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.