Electric
by Pet Shop Boys
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Jul 16, 2013
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 75
  3. Negative: 5 out of 75
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  1. RogerSanchez
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    Yes, that's a very bold statement, but with this being one of the very few albums of 2013 with just about excellent reviews all-around, it definitely lived up to the hype and then some!

    I think all us pet-heads knew something amazing and unique in even the PSB world was coming (and judging by the constant sales and moving up in the charts here on Amazon and other outlets, it seems the    Yes, that's a very bold statement, but with this being one of the very few albums of 2013 with just about excellent reviews all-around, it definitely lived up to the hype and then some!

    I think all us pet-heads knew something amazing and unique in even the PSB world was coming (and judging by the constant sales and moving up in the charts here on Amazon and other outlets, it seems the public overall is catching on and finally NOT labeling them as an '80's act (wake-up Pandora!).

    I remember listening to 'Axis' for the first time as a teaser, then it was followed up with 'Vocal' and teasers for 'Inside A Dream' and 'Fluorescent' (the latter of which I didn't care for at first, but then it turned out to be my most fave song on the album) releasing these songs as both singles and teasers was the perfect way to market their stuff BEFORE the release of their album helped tremendously with the build-up!

    Parting ways with Parlophone, the inclusion of Stuart Price, or (what has been stated/assumed by Tennant on occasion) a negative fan reaction from 'Elysium' (a stellar album!) there were many stated/ironic situations that led to the making of this awesome album and in less than a year! This is genius at work and to think: it's the FIRST in a THREE-PART collection WOW!

    As I stated in my title, this album has that rare quality: similar to Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours', this has the characteristics of classic written all over it. Every song on here can/could be made into a hit; every song could be known by fans and non-fans alike. It will be interesting to see how Tennant/Lowe handle this album via their x2 label they've already broken a good amount of conventional rules upon releasing the album and it looks like it's paying off maybe they will break more rules and not limit this album to a handful of songs, but possibly a good 3/4 of the album could be made into hits here's wishing :)

    Anyway, amazing album: it's been on repeat along with The Editors' 'The Weight of Your Love' (very under-rated), and David Bowie's 'The Next Day' Haven't loved music this much in a long time Thanks Chris & Neil     … Expand
  2. RedOwlReviews
    Feb 6, 2014
    10
    No one but the Pet Shop Boys was going to make an album like this, so it's about time they finally did. "Electric" stands out because it uses its nine tracks to develop a strong and unique consciousness. None of its tracks feel like space-fillers; instead, each track works in conjunction with the others to form a consistent, emotive, and guiltlessly danceable dynamic. The Pet Shop BoysNo one but the Pet Shop Boys was going to make an album like this, so it's about time they finally did. "Electric" stands out because it uses its nine tracks to develop a strong and unique consciousness. None of its tracks feel like space-fillers; instead, each track works in conjunction with the others to form a consistent, emotive, and guiltlessly danceable dynamic. The Pet Shop Boys essentially rolled up everything done right in dance-pop over the past several years, painted it with a contemporary British pop culture aura, and injected it with an unmistakeable Pet Shop Boys feel to create their most wonderful album since the 80s, which features standout tracks like "Vocal," one of the greatest dance songs of 2013, and "Love is a Bourgeois Construct," which actualizes alternative dance music's highest potential. Simply put, there is nothing out there like "Electric."

    FINAL SCORE: 95 (almost perfect ----------o---------- perfect)    … Expand
  3. jard
    Jul 16, 2013
    10
    I really didn't think that Elysium was a bad album, but it is quite impressive how soon they were able to come up with this! Electric contains some of their best songs in years and not a single weak track. Love is a bourgeois construct should be released as a single!
  4. vicyamusicgreat
    Jul 16, 2013
    10
    After Elysium, which wasn't bad but according to PSB standards a definite disappointment, this is indeed a return to form. Great achievement. Sets a terrific precedent as the first album on their own label. Makes me want to get back to Europe!!!!!
  5. lovejoy7777777
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    Wonderful album! Taking in consideration their 27-year presence in the tops of all the countries it's a phenomena with no doubt! And they still sound fresh and create fantastic melodies and sound!
  6. broderz
    Jul 17, 2013
    10
    Elysium contained 4 of best songs the Pets have ever written 'Invisible', Leaving', 'Breathing Space' & 'Face Like That' but it was the laid back nature of the other songs that ruffled fans feathers (not me i loved it all apart from 'Hold On' really).

    Electric however is sensational if Elysium played out like a retirement piece this is like a re-birth. The production from Stuart    Elysium contained 4 of best songs the Pets have ever written 'Invisible', Leaving', 'Breathing Space' & 'Face Like That' but it was the laid back nature of the other songs that ruffled fans feathers (not me i loved it all apart from 'Hold On' really).

    Electric however is sensational if Elysium played out like a retirement piece this is like a re-birth.
    The production from Stuart Price is exceptional & tracks like 'Fluorescent' & 'Inside a Dream' are so moody & clubby i could see them used as the soundtrack to nightclub scenes that you so often see in movies. 'Love is a Bourgeois Construct' is a triumph but for me the most amazing track is 'Thursday' this is PSB at their absolute best the chunky bass stabs & classic PSB 80's riff are just pre-cursors to an anthemic piano/vocal breakdown & then when Example does his bit it goes into orbit not just his rap but the chorus he sings is pure dance music heaven, surely this is the 3rd single?

    Apparently this is part 1 of a PSB/Stuart Price trilogy if that's the case let's hope we get part 2 in 10 months time again, i could get used to this swift turnaround of albums.

    Essential purchase    … Expand
  7. Jeveuzac
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    It is an amazing album. A big comeback of pet shop boys and definitely their best album to date. It is a smart album and knows how to please people, fun and joyful.
  8. ddvillavicencio
    Jul 28, 2013
    10
    The Boys demonstrate their quality. Their age should not be considered by the radio stations when programming. Tracks like Numb where underrated. Electric should be rated with justice.
  9. truth10010pc
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Best album of 2013 by far. The first 3 tracks start off the album with a bang, the middle 3 keep it going, and the final 3 tracks end it with a bang. The 8th track, Thursday, has an excellent part with Example. Recommend buying it on CD or digital.
  10. mrtew
    Oct 5, 2013
    9
    It seems like I just keep saying the same thing about albums this year; "Best in Decades!". From NIN to Bowie to Pet Shop Boys to Sigur Ros to New Order to Neil Young it's totally the year of fantastic new output from great musicians that got a little lost or tired along the way. This album sounds like it could have been made back in 1986, it's not a re-invention of their sound orIt seems like I just keep saying the same thing about albums this year; "Best in Decades!". From NIN to Bowie to Pet Shop Boys to Sigur Ros to New Order to Neil Young it's totally the year of fantastic new output from great musicians that got a little lost or tired along the way. This album sounds like it could have been made back in 1986, it's not a re-invention of their sound or anything but it's stronger than most of their stuff has ever been. The sounds and songs are just unreal and it gets better with each listen. Just don't try to play it for your cool young straight friends or they'll look at you like you're nuts!… Expand
  11. LoRevisor
    Apr 8, 2016
    9
    Não merece tanta aclamação é um bom álbum mas, Pet Shop Boys já fez melhores tais como Yes (2009) de 4 anos atrás...

    Top Songs Of Electric (2013)

    1-Love Is A Bourgeois Construct
    2-Axis

    3-Vocal
    4-The Last To Die
    5-Thursday
  12. snaut
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    This is the best album from the PSB in the last years. Remake Last to die is finest track on this CD. Fabulous music inventions, nice dynamic, really recommended.
  13. daddyorchips
    Jul 26, 2013
    9
    I can't agree with all of the reviews that claim that last year's Elysium was lacklustre, but Electric is the sound of an act that sounds confident, forward-looking and powerful. This is pretty remarkable given that they have been never stopped producing high quality material for thirty years.
  14. raciocinio
    Apr 4, 2016
    9
    ................................................................................................Better than Elysium Worse than Yes.................................
  15. sicrano
    Apr 8, 2016
    9
    .....................................................................................................................................................wHY The Highly Acclaim????? Because is very ELECTRONIC, "YES" of (2009), Is a very superior album.... I just ask Why, is a good album, BUT PET SHOP BOYS DIID SO MUCH BETTER IN "YES" (2009) ALBUM
  16. sparkynolan
    Nov 22, 2014
    8
    Amazing. The best album in my opinion since Introspective (apart from Love is a Bourgeois Construct, which is funny but a bit too "hooked on classics". Otherwise excellent. Keep it up.
  17. Muddsjr
    Feb 23, 2014
    8
    Elysium lacked immensely in that familiar Pet Shop Boys vibe, and though it is rather good to try different sounds and techniques, like the Pet Shop Boys did, Elysium was just unfortunately a down right bummer. The surprise here though, is the sudden action and the need to release another album so soon after the last (Elysium), Electric is the Pet Shop Boys immense and exciting newElysium lacked immensely in that familiar Pet Shop Boys vibe, and though it is rather good to try different sounds and techniques, like the Pet Shop Boys did, Elysium was just unfortunately a down right bummer. The surprise here though, is the sudden action and the need to release another album so soon after the last (Elysium), Electric is the Pet Shop Boys immense and exciting new effort, and its one of their best efforts in a rather long time.… Expand
  18. Zanessa250QI
    Apr 4, 2016
    8
    A Good Album, An album that deserved Acclaim??? I Don't think so...

    Yes, most of half of album is very good is brilliantly producing but, have some bad tracks... To be acclaim.

    The Album "Yes" (2009) of too Pet Shop Boys is light years better than this one, a Masterpiece that really deserved Acclaim not this one....
  19. Thenewone
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    ..............................Love is a bourgeois construct,Axis,Vocal,Thursday,The last to die is really great.............. bolshy is so-so shothing in the evening, fluorescent and inside a dream is just good.
  20. Zaynhewsonjavad
    Apr 2, 2016
    8
    yES Is so much better than Electric, Electric have good songs?? Yes he have, but in the album Yes (2009), have all tracks that is excellents.............

    Axis,Love Is Bourgeois Construct,Thursday,Vocal and The Last To Die (Cover of Bruce Springsteen), are the best one the rest is meh, Bolshy is a very bad song
  21. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    8
    ....................................................................................................................no so good.........................................

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Album of 2013
61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Mixmag
    Aug 1, 2013
    80
    Springsteen cover ‘The Last To Die’, is a witty aside, but throbbing 4/4 dominates as the electronic legends make a welcome return to their roots.
    Read full review
  2. Consequence
    Jul 23, 2013
    70
    Throughout the record a pleasing balance of melody and repetition is maintained.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Jul 23, 2013
    70
    Electric isn't quite electrifying in the way that Very and Introspective and "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" are, but nearly every track has a moment or two that ignites seemingly long-gone enthusiasm.
    Read full review
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