So Hard cover

So Hard

Pet Shop Boys · 1990

31 min · 5 tracks · house · new wave · synth-pop

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and dance beats, capturing the essence of early '90s club culture.

Why this album works

The single 'So Hard' reached number 4 in the UK charts, demonstrating the Pet Shop Boys' continued commercial success. It was notable for its introspective lyrics and became a staple in their live performances, further cementing their influence on the synth-pop and dance music scenes of the era.
Career context
Released on September 24, 1990, 'So Hard' arrived during the Pet Shop Boys' commercial peak following their critically acclaimed album 'Behavior' (1990). This single marked a return to their dance roots while expanding their sound into more sophisticated pop territory. The duo was solidifying their status as leading figures in electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors
New Order· Soft Cell· Cabaret Voltaire

Tracklist

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

  • 1 So Hard (extended dance mix) 6:39
  • 2 So Hard (single) Standout 4:01
  • 3 So Hard (dub) 7:37
  • 4 It Must Be Obvious Standout 4:26
  • 5 Paninaro (12" mix) Standout 8:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata