Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Although some listeners stopped paying attention after the early 90s, the Pet Shop Boys have continued to make top-notch pop music, much of it rooted in their collective love of dance music. 'Smash', their third 'greatest hits' retrospective, offers extensive proof of this assertion. Across three discs, we're treated to every single released so far by the iconic synth-pop duo over their close to 40-year career. Yes, the familiar favourites are all present, but also lesser-celebrated gems from the past two decades including fan favourites such as 'Monkey Business' (with its cheery evocation of 1970s disco), 'The Pop Kids' (a deliberately nostalgic affair that will appeal to those who got into them back in the day) and the second Iraq War-era 'I'm With Stupid'.

Review: Pet Shop Boys have so much respect for what they have done in dance music over the past 40 years. The best-selling duo in UK sales history in fact. Their 15th album in total and first in four years, Nonetheless will his shelves in late April of 2024. If the lead single 'Loneliness' is any indication, we expect a powerful blend of post-disco and pop dance music that should bring original fans many enjoyable listens. Their ability to create strong anthems that balance introspective ballads that always feature beautiful string arrangements is something no one can do better. We can't wait for the opportunity to listen to this in full. This Deluxe edition features an additional CD featuring new recordings of four of the best known PSB tracks - 'Heart', 'Being Boring', 'It's A Sin' and their cover of the Elvis classic 'Always On My Mind'.

Review: Pet Shop Boys' 15th album, nonetheless, produced by James Ford, brilliantly blends widescreen pop with dance influences. Written during lockdown, it shifts away from pure bangers to a more reflective tone, reminiscent of their earlier work like Behaviour and Elysium. The nostalgic feel begins with the artwork and continues throughout the tracks. 'Loneliness' starts the album, growing in appeal with each listen. 'Feel,' a heartfelt romantic track, and 'Why Am I Dancing,' originally for their forthcoming musical, showcase Neil Tennant's expressive vocals and Chris Lowe's signature production touches. 'New London Boy' reflects on past experiences with both sadness and joy, featuring Tennant's return to rapping. 'Dancing Star,' about Rudolph Nureyev's defection, fits better within the album's context than as a single. An orchestral presence adds elegance to the production. The hi-energy of the first half transitions to a more subdued second half, with standout tracks like 'A New Bohemia' and the quirky 'The Schlager Hit Parade.' 'The Secret of Happiness' is a stunning, 60s-tinged epic, reminiscent of a James Bond theme. The album concludes with 'Bullet for Narcissus' and 'Love Is The Law,' maintaining the duo's unique flair. nonetheless no doubt reaffirms Pet Shop Boys' place in pop, oozing class and confidence.

Review: Pet Shop Boys' Nonetheless is receiving a deluxe upgrade with the release of its Expanded Edition. This 2xCD offers an enriched experience for fans and collectors. The Expanded Edition retains the original ten track album, which includes standout tracks like 'Loneliness' and 'Feel,' but it also introduces four compelling new recordings. Among these are covers of David Bowie's 'All the Young Dudes' and the classic soul number 'The Dark End of the Street,' showing the duo's eclectic taste and musical versatility. Additionally, it features a unique take on Gregorio Allegri's 'Miserere', reimagined by the Pet Shop Boys, and a brand-new original track titled 'Adrenaline'. This edition further distinguishes itself with a comprehensive collection of demo recordings for each song on the album, a first for the duo. These demos provide an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind the album. The Nonetheless Expanded Edition is full of additional material for devoted listeners.