Alternative cover

Alternative

Pet Shop Boys · 1995

134 min · 30 tracks · house music

A vibrant collage of synth-pop and dance beats that captures the Pet Shop Boys' signature blend of wit and melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    In the Night Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Paninaro — This track exemplifies the Pet Shop Boys' unique ability to merge catchy melodies with insightful lyrics about culture and identity, encapsulating their artistic vision.
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    Losing My Mind — Originally written by Stephen Sondheim, this cover showcases the duo's knack for transforming theatrical material into dance hits, revealing their eclectic influences.
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    I Want a Dog — This song combines playful lyricism with an infectious beat, illustrating the duo's signature blend of irony and earnestness that's prevalent throughout their work.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night vibes
  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Compiles hits and showcases evolution, solidifying their status in the industry.
Themes
synth-pop nostalgia· B-side introspection
Career context
Released on August 7, 1995, 'Alternative' is a compilation album that showcases the Pet Shop Boys' evolution through their first decade. At this point, the duo had already achieved significant commercial success with albums like 'Please' and 'Actually,' making this collection a reflection on their influential role in the pop electronic landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode
New to Pet Shop Boys? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 In the Night Start here 4:50
  • 2 A Man Could Get Arrested 4:19
  • 3 That's My Impression 5:18
  • 4 Was That What It Was? 5:14
  • 5 Paninaro 4:40
  • 6 Jack the Lad 4:31
  • 7 You Know Where You Went Wrong 5:51
  • 8 A New Life 4:56
  • 9 I Want a Dog 4:58
  • 10 Do I Have To? 5:14
  • 11 I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too) 4:54
  • 12 Don Juan 3:54
  • 13 The Sound of the Atom Splitting 5:12
  • 14 One of the Crowd 3:55
  • 15 Your Funny Uncle 2:16

Disc 2

  • 1 It Must Be Obvious 4:24
  • 2 We All Feel Better in the Dark 4:00
  • 3 Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend 4:28
  • 4 Losing My Mind 4:34
  • 5 Music for Boys 3:36
  • 6 Miserablism 4:10
  • 7 Hey, Headmaster 3:06
  • 8 What Keeps Mankind Alive? 3:24
  • 9 Shameless 5:02
  • 10 Too Many People 4:17
  • 11 Violence (Haçienda version) 4:58
  • 12 Decadence 3:56
  • 13 If Love Were All 2:59
  • 14 Euroboy 4:27
  • 15 Some Speculation 6:34

What to play next

Bilingual
Listen next

Bilingual

1996

Continues the synth-pop vibe while introducing new lyrical themes and styles.
Disco 2
Go back to

Disco 2

1994

Sets the stage with a mix of dance tracks that lead into the vibrant energy of Alternative.
Full Pet Shop Boys discography Where to start with Pet Shop Boys Artists like Pet Shop Boys
new wave synth-pop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Chorus

Chorus

Erasure

Shares vibrant synth textures and introspective lyrics, capturing similar emotional landscapes.

Republic

Republic

New Order

Merges danceable beats with reflective themes, echoing the blend of celebration and introspection.

Songs of Faith and Devotion

Songs of Faith and Devotion

Depeche Mode

Combines synth-driven anthems with deep emotional narratives, resonating with the same sonic depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata