Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. The Wire
    Dec 5, 2012
    70
    Some moments on the Pet Shop Boys' 11th album are as unsettling as any music released this decade. [Nov 2012, p.64]
  2. Oct 2, 2012
    70
    [A] precise and neatly packaged 12-song collection.
  3. Magnet
    Oct 1, 2012
    65
    The flouncing, bouncy "Winner" is just the most hateful of the bunch, with insipid lyrics, overly bright production and a vocal line so pale it's opaque. "Hold On" and "Give It A Go" come damn near close to that level of dread. Luckily, though, those are the album's sole missteps. [No.91 p.58]
  4. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2012
    80
    It's a return to their best. [Oct 2012, p.83]
  5. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    70
    More of this arch British sourness next time. Please. [Oct 2012, p.86]
  6. The understated beats suit their elysian equanimity.
  7. If Elysium has a weakness, it is the absolute absence of thumping disco-pop monsters. Once you accept that, and surrender to the tranquil beauty of Chris Lowe's synth textures, you quickly realise that Neil Tennant is on top lyrical form.
  8. Sep 6, 2012
    80
    The result is one of their most serene and sonically consistent efforts to date.
  9. Sep 6, 2012
    80
    Elysium could be Pet Shop Boys' warmest, wisest album yet.
  10. Sep 6, 2012
    80
    With a record as good as it is, it's difficult to believe that both they and pop music aren't alive and well.
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. MnM
    Sep 22, 2012
    9
    A sublime release and a very strong representation of their storied catalog. Songs range from laid-back funk to pure pop and few of theA sublime release and a very strong representation of their storied catalog. Songs range from laid-back funk to pure pop and few of the entries go astray. Their relevance over several decades is a testament to their unequaled talent. Full Review »
  2. Sep 12, 2012
    10
    This is one of The PSB's most beautiful cds. very melodic, thought there are a few up beat songs. I am their biggest fan, and this cd doesThis is one of The PSB's most beautiful cds. very melodic, thought there are a few up beat songs. I am their biggest fan, and this cd does not let me down me in the least! A must have! Full Review »
  3. Jun 7, 2018
    8
    Interesting listening, of course isn't the best album of PSB but it isn't the worst, it's a interesting listening sometimes amazing listening.Interesting listening, of course isn't the best album of PSB but it isn't the worst, it's a interesting listening sometimes amazing listening.

    isn't a normal pop album, it's like Pet shop boys, tryin to do Ambient songs, in a way more dry that they do in the album Behaviour (1990).

    Ego Music is a song that didn't work.

    the others songs all work but "Hold on" "Your early stuff" it's kind of song that some like some hated.
    Full Review »