Pet Shop Boys – “Heart”: Synth-Pop Romance with a Bite
Released on 21 March 1988, “Heart” was the fourth and final single from Pet Shop Boys’ second studio album Actually. Written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the track was originally titled “Heartbeat” and briefly considered for artists like Hazell Dean and Madonna before the duo decided to keep it for themselves. Produced by Andy Richards, the single version features wah-wah guitar by J.J. Belle and a disco-leaning arrangement that gave it a retro shimmer.
The song was initially planned as the album’s lead single but was swapped out for “It’s a Sin,” which was seen as more commercially viable. Still, “Heart” found its moment—and made it count.
Sound and Sentiment
“Heart” is a straightforward love song, unusually direct for Pet Shop Boys. It’s built on a pulsing synth-pop groove, with Tennant’s vocals floating over a beat that’s both romantic and danceable. The lyrics—“My heart starts missing a beat / Every time”—are simple, sincere, and sweet. There’s no irony, no detachment—just the thrill of infatuation.
The track blends the duo’s signature electronic polish with a touch of disco warmth, making it one of their most accessible and radio-friendly singles.
Chart Performance
“Heart” debuted at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and quickly climbed to No. 1, where it stayed for three weeks in April 1988. It also topped the Eurochart Hot 100, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, West Germany, and New Zealand, and landed in the top ten across Austria, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and South Africa. Though it wasn’t released as a single in the U.S., it remains one of the duo’s most successful international hits.
Music Video and Visuals
Directed by Jack Bond, the official music video is a surreal retelling of the Dracula story, inspired by the 1922 film Nosferatu. Shot at Mokrice Castle in Slovenia, it stars Neil Tennant as a groom whose wedding is interrupted by a vampire—played by Ian McKellen—who seduces the bride (model Danijela Čolić Prižmić) and drives off with her, leaving Tennant transformed and alone at the castle window.
The video’s Gothic tone contrasts with the song’s upbeat vibe, adding a layer of theatrical melancholy that fans still love.
Why It Still Resonates
“Heart” may not be the most lyrically complex Pet Shop Boys track, but its charm lies in its simplicity. It’s a love song that doesn’t overthink—just pulses with feeling. The synths sparkle, the chorus sticks, and the sentiment lands. It’s a reminder that sometimes, pop music works best when it’s direct.
And with a vampire twist? Even better.