How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?
Pet Shop Boys · 1991
28 min · 6 tracks · house music
A vibrant blend of synth-pop and house, layered with sharp wit and social commentary that defines the Pet Shop Boys' unique style.
Top tracks — play these first
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How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's satirical examination of fame and public perception, featuring a catchy chorus that contrasts sharply with its critical lyrics.
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It's Alright — This track stands out with its uplifting message and infectious energy, reflecting themes of resilience amidst personal and societal struggles.
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Being Boring — A reflective anthem that dives into themes of nostalgia and identity, it showcases the duo's ability to address complex emotions through an accessible pop lens.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo dance vibes
- sharp wit in lyrics
- short bursts of reflection
- sing-along moments with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — The title track's top ten hit status solidified their reputation in the UK market.
- Themes
- celebrity culture satire· neon-lit intimacy· post-peak reflection
- Career context
- Released on March 11, 1991, this album came during a prolific period for the Pet Shop Boys following their highly successful album 'Behavior' in 1990. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their status as icons of the synth-pop genre while exploring deeper themes in their lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode
Tracklist
- 1 How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? Start here 3:57
- 2 How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? (7" Perfect Attitude mix) 4:13
- 3 How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? (Classical reprise) 3:07
- 4 It's Alright (Trevor Horn mix) 4:21
- 5 We All Feel Better in the Dark 4:02
- 6 Being Boring (Marshall Jefferson 12" mix) 9:03
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Depeche Mode
Shares a blend of dark synth textures and introspective themes, capturing post-peak emotional complexity.
Technique
New Order
Combines danceable beats with reflective lyrics, echoing the same neon-lit intimacy and cultural commentary.
Chorus
Erasure
Merges upbeat synth-pop with sharp wit in lyrics, resonating with the playful yet critical social observations.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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