Hippo Chick's Grooves: Actually by Pet Shop Boys

Greetings, groovy readers! It's your favorite music-loving hippo, Chickeze 'Chick' Fatimata, back with another riveting review. This week, I'm diving into the electronic wonderland created by none other than the Pet Shop Boys with their iconic album, "Actually." And trust me, it's anything but mundane!

First, let's talk about the name—Pet Shop Boys. What a quirky, animal-friendly moniker! As a hippo with an appreciation for all things melodic and animalistic, I can’t help but give a nod of approval to these synth-pop legends. Now, let's take a deep dive into the album.

Released in 1987, "Actually" is a synth-pop masterpiece that’s stood the test of time. With hits like “It’s a Sin” and “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”, this album takes you on an emotional rollercoaster faster than a squirrel on a sugar rush.

“It’s a Sin” is a dramatic anthem filled with lush synthesizers and grand orchestration. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to strut your stuff, whether you're on a tightrope (a dream I'm still working on) or just walking down the street. The sheer theatricality of the song could make even the most stoic giraffe break into a dance.

Next up, we have the duet “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” featuring the legendary Dusty Springfield. This track is as catchy as a toucan's tune and twice as mesmerizing. The chemistry between Neil Tennant and Dusty Springfield is undeniable, creating a harmony so perfect it’s like watching flamingos dance in sync.

And who can forget “Rent”? This song is like a melodious blend of melancholy and introspection, wrapped up in a chic electronic package. It's the kind of tune that makes you ponder life’s big questions, like why do zebras have stripes or why do I, a hippo, want to walk a tightrope?

The production throughout "Actually" is top-notch. The Pet Shop Boys have an uncanny ability to blend catchy melodies with deep, introspective lyrics. It's the kind of music that makes you want to dance, think, and maybe even shed a tear (if hippos did that sort of thing).

Now, I know what you're thinking—how does Chick know so much about synth-pop? Well, when you're a hippo with a passion for music and a knack for learning new instruments, you pick up a few things along the way. Plus, I've been practicing my piano skills to these very tunes!

In conclusion, "Actually" by Pet Shop Boys is an album that’s not just for the animal lovers but for anyone with an ear for fantastic music. It's timeless, it's catchy, and it’s filled with the kind of energy that makes you want to keep the music playing and never stop dreaming.

Until next time, keep the music playing and never stop dreaming.

To listen on Spotify click here
To buy your own copy (and support this blog) on Vinyl click here on CD click here

Do you love an animal-themed band or album that you think I should review? Email me your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Hailing from Cincinnati with Kenyan roots, Chick is our music maestro. Every Tuesday, Hippo Chick's Grooves delivers reviews of artists and albums with animal names. Chick also has a knack for playing various instruments and harbors a dream of tightrope walking.