Actually is the second studio album by the British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on September 7, 1987. Building on the success of their debut album Please, Actually refined their signature blend of electronic dance-pop, witty lyricism, and social commentary.
The album features some of their most iconic tracks, including “It’s a Sin,” a dramatic, confessional anthem about religious guilt; “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”, a duet with Dusty Springfield that became one of their biggest hits; and “Rent,” a melancholic yet stylish song about transactional relationships. The closing track, “King’s Cross,” offers a haunting and politically charged reflection on contemporary Britain.
With its mix of danceable beats, lush arrangements, and biting observations on love, class, and culture, Actually cemented Pet Shop Boys’ status as one of the most sophisticated and innovative pop acts of the 1980s.
Listen to the album on SpotifyListen to the album on Apple Music