Is Behaviour a good place to start with Pet Shop Boys?

Yes, Behaviour is recommended as a starting point for new Pet Shop Boys listeners. Elegant synth melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that balances melancholy and sophistication. Released on October 22, 1990, Behaviour marked a pivotal moment in the Pet Shop Boys' career following their commercial peak with their previous album, Actually. At this stage, they shifted towards a more introspective and mature sound, showcasing their artistic evolution amidst the changing landscape of pop music in the early '90s.

Who is Behaviour for?

Behaviour works well if you're into introspective journeys through emotion, steady pacing for reflective moments and lush soundscapes for solitude.

How many songs are on Behaviour?

Behaviour has 10 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Released 36 years ago this October

Behaviour

Pet Shop Boys · 1990

49 min · 10 tracks · house music

Elegant synth melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that balances melancholy and sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Being Boring Start here — The opening track encapsulates the album’s themes of nostalgia and reflection, combining lush instrumentation with poignant storytelling about lost youth and identity.
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How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? — This track cleverly critiques societal expectations while blending catchy melodies with sharp wit, illustrating the duo's knack for merging humor with serious commentary.
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Jealousy — Exploring themes of longing and insecurity, Jealousy features an emotive vocal performance paired with a haunting melody, showcasing the album's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album blends introspective lyrics with elegant synth melodies, creating a cohesive and mature sound.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow build, layering synths and vocals that create an atmospheric introduction.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the melodies to develop before returning to lyrical content.
The album's pacing is deliberate, with slower songs interspersed with slightly more upbeat tracks, maintaining a reflective mood throughout.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective journeys through emotion
steady pacing for reflective moments
lush soundscapes for solitude
poignant themes of love and

Maybe skip if you

need for upbeat tempos
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Behaviour is noted for its lyrical depth and sonic innovation, marking a high point in their artistry.
Themes: nostalgic reflection· societal critique· emotional insecurity
Career context: Released on October 22, 1990, Behaviour marked a pivotal moment in the Pet Shop Boys' career following their commercial peak with their previous album, Actually. At this stage, they shifted towards a more introspective and mature sound, showcasing their artistic evolution amidst the changing landscape of pop music in the early '90s.
Stylistic neighbors: Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode