Pet Shop Boys Songs are known for their unique blend of synth-pop, intelligent lyrics, and social commentary, and at PETS.EDU.VN, we understand the importance of curating the best experiences, just like curating the best music. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new listener, this guide will take you through a carefully selected list of their top tracks. From their early hits to their more recent work, we’ll explore what makes each song special and why they continue to resonate with audiences today.
1. Being Boring (1990)
Being Boring is not only considered one of the greatest songs about the AIDS epidemic but also a profound exploration of mortality and memory. The song captures the loss of innocence and carefree hedonism caused by HIV within the gay community, transforming it into a universal reflection on youth. The music mirrors the lyrical content, shifting from melancholy to warmth, creating an understated yet extraordinarily powerful effect.
2. West End Girls (1984)
Inspired by hip-hop, dance music, and T.S. Eliot, West End Girls offers a coolly observed vision of London that is both dark and alluring. As their breakthrough single, it made a statement: Pet Shop Boys were intelligent, hip, and different from anything else in British pop music. The song’s unique blend of musical styles and insightful lyrics set them apart in the music scene.
3. Left to My Own Devices (1988)
Described as “awe-inspiring” by Tennant’s former employers at Smash Hits, Left to My Own Devices is a deliriously uplifting song about loneliness. The joyous chorus, lavish strings, and campness contrast sharply with the lyrics’ tone. The song cleverly juxtaposes musical exuberance with lyrical introspection, creating a unique and memorable listening experience.
4. Rent (1987)
Rent tells two stories at once, conveying both defiance about the transactional nature of a relationship and a sense of subdued, sad, ineffably lonely emotion. The narrator is defiant about the transactional nature of their relationship, emphasizing sympathy and ecstasy. The unrepentant cynicism is underscored by music that sounds subdued, sad, and ineffably lonely, creating a complex and emotionally resonant piece.
5. What Have I Done to Deserve This? (1987)
Despite their label’s initial reservations, the collaboration with Dusty Springfield resulted in one of Pet Shop Boys’ greatest songs. The moment Springfield takes center stage, singing “Since you went away…,” is among the most glorious in their oeuvre. The song is a perfect blend of their synth-pop sensibilities and Springfield’s soulful voice, creating a timeless hit.
6. Jealousy (1990)
Pet Shop Boys’ melodies often carry a hint of French chanson, and on Jealousy, that influence comes to full flower. The song is direct and heartrending, proving that for a band frequently described as arch, they can deliver an emotional punch. The simplicity and sincerity of the song make it a standout track in their discography.
7. This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave (1990)
Originally written as a potential James Bond theme, this track’s hazy, exquisite sadness fits the autumnal mood of the Behavior album. The idea of a Bond film with a despondent theme song about the awfulness of school is intriguingly peculiar. The song’s melancholic tone and evocative lyrics make it a standout album track.
8. Love Comes Quickly (1986)
Love Comes Quickly is the most straightforwardly beautiful of Pet Shop Boys’ early hits, taking a hackneyed topic and twisting it into something original. The sound is breathy, luscious, and twilit, presenting pop music as luxury goods. Its simple yet elegant composition makes it a timeless classic.
9. Invisible (2012)
This rich, startlingly beautiful ballad bemoans the trickiness of aging, both professionally and personally. Tennant has said Invisible was inspired by reading a comment from a woman suggesting that she became invisible after turning 45, to which he noted, “Try being a gay man over 50.” The song’s poignant lyrics and lush arrangement make it an overlooked gem.
10. King’s Cross (1987)
Pet Shop Boys’ early albums haven’t dated, but their descriptions of a London long since vanished make them period pieces. Here, the grubby, ungentrified King’s Cross is a metaphor for 80s Britain in a song that is careworn and atmospheric. The song captures the socio-economic climate of the time, making it a compelling and evocative track.
11. The Pop Kids (2016)
The title is 80s Smash-Hits-ese, but the lyrics are from the perspective of someone looking back to 90s London and breathlessly exciting twentysomething life. It’s classic Pet Shop Boys, in that it’s an electronic banger suffused with sadness, hinting that something has clearly gone terribly wrong in the interim. The song combines nostalgia with a sense of loss, creating a poignant and relatable narrative.
12. Your Funny Uncle (1988)
Inspired by the funeral of a friend who had died of AIDS, this song is packed with beautifully, sympathetically drawn details. It features the father who can’t come to terms with his late son’s sexuality and the military uncle greeting the deceased’s friends with kindness. The music, equal parts show tune and 70s singer-songwriter ballad, is suitably heartbreaking. The song’s emotional depth and nuanced storytelling make it a powerful and moving piece.
13. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk (1999)
The unexpected sound of pedal steel guitar on a Pet Shop Boys track leads into a song that could pass for country and western, albeit with a sequenced synth line running through it. The effect is heartfelt and genuinely touching, with lush strings bolstering its romantic misery. The song’s unique blend of musical styles and emotional honesty make it a standout track.
14. So Hard (1990)
Behaviour was an album thick with depictions of relationship trauma, and So Hard is no exception. The irresistibly perky chorus contrasts with the suspicion and heartbreak in the lyrics, depicting an open relationship that isn’t working out. The juxtaposition of upbeat music and melancholic lyrics creates a compelling and relatable narrative.
15. Home and Dry (2002)
The album Release attempted to do the opposite of what Pet Shop Boys were known for, an idea most successfully realized on Home and Dry. With live drums, guitar solos, and a reference to the Beatles’ Let It Be era, it is a straightforward and sweetly touching love song. The song’s simplicity and sincerity make it a refreshing departure from their more complex compositions.
16. The Theatre (1993)
Pet Shop Boys’ oeuvre is held to have become more political in recent years, but in truth, it has just become more explicitly so. The Theatre depicts London’s inequality, inspired by a Conservative minister’s callous remark about homelessness people, with the chorus’s crashing orchestration underscoring the song’s white-lipped rage. The song’s overt political commentary and passionate delivery make it a powerful statement.
17. It’s a Sin (1987)
A former altar boy, Tennant complained that people took It’s a Sin too seriously, but its OTT arrangement implies a jokey intent. Emerging during a hideous religious backlash against gay people, it inadvertently felt reflective of the climate. Its enduring relevance is underlined by Russell T Davies’ 2020 drama using its title. The song’s controversial themes and dramatic arrangement make it a memorable and impactful track.
18. Love Is a Bourgeois Construct (2013)
Driven by a sample from Michael Nyman’s soundtrack to The Draughtsman’s Contract, this song features a classic only-the-Pet-Shop-Boys-would-think-of-this conceit. Failure in love has led its protagonist to turn to his radical “student paperbacks,” Marx among them, for comfort. The song’s intellectual and quirky approach to love and loss make it a unique and intriguing piece.
19. Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) (1986)
Pet Shop Boys’ Born in the USA, this song is a satire of Thatcher-era greed misconstrued as a hearty endorsement. Despite umpteen patient explanations that its protagonists’ dreams and schemes are doomed, it still turns up on TV documentary soundtracks whenever yuppies are mentioned. The song’s ironic and satirical take on ambition and materialism make it a timeless commentary.
20. Suburbia (1986)
Inspired by Penelope Spheeris’s bleak 1984 film of the same name, Suburbia relocates the action from Los Angeles to a Britain of graffitied bus stops and vandalized town halls. The definitive version is the Full Horror mix found on Disco, contrasting the soaring chorus with barking dogs, eerie spoken word, and dissonant instrumental passages. The song’s stark imagery and contrasting musical elements create a vivid and unsettling portrayal of suburban life.
21. Pandemonium (2009)
Pandemonium is prime 00s Pet Shop Boys, featuring a glam-facing rhythm, a pile-up of pop hooks, and killer lines like “When you think about it, it’s quite an achievement / That, after all, I still love you.” The song showcases Xenomania’s production living up to the standards they set working with Girls Aloud. The song’s catchy hooks and energetic production make it a quintessential Pet Shop Boys track.
22. My October Symphony (1990)
Featuring house pianos and bassline, washes of synth, a gorgeous melody, and Johnny Marr unleashing his inner Nile Rodgers, this song is about a Soviet composer questioning the artistic validity of the music he composed in praise of the Communist party after the fall of communism. The song’s unique blend of musical styles and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track.
23. Will-o-the-Wisp (2020)
The opening track of Hotspot is punchy, muscular, and rooted in big-room house. The lyrics are appealingly ambiguous, with the narrator spotting an old flame and veering between admiration and withering speculation. The song’s energetic beat and ambiguous lyrics create a captivating and engaging listening experience.
24. Dreaming of the Queen (1993)
Dreaming of the Queen conflates the AIDS crisis and the separation of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, with a dream in which Neil Tennant is presented to the princess naked, surrounded by autograph-seeking fans. The song is at turns funny and desperately sad, its melody and ambience haunting. The song’s surreal imagery and poignant themes make it a unique and memorable track.
25. Flamboyant (2003)
Produced by the German duo Tomcraft, Flamboyant features lyrics that admire the “courage” of a glitzy celeb and rhyme “tacky” with “Issey Miyake.” The song’s clever lyrics and driving beat make it a standout track in their discography.
26. Heart (1987)
Despite being subsequently dismissed by Chris Lowe, Heart is slight in comparison with other hits but lovely nonetheless. The song’s simplicity and catchy melody make it a timeless classic.
27. Shameless (1993)
Lyrically and musically ferocious, Shameless gleefully blasts celebrity culture with the line “We have no integrity.” The song is either weirdly prescient or the work of people complaining with no idea how bad things are going to get, pre-dating reality TV and the web. The song’s biting satire and aggressive sound make it a bold and impactful track.
28. Integral (2006)
Integral is the best track from Fundamental, with Trevor Horn constructing a dramatic, distinctly Frankie-ish dancefloor pulse. The lyrics about immigration and the right’s quest for a “sterile, immaculate” Britain feel eternally pertinent. The song’s powerful beat and socially conscious lyrics make it a relevant and compelling piece.
29. Yesterday, When I Was Mad (1993)
Yesterday, When I Was Mad is a protracted, waspish whinge about backstage visitors, critics, and petty arguments over hotel rooms, restaurants, and meet-and-greets. It’s very funny and very aware of its privileged preposterousness. The song’s witty and self-aware lyrics make it a humorous and relatable track.
30. The Truck Driver and His Mate (1996)
The Truck Driver and His Mate, the homoerotic electro-glam stomp B-side to Before, is as good as anything on Bilingual. The song’s bold themes and catchy beat make it a standout B-side.
Why These Songs Resonate
Pet Shop Boys have a unique ability to blend intelligent lyrics with catchy synth-pop melodies. Their songs often explore themes of love, loss, politics, and social commentary, making them both thought-provoking and danceable. This combination of depth and accessibility has allowed them to remain relevant and beloved by fans for decades.
Exploring Pet Shop Boys’ Musical Style
Pet Shop Boys are known for their distinctive blend of synth-pop, electronic music, and intelligent lyrics. Their music often incorporates elements of house, disco, and even classical music, creating a rich and diverse sound. Their lyrics are often witty, insightful, and socially conscious, exploring themes of love, loss, politics, and culture.
Key Elements of Their Sound:
- Synth-Pop Melodies: Catchy and memorable tunes driven by synthesizers.
- Intelligent Lyrics: Thought-provoking and often satirical commentary on society and culture.
- Electronic Beats: Danceable rhythms that incorporate various electronic music styles.
- Orchestral Arrangements: Lush and dramatic arrangements that add depth and complexity to their songs.
The Impact of Pet Shop Boys on Music and Culture
Pet Shop Boys have had a significant impact on music and culture, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of pop music. Their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic beats helped to pave the way for the electronic dance music (EDM) that dominates the charts today. Their intelligent and socially conscious lyrics have also inspired many artists to use their music as a platform for social and political commentary.
FAQ About Pet Shop Boys Songs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pet Shop Boys songs:
- What is Pet Shop Boys’ most famous song?
- West End Girls is arguably their most famous song, being their breakthrough hit and a defining track of the 1980s.
- What are the main themes in Pet Shop Boys’ lyrics?
- Their lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, politics, social commentary, and cultural observations.
- How did Pet Shop Boys influence electronic music?
- They were pioneers in synth-pop, blending electronic sounds with pop sensibilities, influencing many subsequent electronic artists.
- What makes Pet Shop Boys unique?
- Their blend of intelligent lyrics, catchy melodies, and innovative use of electronic instruments sets them apart.
- Which Pet Shop Boys album is considered their best?
- Behavior (1990) is often considered one of their best albums, featuring classic tracks like Being Boring and Jealousy.
- What is the meaning behind “Being Boring”?
- It’s a song about growing up, the loss of innocence, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the gay community.
- How did Dusty Springfield contribute to Pet Shop Boys’ success?
- Her collaboration on “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” brought a soulful element to their sound and became a major hit.
- What are some of Pet Shop Boys’ most political songs?
- Songs like “Integral” and “The Theatre” directly address political issues and social inequality.
- How do Pet Shop Boys stay relevant after so many years?
- By continually evolving their sound, experimenting with new genres, and maintaining their lyrical wit and intelligence.
- Where can I listen to the best of Pet Shop Boys?
- You can find their top tracks on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as on their official website.
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