Essential cover

Essential

Pet Shop Boys · 1998

73 min · 13 tracks · house · new wave · synth-pop

A vibrant collection showcasing the Pet Shop Boys' distinctive blend of synth-pop and dance rhythms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dance floor anthems for celebration
  • nostalgic vibes with uplifting energy
  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • suitable for late-night gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward, quick listens
  • seek deep introspective experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on March 31, 1998, 'Essential' comes during a period of reflection for the Pet Shop Boys, following their commercial peak in the early '90s. This compilation highlights their influential tracks while consolidating their legacy within the evolving electronic music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Domino Dancing (alternative version) 4:42
  • 2 West End Girls (dance mix) 6:29
  • 3 Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (original 7" version) 3:47
  • 4 Paninaro (7" version) 4:39
  • 5 That's My Impression (7" version) 4:48
  • 6 We All Feel Better in the Dark (extended mix) 6:47
  • 7 It Couldn't Happen Here (LP version) 5:19
  • 8 It's Alright (7" version) 4:20
  • 9 Left to My Own Devices (7" version) 4:46
  • 10 In the Night (remix) 6:28
  • 11 Two Divided by Zero (LP version) 3:35
  • 12 Love Comes Quickly (dance mix) 6:48
  • 13 Being Boring (extended version) 10:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata