Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be 50 Essential Albums by LGBTQ Artists, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Considering that the qualifier “LGBTQ” can often be open to various interpretations, for the purposes of this particular list, we have defined an artist as LGBTQ if he, she or they have ever publicly identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer. Moreover, albums by groups have been included in the list if any of their members fit the aforementioned criteria, even if some members do not.
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PET SHOP BOYS | Bilingual
Parlophone (1996)
Selected by Quentin Harrison
Legends of the electronic genre, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe—known collectively as the Pet Shop Boys—were the brains behind some of the most intellectual and savvy tunes of the last 30 years. There is literally something for everybody in Tennant and Lowe’s catalog. One of the many highlights to be found is the vibrant, if occasionally overlooked Bilingual. Incorporating world music rhythms—principally Latin—into their established synth framework, Bilingual is a feast for the senses.
LISTEN: