Yes sees the Pet Shop Boys deliver yet another excellent album containing a mix of danceable pop and slower anthems. Existing fans will not be disappointed by this offering, while those new to the Pet Shop Boys will find this an accessible entry point to the music of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.

The Pet Shop Boys have teamed up with the hit production team Xenomania (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Gabriella Cilmi) for this their tenth studio album. The exceptional production values of every song shows that after 28 years in the music business they not only still have what it takes to release an excellent album, but also can produce contemporary work as good as any you will find.

On a first listen Yes is as musically strong and catchy as any prior album, while as with most Pet Shop Boys’ works further listening to each song unveils as a small story within itself. Again as with prior works, most of the songs are half-sung / half-spoken as is Neil Tennant’s style.

There is a beautiful shading of dark and light themes in the album, opening strongly with the up-tempo Love etc that the Pet Shop Boys describe as “a post-lifestyle anthem which sounds like nothing we’ve done before.” The album then moves up and down in tempo with strong dance tracks such as More Than A Dream and Pandemonium, balancing out the slower tracks like King Of Rome and Beautiful People. Overall Yes puts strong emphasis on the lyrical content.

While their previous album Fundamental dealt strongly with religious and political themes, Yes looks at the duality of reality versus fantasy in our modern lives and relationships. This is variously expressed as; “need to get away today… I want to live like beautiful people” (Beautiful People); “You don’t have to be beautiful, but it helps” (Love Etc.) and; “You may think I’m strong and can do no wrong, but I’m vulnerable” (Vulnerable). Given the current global economy these are fantasies that will resonate with many.

In my opinion the standout tracks are; Love Etc., Pandemonium, and Building A Wall, with each being strong musically and more within the danceable spectrum. The only song that feels out of place is the last track, Legacy, which brings the album to a more sombre close than I was expecting.

Finally, for the hardcore Pet Shop Boys fans, it is worth looking out for the Limited Edition 2CD version. The bonus CD includes six remixes and one additional track.

Pet Shop Boys – Yes is available from March 20 through iTunes and through JB Hi-Fi. Pre order your copy now.