27th September 1993
Very
Pet Shop Boys
Very
Very came out in 1993, and it’s the album where Pet Shop Boys leaned fully into bold, colorful pop while still keeping their clever, often wry lyrical voice. By this point in their career they’d already built a reputation for smart synth-pop, but Very feels bigger, brighter, and more playful than anything they’d done before, like they were fully embracing the possibilities of the ’90s.
The sound is lush, polished, and unapologetically pop. Pulsing synths, vibrant beats, and Neil Tennant’s dry, expressive vocals make the album feel energetic and theatrical without ever being overblown. There’s a sense of fun throughout, mixed with moments of reflection and wit, giving it depth beneath the glittery surface. It’s catchy and accessible but still distinctly Pet Shop Boys in its cleverness and style.
Tracks like “Can You Forgive Her?” and “Go West” are instantly uplifting, while “Yesterday, When I Was Mad” shows off their signature lyrical playfulness and observational humor. Even some of the deeper cuts have layered arrangements and subtle melodic twists that reward repeat listens.
What keeps Very interesting today is how it balances joy and sophistication. It’s fun, smart, and full of personality, with melodies and production that still feel fresh decades later. Whether you’re drawn to the exuberant dance numbers or the subtler, more reflective moments, it’s an album that’s endlessly listenable and a perfect snapshot of Pet Shop Boys at their creative peak.
Side 1
- Can you forgive her?
- I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing
- Liberation
- A different point of view
- Dreaming of the queen
- Yesterday, when I was mad
Side 2
- The theatre
- One and one make five
- To speak is a sin
- Young offender
- One in a million
- Go west