Fundamental (2006)

Their ninth studio CD Fundamental finds the synth-pop pioneers still in fine form two decades after their first U.S. release. Famed British producer Trevor Horn (Seal, Yes) deserves some credit for the immaculate arrangements, which balance orchestral pomp with au courant club grooves. The Pet Shop Boys' famous irony and humor feel tame — ''I'm With Stupid'' is a too easy bit of Bush-bashing. But their compassionate breakup ballads (''I Made My Excuses and Left'') and incisive psychological sketches (''Numb'') make up for it by bringing some emotional heft to the proceedings.