Description
Pet Shop Boys - Elysium – CD
Released on September 5, 2012, Elysium is the eleventh studio album by British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. Known for their sharp social commentary, melancholic melodies, and elegant electronic production, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe took a more introspective and subdued approach on this record compared to their previous high-energy dance albums like Yes (2009) and Fundamental (2006).
Recorded in Los Angeles, Elysium features lush orchestration, downtempo beats, and reflective lyrics, making it one of their most melancholic and mature albums. The album title refers to Elysium, the afterlife paradise in Greek mythology, hinting at the record’s themes of aging, mortality, and artistic legacy.
Unlike the dance-heavy, club-friendly Pet Shop Boys records of the past, Elysium leans into orchestral arrangements, soft electronic textures, and ambient elements. The production, handled by Andrew Dawson (best known for his work with Kanye West), gives the album a polished yet spacious feel, allowing the subtle layers of synths and vocals to shine.
The overall tone is dreamy, introspective, and bittersweet, with moments of gentle euphoria balanced by melancholic ballads.
Track Highlights
“Leaving” – A soft, hypnotic opener with pulsing synths and a contemplative tone about moving on from relationships and life stages.
“Invisible” – One of the saddest and most introspective tracks, dealing with feeling unseen and forgotten in a slow, atmospheric ballad.
“Winner” – A rare uplifting anthem on the album, initially perceived as a tribute to the 2012 London Olympics, but also touches on resilience and personal victory.
“Your Early Stuff” – A witty, self-aware song reflecting on their long career, with lyrics about how people only remember their early hits.
“A Face Like That” – One of the few upbeat, dance-oriented tracks, reminiscent of their classic ’80s synth-pop sound.
“Breathing Space” – A delicate, ambient ballad that provides one of the album’s most ethereal and calming moments.
“Ego Music” – A satirical jab at modern celebrity culture, featuring playful spoken-word sections and ironic commentary.
“Hold On” – An orchestral-tinged piece that leans towards Broadway-style theatrics, offering a message of hope and perseverance.
“Requiem in Denim and Leopardskin” – A nostalgic closing track that reflects on fading fame, personal reinvention, and the passage of time.
Upon release, Elysium received mixed-to-positive reviews. Some critics and fans appreciated its mature, introspective tone, while others found it too slow and lacking in high-energy dance tracks. Commercially, the album performed well, reaching #9 in the UK Albums Chart and #44 on the US Billboard 200, but it didn’t produce any major hits. Over time, Elysium has been reevaluated as an underrated gem, especially for fans who appreciate the duo’s more melancholic and sophisticated side.
Following Elysium, Pet Shop Boys returned to a more dance-oriented sound with Electric (2013), making Elysium feel like a transitional, contemplative moment in their career.
Elysium stands out as one of Pet Shop Boys’ most introspective and understated albums, offering a thoughtful, beautifully produced listening experience. While it may not have the immediate club energy of their most famous work, it provides a deep, emotional journey through nostalgia, fame, and personal transformation.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Includes 12-page booklet with lyrics, full credits, and photo.
Parlophone Records
Track Listing
Leaving
Invisible
Winner
Your Early Stuff
A Face Like That
Breathing Space
Ego Music
Hold On
Give It A Go
Memory Of The Future
Everything Means Something
Requiem In Denim And Leopardskin
