After a 3 year hiatus from their previous studio album, Fundamental, the Pet Shop Boys are back with 'Yes', their 10th studio album. Having won an award for Outstanding Contribution to Music on the recent 2009 BRIT Awards, PSB shows no signs of slowing down, as one would think that getting such awards are the final awards they would be getting and the recipient's finest work are long gone in the past. This album is released in the UK on March 23th and in the US on April 21th.
First Impressions
Compared to 'Fundamental', which is kinda have dark electro and moody elements in it, I only like 'Minimal'.
As with 'Yes', this album is sorta like unapologetic, straight up, electro-pop. Exuberant as with the album cover, a tick with different colours. =)
This album is classified as pop and sythpop. Having co-produced this album with Xenomania, the album results with upbeat and catchy tunes, similiar to their work in the 80's and 90's. The good old disco days, most songs are ready-made for the dancefloor.
Standout Tracks
Love Etc. - Lead single off the album. Chorus sounds abit like their version of 'Go West'. Bouncy syth beats. It's a grower, but you'll be singing along in no time.
All Around the World - It's very different from your modern day pop, quirky I would say. Only PSB would produce this. =) As featured in their BRITS awards 2009 medly which they performed. Single worthy.
Beautiful People - It's sounds like a modern twist to 80's music. Catchy as hell.
Did You See Me Coming - My fave track off the album. It's so disco-ey. Makes me wanna dance under the mirror ball. I predict that it would be the 2nd single. Or a single at least. It's TOO good not to be a single, I'll be DAMNED if it aint. It fits right in summer too, just in time for summer. =)
Vulnerable - My fave electro ballad from the album. Uh, ok. It's more to mid-tempo. "I'm so vulnerable without you." =) Taken from the chorus.
More Than A Dream - Another disco-ey track. Dancefloor ready. Surefire Club hit. Need me to say more?? =) Another Single worthy track.
Pandemonium - A Classic PSB track. Irresistable and Irrepressible. Sounds like it could be from their now classic album, 'Very'.
The Way It Used To Be - This song has depth. Reflective lyrics, package in syth fashion. Another one of my fave electro ballad.
Final Verdict
There are a few slower songs off the album, like 'King of Rome' and 'Legacy'. Definitely not fillers, but it does not fits well as compared to 'Vulnerable' and 'The Way It Used To Be'. To me, this album is considered as their finest album in YEARS. Poppish beats, PSB is here to stay for good.
Though Neil Tennant's voice might sounds abit weird for those who just listened to PSB. Rest assured. It's unique in a positive sense. Paired with Chris Lowe's skills on the turntable and Neil's sheer intelligence, PSB is unstoppable.
This album deserves:
