Electronic albums play a huge role in my fascination with music. For me, synthesizers and drum machines aren’t better or worse than live drums and guitars. They’re just different. They make music much more imaginative for me. I think Nick Rhodes’ synth parts on those early Duran Duran albums were some of my first loves. Shimmery one moment, jarring the next. Rhodes’ keyboard flourishes changed the complexion of every song. This month, I’m featuring my Top 15 electronic albums along with one featured track.
Album: Introspective (1988)
The task of picking one Pet Shop Boys record to highlight isn’t easy. There are several great ones. I went with Introspective because of the versatility of the album – from grand, cinematic explorations to Miami-influenced sonics to reimagined covers. It’s an album that proves the naysayers wrong. These aren’t one trick ponies. Pet Shop Boys have carved out a multi-faceted approach to synth pop that has kept them relevant over several decades and kept their live shows electric. “It’s Alright” is one of the lesser heralded singles from the record, but one of my favorites.
I’m a bigger fan of the single version, but I’m focusing on the album version in this post. The beginning is immediately distinguishable with the choir vocals, and then continues to stand out from other synth pop tracks with Lowe’s analog, piano sounds while the drum machine brings the hammer down and the bass part is as low as low can go. Together, these electronic elements are like waves for Tenant’s vocals to surf along on and on and on.
“I hope it's gonna be alright. And the music plays forever.”