Released 33 years ago this November
I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing
Pet Shop Boys · 1993
43 min · 7 tracks · house music
Bright synth melodies and danceable beats intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an energetic yet contemplative sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing (album version) Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of spontaneity and self-exploration through its infectious rhythm and clever lyrics, setting the tone for the entire release.
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Violence (Hacienda version) — This version of 'Violence' showcases a darker side of Pet Shop Boys’ sound, blending haunting vocals with a driving beat that reflects the club culture of the time, making it a standout track.
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West End Girls (Sasha mix) — Reimagining their classic hit, this remix emphasizes the track’s urban themes while incorporating deeper house elements, illustrating the duo's influence on both pop and dance music genres.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong synth work and varied remixes but lacks a cohesive narrative across tracks.
What we noticed
- The first track features a bright synth melody that is consistent throughout, while the subsequent remixes explore variations in tempo and arrangement.
- The club mix emphasizes a four-on-the-floor beat, enhancing its danceability compared to the album version.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic peaks to energize dancing
- introspective moments for reflection
- club-friendly remixes for parties
- wave-like pacing for engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — This single showcases a departure into remixes and blends pop with underground influences.
- Themes
- West End nightlife· self-reflective dance· early '90s club culture
- Career context
- Released on November 29, 1993, this album came during the Pet Shop Boys' period of experimentation following their commercial success. The duo had previously achieved major hits with albums like 'Actually' and 'Introspective,' and this project marked a shift towards more club-oriented sounds, reflecting their adaptability in the evolving electronic music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode
Tracklist
- 1 I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing (album version) Start here 3:05
- 2 I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing (club mix) 7:07
- 3 I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing (Wild Pitch mix) 8:25
- 4 I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing (extended Nude mix) 7:51
- 5 West End Girls (Sasha mix) 7:47
- 6 Violence (Hacienda version) 5:00
- 7 Too Many People 4:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Depeche Mode
Shares introspective lyrics and a blend of electronic and rock elements from the early '90s.
Republic
New Order
Captures a similar intersection of danceable beats and reflective themes within early '90s club culture.
I Say I Say I Say
Erasure
Features vibrant synth-pop with introspective lyrics, echoing the energy of early '90s dance music.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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