankly, the two words that came to mind repeatedly while listening was "boring" and "cheesy." The music is inoffensive, so it's not necessarily a problem as background music, but every time I paid attention my reaction was "wow, this is cheesy." Here are some of my track notes: "Being Boring - Aptly named." "This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave - Aptly named." "How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously - Aptly named." If I had to pick a couple of tracks that caught my attention: The End of the World. That's it. Just the one. Time to move on...
The first track, "Being Boring," serves as a strong opener. The song reflects on the passing of time and the loss of youthful recklessness. While it has a somewhat melancholic tone, it also carries an element of hope. The lyrics evoke memories of the past and highlight the changes that come with life. The soft, atmospheric music adds to the song's special quality. The rest of the album follows a similar theme. Compared to most other albums by Pet Shop Boys, 'Behaviour' is introspective and relatively modest. Chris Lowe adopts a less energetic approach to his electronics, favoring languid beats and the analog synthesizers provided by German producer Harold Faltermeyer. Neil Tennant's vocal delivery is also less cool and detached than usual. There has often been debate about the quality of Tennant's singing, but personally, I find his voice quite pleasant, particularly in the sultry, languid sounds featured on *Behaviour*. One standout track can be found in the 'Further Listening' section: "Miserablism," a notable satire of Morrissey, made even more enjoyable by the contributions of Johnny Marr to this album. Overall, 'Behaviour' is an enjoyable album and is often regarded as Pet Shop Boys' best work. However, for me, it lacks the tension that many of their other albums possess.
I’ve been at this for 983 days and I have a bold proclamation to make: Pet Shop Boys are the best synth pop band. I know what you’re thinking: “Dude, you hate synth-pop” I know, right? I totally do. But compositionally, Pet Shop Boys are the band to beat - at least when it comes to synth-pop. Across their albums on the list, they have extremely well written songs with densely layered instrumentation. They’re really quite excellent at what they do. I know what you’re thinking now, too: “Why should I take your word that they’re the best, if you don’t even like synth-pop?” …to be honest, I don’t really have a good answer for that, but you’ve read this far, so I must be on to something, right?
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.
Pop, 1990 -> 3
I haven't heard much PSB beyond their big 80s singles so having the chance to hear a full thing by them is awesome! If one thing stands out with this one is maybe how it's more restraint and chill compared to some of the more big and dancey songs like West End Girls and Suburbia, this one is more lowkey while still being a nice synthpop thing. I'm not always a fan of when it slows down into more of a sophisti-pop thing but I think it's enjoyable nonetheless.
There are no indications that I should like this album. Dated soundscape, cheesy casios, annoying vocals and it all is kind of boring. Still, I find myself, not exactly enjoying, but more tolerating the album. So Hard is a good song, and there are only two songs I dislike, track 4 and 6. Well, I guess people change
Better than expected. Wasn't a fan of the vocalist but the chill synthwave sound was lovely.
Way better than it has any right to be, for the style of music it is Best Song: How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously Rating: 6.5/10 Stars: 3/5
I actually really liked it- it was very pleasant music to listen to, if I’m ever tired of my own music.
80's synth pop
Incluso cuando no me aburre es porque estoy haciendo un esfuerzo para que no me aburra.
I like the vibe of the music
Feels like elevator music for some reason.
It's... alright. Listenable. Not very exciting. I think I've liked other stuff from them more.
nope - not for me, after 2 songs I'd had enough, looping electro-crap