What makes Agenda by Pet Shop Boys notable?

The EP was well-received, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and showcasing the duo's ability to blend danceable music with critical social commentary. Its tracks address issues such as wealth inequality and social media culture, resonating with listeners amid growing global political tensions and earning praise for its relevance. Released on February 8, 2019, Agenda is the first EP from Pet Shop Boys in over a decade, following their 2016 album Super. This project reflects their ongoing evolution as artists while tackling pressing social themes, marking a return to their politically charged songwriting roots at a time when their influence in the electronic music scene remains significant.

How many songs are on Agenda?

Agenda has 4 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Agenda

Pet Shop Boys · 2019

13 min · 4 tracks · house music

A sharp commentary on contemporary society wrapped in vibrant electronic pop textures and incisive lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Give Stupidity a Chance — This track opens the EP with an infectious hook while critiquing anti-intellectualism in modern society, establishing the thematic focus of the record.
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On Social Media — With its catchy chorus and clever lyrics, this song dissects the impact of social media on human interaction, making it a standout commentary on contemporary life.
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What Are We Going to Do About the Rich? — This track combines an energetic beat with pointed questions about wealth disparity, embodying the EP's call for societal reflection and action.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The EP combines sharp social commentary with vibrant electronic textures, showcasing a strong yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

Each track features a consistent four-on-the-floor beat, typical of house music, driving the rhythm throughout.
The lyrics are delivered in a spoken-word style rather than traditional singing, creating a distinct narrative approach.
The EP maintains a cohesive sound palette with synthesizers and electronic textures that interweave across all four tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in their sound and themes.
Themes: social media critique· wealth inequality· satirical commentary
Career context: Released on February 8, 2019, Agenda is the first EP from Pet Shop Boys in over a decade, following their 2016 album Super. This project reflects their ongoing evolution as artists while tackling pressing social themes, marking a return to their politically charged songwriting roots at a time when their influence in the electronic music scene remains significant.
Stylistic neighbors: Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode