Released 20 years ago this October
Concrete
Pet Shop Boys · 2006
87 min · 17 tracks · house music
A mesmerizing blend of electronic textures and poignant storytelling, weaving through themes of love, loss, and societal critique.
Top tracks — play these first
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Left to My Own Devices Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk — This track stands out for its candid exploration of vulnerability and regret, set against a backdrop of lush synth arrangements that encapsulate the album’s emotional depth.
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The Sodom and Gomorrah Show — With its satirical lyrics addressing societal issues through an allegorical lens, this song captures the essence of the Pet Shop Boys' sharp wit and cultural commentary.
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Integral — Integral combines driving electronic beats with incisive lyrics about surveillance and privacy, representing the band's ongoing engagement with contemporary political landscapes.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional ebb and flow
- reflective moments for introspection
- late-night contemplative listening sessions
- dynamic journey through varied pacing
- cathartic release in lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Concrete showcases a reinvention of sound after a period of decline, exploring contemporary themes.
- Themes
- London nightlife· social commentary· after-hours vulnerability
- Career context
- Concrete marked the Pet Shop Boys' return to the scene after a period of relative commercial decline following their 2002 album, Release. This album showcased a reinvention of their sound, positioning them firmly in the realm of sophisticated pop while reaffirming their cultural commentary. The release followed a string of successful singles in the early 2000s but was crucial in re-establishing their artistic identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Left to My Own Devices Start here 8:36
- 2 Rent 3:56
- 3 You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk 3:31
- 4 The Sodom and Gomorrah Show 5:33
- 5 Casanova in Hell 3:40
- 6 After All 7:56
- 7 Friendly Fire 3:57
- 8 Integral 4:01
Disc 2
- 1 Numb 5:03
- 2 It’s Alright 5:03
- 3 Luna Park 6:21
- 4 Nothing Has Been Proved 4:40
- 5 Jealousy 5:57
- 6 Dreaming of the Queen 5:28
- 7 It’s a Sin 5:18
- 8 Indefinite Leave to Remain 2:59
- 9 West End Girls 4:55
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Power, Corruption & Lies
New Order
Shares a blend of electronic textures and themes of love and loss within a vibrant dance framework.
Dare
The Human League
Combines synth-pop with poignant storytelling, echoing nightlife themes and emotional vulnerability.
Violator
Depeche Mode
Explores deep emotional landscapes and social critique through atmospheric electronic soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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