Pet Shop Boys (Please)
The Album
Pet Shop Boys (Please) was released on 24 March 1986. The debut album of the English duo.
Pet Shop Boys’ debut album “Please,” stands as a quintessential milestone in the world of synth-pop. With their sleek electronic soundscapes, sardonic lyricism, and stylish personas, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe solidified their place in music history with this album.
The opening track, “Two Divided by Zero,” sets the tone for the album with its pulsating synths and rhythmic beats. From the very beginning, it’s clear that “Please” is a meticulously crafted work of art. The duo’s unique blend of upbeat melodies and introspective lyrics is showcased in tracks like “Love Comes Quickly,” exploring the complexities of romance and yearning.
The album’s iconic hit, “West End Girls,” remains one of the standout tracks, with its distinct urban narrative and memorable melody. Tennant’s distinctive vocals and the song’s layers of electronic instrumentation combine to create a timeless piece that has aged remarkably well.
Throughout “Please,” the Pet Shop Boys demonstrate their ability to layer social commentary and introspection beneath catchy pop hooks. “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” takes a satirical look at consumerism and ambition, while “Suburbia” delves into the mundanity of suburban life, both featuring infectious rhythms that belie their deeper themes.
One of the strengths of the album is its consistent production quality. Tracks flow seamlessly into one another, creating a cohesive listening experience. The duo’s choice of collaborators, such as producer Stephen Hague, contributed to the album’s polished sound, combining lush synth textures with infectious dance beats.
Despite its mostly upbeat and danceable tracks, “Please” also showcases the duo’s capacity for melancholy introspection. “Later Tonight” and “Why Don’t We Live Together?” add a layer of emotional complexity, exploring themes of longing and relationship dynamics with a touch of vulnerability.
If there’s a minor critique to be made, it’s that some tracks may feel slightly overshadowed by the towering presence of hits like “West End Girls.” However, each song on the album contributes to the overall tapestry of Pet Shop Boys’ artistry, offering distinct facets of their musical vision.
Conclusion
In summary, “Please” is a foundational album in the synth-pop genre that solidified Pet Shop Boys’ place in music history. Its marriage of catchy pop melodies, electronic experimentation, and wry lyricism set the stage for the duo’s future successes. The album’s influence can be heard in countless subsequent artists who have drawn inspiration from its blend of artistry, wit, and infectious beats.
“Please” stands as an emblem of 1980s synth-pop, yet its timeless quality continues to resonate with listeners today. Whether dancing to its infectious rhythms or reflecting on its thought-provoking lyrics, one cannot deny the enduring impact and artistic legacy of Pet Shop Boys’ debut album.
Track Listing
- Two Divided By Zero
- West End Girls
- Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money)
- Love Comes Quickly
- Suburbia
- Opportunities (Reprise)
- Tonight Is Forever
- Violence
- I Want A Lover
- Later Tonight
- Why Don’t We Live Together
Suburbia
Lyrics
Suburbia
Where the suburbs met utopia
Where the suburbs met utopia
Lost in the high street, where the dogs run
Roaming suburban boys
Mother’s got her hairdo to be done
She says they’re too old for toys
Stood by the bus stop with a felt pen
In this suburban hell
And in the distance a police car
To break the suburban spell
Let’s take a ride
And run with the dogs tonight in suburbia
You can’t hide
Run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
Break the window by the town hall
Listen! A siren screams
There in the distance like a roll call
Of all the suburban dreams
Let’s take a ride
And run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can’t hide
Run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
It’s on the front page of the papers
This is their hour of need
Where’s a policeman when you need one
To blame the color TV?
Let’s take a ride
And run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can’t hide
Run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
Suburbia
Where the suburbs met utopia
What kind of dream was this
So easy to destroy?
And who are we to blame
For the sins of the past?
These slums of the future?
Suburbia
Where the suburbs met utopia
Suburbia
Where the suburbs met utopia
West End Girls
Lyrics
Sometimes you’re better off dead
There’s a gun in your hand it’s pointing at your head
You think you’re mad, too unstable
Kicking in chairs and knocking down tables
In a restaurant in a West End town
Call the police, there’s a mad man around
Running down underground
To a dive bar in a West End town
… In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
West End girls
… Too many shadows, whispering voices
Faces on posters, too many choices
If, when, why, what? How much have you got?
Have you got it, do you get it
If so, how often?
Which do you choose
A hard or soft option?
(How much do you need?)
… In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
West End girls
West End girls
… In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
Ooh, West End town, a dead end world
East End boys, West End girls
West End girls
… You got a heart of glass or a heart of stone
Just you wait ’til I get you home
We’ve got no future
We’ve got no past
Here today, built to last
In every city, in every nation
From Lake Geneva to the Finland station
(How far have you been?)
… In a West End town, a dead end world
The East End boys and West End girls
A West End town, a dead end world
East End boys, West End girls
West End girls
… West End girls
West End girls
(How far have you been?)
Girls