What does Christmas sound like?

A festive blend of synth-pop and orchestral arrangements that reimagines holiday classics with a contemporary twist. Rooted in house and new wave. Start with "It Doesn’t Often Snow at Christmas (new version)".

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

Yes, Christmas is recommended as a starting point for new Pet Shop Boys listeners. A festive blend of synth-pop and orchestral arrangements that reimagines holiday classics with a contemporary twist. Released in December 2009, Christmas came after the Pet Shop Boys' successful album Yes, which marked a commercial resurgence for the duo. This EP showcases their knack for merging pop sensibilities with seasonal themes, presenting fresh takes on their earlier work while also building on their established sound.

Who is Christmas for?

Christmas works well if you're into festive energy for gatherings, playful charm with wit and short bursts of joy.

How many songs are on Christmas?

Christmas has 5 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Christmas

Pet Shop Boys · 2009

22 min · 5 tracks · house music

A festive blend of synth-pop and orchestral arrangements that reimagines holiday classics with a contemporary twist.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It Doesn’t Often Snow at Christmas (new version) Start here — This track encapsulates the spirit of the EP with its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics reflecting on nostalgia during the holidays. It serves as a signature piece that blends melancholy with festive cheer.
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Viva la vida/Domino Dancing — The medley creatively merges a Coldplay hit with one of their own classics, showcasing the duo's ability to reinterpret popular songs while maintaining their signature electronic flair. It stands out for its innovative arrangement that bridges different musical eras.
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All Over the World (new mix) — This new mix revitalizes an earlier Pet Shop Boys track, infusing it with holiday spirit while maintaining its danceable quality. It reflects their continued evolution in sound and style even within familiar material.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively combines festive themes with electronic pop, though its appeal may be limited to seasonal listening.

What we noticed

The first track features a lush orchestral arrangement that contrasts with the electronic elements, creating a layered soundscape.
The final track is a medley that blends two distinct songs, highlighting the duo's ability to merge different musical ideas seamlessly.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

festive energy for gatherings
playful charm with wit
short bursts of joy
gradual build to celebration
for holiday playlists

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive albums
dislike upbeat festive themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A unique holiday-themed EP that showcases the duo's versatility but isn't a main catalog entry.
Themes: synth-pop nostalgia· holiday urban charm· electronic winter wonderland
Career context: Released in December 2009, Christmas came after the Pet Shop Boys' successful album Yes, which marked a commercial resurgence for the duo. This EP showcases their knack for merging pop sensibilities with seasonal themes, presenting fresh takes on their earlier work while also building on their established sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode