INTROSPECTIVE
The Pet Shop Boys' third studio album "Introspective" was released in October 1988 with a concept that flipped the traditional pop album format on its head. Rather than recording typical 3–4-minute songs and then expanding them into longer dance mixes, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe decided to create extended tracks of 7-8 minutes from the outset, later edited down for singles. This approach gave the album a unique structure where each of the six tracks was essentially designed as a dance single in extended form.
The recording of "Introspective" began in early 1988 with the first track recorded being a new version of "I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)", initially laid down as a B-side for a single. Over the following months, sessions were held across various locations, including work with producer Trevor Horn, who produced the orchestral pop opener "Left to My Own Devices" at Abbey Road. Horn's production was noted for commissioning orchestral arrangements recorded live, adding a lush, cinematic quality. Other producers involved included Lewis Martineé in Miami for the more Latin-influenced "Domino Dancing" and David Jacob alongside the duo themselves for additional tracks. Legendary house DJ and producer Frankie Knuckles contributed a remix of "I Want a Dog..." which was included as a nod to rave culture and dance music's evolving sounds.
Interesting aspects of "Introspective" include its sleeve design by Mark Farrow, featuring colorful striped patterns designed with the CD format in mind. The band's decision not to use their photographs on the cover was unusual and has been noted as a bold artistic statement. The album became their best-selling record overall, widely seen as an "imperial album" where they felt completely in control of their music and production.
"Introspective" stands out for its blend of orchestral pop grandeur, house music rhythm, and the duo's characteristic wit and lyrical insight, all presented in an innovative album format that celebrated extended dance tracks as complete works rather than mere remixes. It remains a seminal release in the Pet Shop Boys’ catalog, reflecting both the musical trends of the late 1980s and their own distinctive artistic vision.
The album opener is an orchestral and synth-driven anthem about independence and self-reliance. Produced by Trevor Horn with lush orchestral arrangements recorded live at Abbey Road, the track blends dramatic cinematic elements with electronic beats. Lyrically, it paints a stylized day in the life of someone delighting in solitude and personal freedom, referencing cultural icons like Che Guevara and Debussy. The expansive 8-minute version contrasts with the later radio edit, showcasing the duo's ambition to marry pop with grandeur.
This playful, quirky track carries house music influences and features a notable remix by Frankie Knuckles, deepening its club appeal. The lyrics express a whimsical desire for connection and companionship, wrapped in a danceable groove. The Knuckles remix adds soulful, rich layers that contrasted with Neil Tennant’s dry vocal style, highlighting the duo’s embrace of evolving club culture.
Produced by Lewis A. Martineé in Miami, this track incorporates Latin freestyle rhythms, signaling the duo’s interest in diverse dance genres of the 1980s. It’s a seductive song about romantic entanglements and miscommunication, underscored by syncopated percussion and sultry synth pads. The track was a successful single, reflecting their continued pop sensibility within experimental dance frameworks.
Originally a hit for Eighth Wonder, this version by Pet Shop Boys presents the song with a cinematic Europop style. It carries a mysterious and menacing tone, with lyrics suggesting emotional tension and warning. The production features romantic strings and moody synthesizers, creating a haunting atmosphere that contrasts with its pop roots.
Always On My Mind / In My House
This medley blends a heartfelt cover of "Always on My Mind" with "In My House," an acid-house influenced track that expands the song’s narrative. The arrangement balances sentimentality with contemporary dance textures, mixing rich vocal delivery and club beats. It reflects themes of love, regret, and intimacy, presented within a modern electronic context.
Closing the album, "It's Alright" is a cover of a vocal house classic by Sterling Void and Marshall Jefferson. The production by Trevor Horn and Stephen Lipson features uplifting, gospel-inspired vocals over expansive synths and rhythms. The track acknowledges social troubles yet ends with an ambivalent but hopeful message, capturing the album’s blend of introspection and dancefloor optimism.
"Introspective" is distinguished by its format of six extended tracks designed initially as dancefloor pieces, later edited for radio. This ambitious structure, combined with sophisticated production from noted producers and remixers, allowed the Pet Shop Boys to explore various facets of pop, house, and orchestral music while maintaining intelligent and often witty lyrics. The album remains a standout for its lush, experimental approaches and its embrace of the late 1980s club culture.
Final Thoughts….
A brave move to release an album of just 6 tracks in extended format, but it worked! No less than 4 tracks received the singles treatment, all of which are outstanding choices, that said I am not keen on the album version of “It’s Alright” and “I Want A Dog” is a bit of a throwaway track.
TRACK RATINGS
Each track on the album is scored on the following basis, an excellent tracks scores 3 points, a good track scores 2 points, an ok track scores 1 point and an awful track, scores no points, the total is added up and divided by the maximum number of points that would be available and then times that by 100 to get your overall score. For example if an album scores 20 points and there are 10 tracks on the album, that means it can achieve a maximum score of 30, so divide 20 by 30 and times it by 100, it gives you a figure of 66.66, which is the final score rating for the album, in this case you would round it up to 67, if it was 66.33, you would round it down to 66. In the event there is a tie, the album with the most tracks rated at 3 ranks as higher.
Left To My Own Devices 3
I Want A Dog 1
Domino Dancing 3
I’m Not Scared 3
Always On My Mind/In My House 3
It’s Alright 1
Score 14
FINAL ALBUM RATING 78
Current Album Chart
1. Actually - 80 (6 Tracks Rated As 3)
2. Please - 80 (5 Tracks Rated As 3)
3. Introspective - 78
