Wednesday Review: "Electric" by Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys are known for their thoughtful lyrics set to dance music, and they don't disappoint with their twelfth album release Electric. In fact, the nine-track set is one of their finest!

The album marks a relatively quick turnaround release from their still recent Elysium, released near the end of last year, as the duo's first release not associated with Parlophone but with their own label x2. As such, Electric boasts tracks full of signature PSB sound and ideas with none other at the helm but producer Stuart Price, known for his associations with other dance acts as Madonna and Kylie Minogue. Electric sounds much like their first albums from the 80's, which early PSB fans will cherish, and the album's momentum never slows for a ballad or deeply reflective lyrics, a strength for the set.

While it is light on the pop hooks, except the chorus of "Bolshy," Electric makes up for this through its sheer brilliance in poetic lyrics and production. Actually, it is the production that catches you while being enlightened by the lyrics, especially in "Love is a Bourgeois Construct," "The Last to Die," and "Vocal." "Axis" works perfectly as an opening track with memorable and catchy production, despite it being an almost instrumental track. Its lack of lyrics prepares us to pay attention to the "electric energy" and clears our palate to listen to the intelligence of the lyrics yet to be heard. The sound of "Inside a Dream" lives up to its name and recalls a likeness to Darren Hayes' 2007 single "Step into the Light." "Thursday" features a rap performed by Example that welcomes a change in pace from what we've already heard.

Every track is definitive of the Pet Shop Boys but varies enough in their own personalities to make each one enduring. And though the Boys let most of their pop sensitivities go with this album, Electric recovers in its intelligent lyrics and production that is both original and signature.

Standout Tracks include opener and lead single, electric-city "Axis," middle-class reflection "Love is a Bourgeois Construct," and pop music insight "Vocal."

Would I recommend it? If you dug Pet Shop Boys' early work, your brain and heart will explode with this album! Others who may enjoy or appreciate this album even through at least one listen are those who markedly like thought and poetry behind musical lyrics and those looking for fresh electronic beats and journeys.

I give Electric 4 out of 5 stars.

Music Video Monday: "Slow Down" by Selena Gomez

The music video for Selena Gomez's latest promo single "Slow Down" from Stars Dance dropped a week and a half ago on July 19th. Shot in Paris, France, the video features Selena in the backseat of a classic Mercedes-Benz, on wet streets, and in a neon-lit club while wearing elegant, low-cut, and naval-revealing outfits, which, despite her album's signaled move to adulthood, recalls Britney Spears five years Selena's junior. The video calls on Selena's fun side, and in the second half, she breaks down with dancers to a choreographed segment.

The track is a smart choice for the follow-up single to the massive success of "Come and Get It," leading us with the opening line, "Now that I have captured your attention." It's a fine music video meant nothing more than to display the non-scandaled  Gomez in a classy pop light of having fun.

I have somewhat of a soapbox! In reaction to my own comparison to Miss Spears and other critics' remarks of Stars Dance and Selena's "supposed" move to being grown-up, I say that no one said grown-up meant raunched-up. (Or did they? "Grown-ups" are supposed to be raunchy? Why do we do this to pop stars?) It's true that mature social criticisms and mature life experiences in songs can help signify this adulthood move. But why can't (early) adulthood be fun, also, even without raunchiness? (Don't get me wrong. Stars Dance does have its flirts.) Adults have clean yet exciting fun, too. As it is, this video displays the baby-faced, now legal-to-drink Selena dancing in a club and sporting in a snazzy ride--sounds like an adult to me. It's modest compared to some of her counterparts, but please! Let the young woman grow up at her own rate. She's only twenty-one. Let her be twenty-one and find her way from there. She and other stars are not puppets on display whose lives are sprawled out just for us little people's entertainment. Let her be the real girl she is.

New Release Review: "Stars Dance" by Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez's first solo album Stars Dance pushes to establish the Disney star as a bona fide American dance diva without the backing of her band, The Scene (did anyone really consider them a band, though? I think we all saw through that engine for her). The only problem with her in full-force dance mode is that there is nothing original here. Nothing on this album is not reminiscent of another dance diva or screams individually to Selena.

It seems Selena has been watching her seniors and taking notes, especially from Britney Spears and Katy Perry, as every song sounds like a choice of Britney's and several are about her Katy-esque party habits, minus the kick-in-the-balls attitude. A few of the beginning tracks whisper Hilary Duff in Selena's vocals. "B.E.A.T." appears to be a universal dance track that any diva would be jealous of, echoing high influence from Britney and possibly even Lady Gaga. Selena attempts to enter the world dance ring like Rihanna with tracks "Like a Champion" and lead single "Come and Get It," which was originally pitched to RiRi. "Stars Dance" and "Write Your Name" make Selena sound like she's been listening to Ellie Goulding, while one of the hooks on bonus track "Nobody Does It Like You" almost (maybe unintentionally) samples Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Bee Do)." However, the album's overall production is up to par and nothing to sneer at, though it is nothing innovative, mostly taking influence from generic dance-pop and dubstep.

Standout Tracks include the emotional breakup of "Forget Forever," party-grinding "B.E.A.T.," beat-slamming "Undercover," electropop hopper bonus track "Music Feels Better," and club-ready promo single "Slow Down."

Would I recommend it? The album is made to carry her tween/teen audience with her. If you're a deep fan of her other works, you may enjoy this album. Otherwise, choice cuts may be hit-or-miss. If you're looking for a brilliant, cutting-edge dance album, this is not the one for you.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars.