Behaviour

Released in 1990, Behaviour represents a pivotal shift for Pet Shop Boys, moving away from the dance-centric 'Introspective' toward a sophisticated, 'adult' pop sound. Recorded in Munich with producer Harold Faltermeyer, the album was a deliberate reaction against the digital synthesis of the era. The duo insisted on using vintage analog equipment to achieve a warmer, more organic palette, a move inspired by the sonic depth of Depeche Mode's 'Violator'. The inclusion of guest musicians like Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Angelo Badalamenti (Twin Peaks) further enriched the album's sonic landscape, blending guitar-pop sensibilities and cinematic orchestration with their synth-pop core. Critically, it is often cited as their masterpiece, particularly for the opening track 'Being Boring', which has become a definitive anthem of nostalgia and loss during the AIDS crisis. It stands as a rare example of a pop act successfully maturing without losing their essential identity.