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Hotspot
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Hotspot Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

  • Summary: The 14th full-length studio release for the British synth-pop duo features a guest appearances from Years & Years and was produced by Stuart Price.
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  • Record Label: X2
  • Genre(s): House, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Dance-Pop, Alternative Dance, Synth Pop, Dance-Rock
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. American Songwriter
    Mar 16, 2020
    80
    Good stuff all around from a band that makes it look easy by keeping true to what got it here in the first place.
  2. PopMatters
    Jan 24, 2020
    80
    Hotspot, finds the famed duo tackling the modern condition once again with equal parts passion and cheek.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 23, 2020
    80
    Hotspot teeters somewhere between their ballad-heavy album Behaviour (1990) and 1988’s shimmering dance record Introspective. ..You sense this album is intended as an expression of hope for the future, rather than a fond look back.
  4. Uncut
    Jan 27, 2020
    80
    More than witty and vivacious enough to satisfy anyone who's stuck with the saga thus far. [Mar 2020, p.35]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Jan 24, 2020
    70
    There are still more than enough highlights on Hotspot to make the record worthwhile, and when they put their mind to it Tennant and Lowe’s wordsmithery is still as sharp as ever.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Jan 23, 2020
    68
    There’s nothing to suggest in Hotspot that Pet Shop Boys are running low on inspiration. The album’s highs are high enough to further prove that the duo has had the most consistent career of any of their synth-pop peers.
  7. Mojo
    Jan 23, 2020
    60
    Not Pet Shop Boys in highest definition, Hotspot still provides a vivid panorama of their world. [Mar 2020, p.86]
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See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Anthemis
    Feb 21, 2020
    10
    When you thought they can't bring anything new, here comes Hotspot! Thanks for all the amazing music over nearly all the years of my life -When you thought they can't bring anything new, here comes Hotspot! Thanks for all the amazing music over nearly all the years of my life - couldn't wish for a better soundtrack!… Expand
  2. antpaca
    Jan 28, 2020
    10
    After 2016's Super and two thirds of the single choices (Burning The Heather is a solid album track and that's about it, and Monkey BusinessAfter 2016's Super and two thirds of the single choices (Burning The Heather is a solid album track and that's about it, and Monkey Business is as silly and over the top as it is admittedly catchy), I was not hopeful for this album. After a few listens I am in awe of what PSB has created. How can something sound so retro and so modern at the same time? Sonically this album fits perfectly in with any of their 80's and 90's albums, yet somehow manages to sound 2020 through and through. Where Super was superficial, artificial, and lackluster, Hotspot is bright, dynamic, dense, and lyrically brilliant. It might top Electric, which to me was their finest album since the 90's. Great stuff!… Expand
  4. sicrano
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    Good veryGood very good...................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
  5. Carter2019
    Jan 24, 2020
    8
    The Boys have done it again. Three fantastic albums in a row after the dismal Elysium. 10 Tracks so shorter than Super but the quality isThe Boys have done it again. Three fantastic albums in a row after the dismal Elysium. 10 Tracks so shorter than Super but the quality is consistent throughout. Standout tracks for me are Will-O-The-Wisp I Don't Wanna
    Happy People
    Burning The Heather
    Wedding In Berlin
    As with the previous album there's dance songs and slow songs.    … Expand
  6. NonLPtrack
    Jan 28, 2020
    8
    A vast improvement over the previous album, 'Super'. My faith is restored. Highlights: Will-O-The-Wisp, You Are the One, Happy People, OnlyA vast improvement over the previous album, 'Super'. My faith is restored. Highlights: Will-O-The-Wisp, You Are the One, Happy People, Only the Dark, Burning the Heather. Also, check out the terrific B-sides: An Open Mind, No Boundaries.… Expand
  7. curiouspaul
    Jan 26, 2020
    8
    More like of old Pet Shop Boy style. Very enjoyable and surprise to go back in time
  8. sparkynolan
    May 12, 2020
    4
    I was disappointed by Hotspot by contrast to the previous two albums produced by Stuart Price, which marked a wonderful renaissance for PetI was disappointed by Hotspot by contrast to the previous two albums produced by Stuart Price, which marked a wonderful renaissance for Pet Shop Boys with 2013’s ‘Electric’ and then 2016’s ‘Super.’ Many people whinge about Super but it’s a pop dance album, through and through. It’s more consistent than Electric, although it doesn’t reach the dizzy heights of Electric. However ‘Hotspot’ just feels thrown together. ‘ Will-o- the Wisp’ gets things off to a good start and “Hoping for. Miracle” is probably the best ballad in ten years but “Wedding in Berlin” is just insulting.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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