Yes

Yes, the 10th studio album from Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, sounds much mellower and more relaxed than 2006’s Fundamental. Melodies get beautifully melancholic, as heard on the opening “Love Etc.” and “All Over The World.” Hints of ‘60s pop show up in the moody and gorgeous “Beautiful People” with ample help from Johnny Marr (whose rich guitar tones pepper the album) and some lush orchestral strings arranged by Owen Pallett (Arcade Fire, Final Fantasy, the Last Shadow Puppets). “Did You See Me Coming?” sounds like classic Pet Shop Boys — with the bubbling electronics and baggy-loose dance beats, it could have been a lost gem from 1993’s Very. And the wistful “King of Rome” also plays like retro Pet Shop Boys, sounding similar to their New Romantic flirtations on 1987’s Actually. The gossamer “Legacy” ends Yes with Brian Eno-like synths and Tennant singing hushed lyrics to console a brokenhearted muse. The bonus tracks include track-by-track commentary of the album’s songs as well as a kinetic dance floor mix of “Love Etc.”