The Crate
Pet Shop Boys
Smash
Smash: The Singles 1985–2020 is a 2023 compilation by the English synth‑pop duo Pet Shop Boys, issued by Parlophone/Rhino. It collects 55 tracks in chronological order across three discs (six LPs) and adds a Blu‑ray of the band's videos. The package received universal critical acclaim, with a high Metacritic consensus cited in its coverage. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash%3A_The_Singles_1985%E2%80%932020))
Recording History
The set draws from the band’s singles released between 1985 and 2020, so there is no single recording location or producer for the whole collection; the tracks originate from a range of sessions and collaborators. Notably, the original West End Girls single was produced by Bobby “O” Orlando, while many later era tracks were handled by various producers for their singles. The release also includes the US radio edit of New York City Boy rather than the UK radio edit, and a Blu‑ray of the videos was issued alongside the album. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash%3A_The_Singles_1985%E2%80%932020))
Chart Performance & Recognition
In the UK, Smash reached No. 4 on the Official Albums Chart and earned Gold certification from the BPI. In the US, it charted at No. 89 on the Top Album Sales and No. 14 on Top Dance/Electronic Albums. The compilation was widely praised on release, earning a Metacritic score of 95/100 and favorable notes from AllMusic. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/pet-shop-boys-smash-the-singles-1985-2020/)) ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash%3A_The_Singles_1985%E2%80%932020)) ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/smash-the-singles-1985-2020-mr0005987375))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Smash is hailed as the definitive singles collection, underscoring PSB’s enduring influence on pop, dance, and electronic music. Its breadth—55 tracks spanning 1985–2020—highlights the band’s knack for craft and radio vitality, cementing their reputation as one of pop’s most durable acts. The accompanying video Blu‑ray and the Dreamworld tour surrounding its release further amplified its impact. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash%3A_The_Singles_1985%E2%80%932020))
This compilation stands as a milestone in Pet Shop Boys’ discography, illustrating how a band can sustain both critical and popular relevance across multiple decades.