Pet Shop Boys

Of course, it's unrealistic to think that the Pet Shop Boys would be still making the same kind of records that they were nearly 30 years ago when their debut was released, but that doesn't excuse their 11th studio album, Elysium, from being a little on the dull side. Maybe "dull" is a little harsh, as the main issue with Elysium is that its tone is melancholy and mature, with sentimental songs about death, which don't make for stirring pop songs. The lyrics still have some bite to them though and the music is exquisitely constructed and performed, but it all blends together into some very tasteful background music. As a result, lone upbeat track "A Face Like That" feels horribly out of place and does nothing to help them recapture their former glories. Ultimately, Elysium is the sound of a band giving into the sand of times gracefully, something that's easy to admire, even if it doesn't make for the particularly compelling listening.