On this day September 7 1987, the Pet Shop Boys released their second studio album Actually. Following the success of their debut Please, the duo expanded their sound with a record that blended sharp pop hooks, polished production, and witty social commentary. It quickly became one of the defining synth pop albums of the decade.
Actually featured several of the Pet Shop Boys most iconic singles, including It’s a Sin, What Have I Done to Deserve This with Dusty Springfield, Rent, and Heart. These tracks showcased their ability to combine danceable beats with thought provoking lyrics, tackling themes of desire, guilt, politics, and everyday struggles. The mix of infectious melodies and layered production helped the album achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim.
The record solidified the Pet Shop Boys as leaders of the electronic pop movement, proving they could balance chart topping hits with sophisticated songwriting. Actually topped charts across Europe, performed strongly in the United States, and became a touchstone for the evolving sound of late 80s pop music.
80s insight: Actually showed how synth pop matured in the late 1980s, blending radio friendly energy with lyrical depth and ensuring the Pet Shop Boys lasting influence.
Actually featured several of the Pet Shop Boys most iconic singles, including It’s a Sin, What Have I Done to Deserve This with Dusty Springfield, Rent, and Heart. These tracks showcased their ability to combine danceable beats with thought provoking lyrics, tackling themes of desire, guilt, politics, and everyday struggles. The mix of infectious melodies and layered production helped the album achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim.
The record solidified the Pet Shop Boys as leaders of the electronic pop movement, proving they could balance chart topping hits with sophisticated songwriting. Actually topped charts across Europe, performed strongly in the United States, and became a touchstone for the evolving sound of late 80s pop music.
80s insight: Actually showed how synth pop matured in the late 1980s, blending radio friendly energy with lyrical depth and ensuring the Pet Shop Boys lasting influence.
