Smash: The Singles 1985-2020

by Pet Shop Boys

Overview

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe aren't often discussed as one of pop music's great songwriting teams, but the wonderfully eclectic body of work they've created as Pet Shop Boys speaks for itself. Since crashing into the mainstream with 1985's chart-topper, "West End Girls," the London duo have delivered a remarkably consistent barrage of tightly crafted synth pop singles that fuse dance culture with trenchant cultural commentary and an undeniable sense of melodic grace. Each of their 14 albums has reached the U.K. Top Ten, and they've sent an astonishing 42 singles into the Top 30, including number ones like "It's a Sin" and "Heart." A bevy of compilations have celebrated Pet Shop Boys' highlights over the years, and 1991's Discography: The Complete Singles Collection was a significant number three hit itself. 2023's Smash: The Singles 1985-2020 is essentially an update of the aforementioned collection and contains, in chronological order, each of their singles from this 35-year period. In unpacking its 55-song sequence, the first thing one notices is the uniform quality of their songs: elegantly constructed, dense with pop nutrients, undeniably catchy, yet ever so smart. Tennant is an underrated vocalist who has continually pushed his range over the years, balancing wry asides and spoken word sections with his reedy and surprisingly nimble tenor. Lowe's ear for a catchy hook is another defining element and ranges from subtle (1990's droll standout "Being Boring") to grandiose (2013's marvelous banger "Love Is a Bourgeois Construct"). What's more, the pair has assembled this durable catalog almost without interruption, reliably delivering singles, albums, remixes, and EPs almost annually since their debut. Work ethic and quality don't always go hand in hand, but Pet Shop Boys have both in spades. ~ Timothy Monger

Product Details

Release Date:	06/16/2023
Label:	Parlophone / Rhino
UPC:	0190295021962
Rank:	19323

Tracks

Disc 1

1. West End Girls
2. Love Comes Quickly
3. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)
4. Suburbia
5. It's A Sin
6. What Have I Done To Deserve This?
7. Rent
8. Always On My Mind
9. Heart

Disc 2

10. Domino Dancing
11. Left To My Own Devices
12. It's Alright
13. So Hard
14. Being Boring
15. Where The Streets Have No Name/I Can't Take My Eyes Off You
16. Jealousy
17. DJ Culture
18. Was It Worth It? [7" Version]

Disc 3

19. Can You Forgive Her?
20. Go West
21. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing [7" Version]
22. Liberation
23. Yesterday, When I Was Mad [Single Version]
24. Paninaro '95
25. Before
26. Se A Vida È (That's The Way Life Is)
27. Single-Bilingual

Disc 4

28. A Red Letter Day
29. Somewhere
30. I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Any More
31. New York City Boy [USA Radio Edit]
32. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
33. Home And Dry
34. I Get Along [Radio Edit]
35. Miracles [Radio Edit]
36. Flamboyant [7" Mix]

Disc 5

37. I'm With Stupid
38. Minimal [Radio Edit]
39. Numb [Single Edit]
40. Love Etc.
41. Did You See Me Coming?
42. It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas [New Version]
43. Together [Ultimate Mix]
44. Winner
45. Leaving
46. Memory Of The Future [New Single Mix]

Disc 6

47. Vocal [Radio Edit]
48. Love Is A Bourgeois Construct [Nighttime Radio Edit]
49. Thursday [Radio Edit]
50. The Pop Kids [Radio Edit]
51. Twenty-Something [Radio Edit]
52. Say It To Me [New Radio Mix]
53. Dreamland
54. Monkey Business [Radio Edit]
55. I Don't Wanna [Radio Edit]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Pet Shop Boys   Primary Artist
Dusty Springfield   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Example   Featured Artist
Years & Years   Featured Artist