Burning The Ground Exclusive
By the end of 1991, the Pet Shop Boys had firmly established themselves as synth-pop icons. Their first greatest hits compilation, Discography: The Complete Singles Collection, not only celebrated their decade-long run of chart-topping singles but also introduced two new songs: “DJ Culture” and “Was It Worth It?”. Released on 9 December 1991 by Parlophone, “Was It Worth It?” became the second and final single from the compilation, peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. While it ended a streak of 16 consecutive top 20 hits dating back to West End Girls in 1985, the song remains a standout for its reflective optimism and danceable production.
Recorded at Sarm West with production group Brothers in Rhythm, the song was a collaborative effort. Neil Tennant began writing “Was It Worth It?” before their fourth studio album, Behaviour (1990), and Chris Lowe contributed the memorable chorus. Steve Anderson of Brothers in Rhythm added a piano part that Tennant likened to Black Box’s 1989 hit “Ride on Time”. The track features a call-and-response format, with backing vocals from Tessa Niles, Carol Kenyon, and Ghida de Palma, giving it a layered, uplifting feel.
Lyrically, Tennant described the song as “a reaffirmation of the worth of love, an ‘I am what I am’ sort of song.” He called it “a very gay song. Very gay positive. It’s basically saying: if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.” Its upbeat message and celebratory tone make it one of the Pet Shop Boys’ most affirming singles, even if it didn’t achieve their usual chart success.
The B-side, “Miserablism”, produced by Harold Faltermeyer and mixed by Julian Mendelsohn, was originally intended for Behaviour but was removed late in the album’s process. Meanwhile, the single’s cover art is a charming nod to fan creativity: dolls of Tennant and Lowe crafted by Japanese fan Toshima Tada, holding bouquets of red roses reminiscent of the Behaviour album cover. The 7-inch back cover featured yellow roses, while the 12-inch opted for a blue background.
The accompanying music video, directed by Eric Watson, embraced a playful, theatrical energy. Shot in a club setting, it combined footage of the duo performing at Heaven with scenes of a vibrant, drag-filled crowd. Inspired by films like Saturday Night Fever and Hairspray, as well as the moveable clubnight Kinky Gerlinky, the video showcased extravagant costumes, dance, and pure fun—Chris Lowe famously appears in a towering orange Kenzo hat, doing absolutely nothing while the rest of the club revels.
Although “Was It Worth It?” didn’t break into the top 20, it remains an essential part of the Pet Shop Boys’ catalog: a perfectly crafted, celebratory pop song that affirms love, identity, and the joy of dancing through life’s choices.
SIDE A:
Was It Worth It? (12″ Version) 7:12
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Pet Shop Boys
Was It Worth It? (Dub Version) 5:12
Engineer – Paul Wright
Instrumentation By, Programmed By – Philip Kelsey
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Dave Seaman, Philip Kelsey
SIDE B:
Miserablism (Electro Mix) 5:35
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Moby
Miserablism (Short Version) 4:11
Mixed By – Julian Mendelsohn
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI Records USA – VNR-56243, EMI Records USA – VNR 56243
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Techno, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Design – Farrow*, PSB*, 3a*
- Photography By – Robert Shackleton
- Written-By – Pet Shop Boys
NOTES:
A2: Remixed for Creative Theives Conglomerate/DMC.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Hello, I just discovered this place. All your work is really beautiful. I also have a small collection of LPs, maxis, and singles, mostly German editions. I used to digitize vinyl records, but I’ve stopped doing that. Currently, I’m looking for titles that I don’t have yet, like this one by PSB. Thank you for your excellent musical taste.
Warm regards from Peru.
Paul, thank you for posting this! I echo several of the other comments on here – it is exciting when you post a PSB 12″. This one is exceptional, and I agree that their 90s output was really great. They transitioned into the new decade with ease and I always looked forward to their albums and singles. Thanks!!!
Didn’t realize you were back posting Dj Paul! Which means I got to enjoy all 3 singles in a row! Loved Pet Shop Boys ever since that first synth of West End Girls I heard. The dancier stuff from the 90’s and beyond is just as fun as everything before it. Was it Worth It? is a great choice, thank you!! I feel like RuPaul – Supermodel really harnessed the essence of this track. There are moments where it’s like you can hear both of them playing off each other. So great to see you back Paul, hope you had… Read more »
JP, thank you! It feels good to be back, and I’m glad you got to catch all three singles in one go — perfect timing! I’m right there with you on Pet Shop Boys. From that very first hit of “West End Girls” they had me hooked, and their ’90s dance era is just as strong. “Was It Worth It?” has such a joyful, lifted energy, and you’re absolutely right — there is a bit of that same spirit RuPaul tapped into with “Supermodel.” They definitely share that confident, celebratory vibe. Really appreciate the warm welcome back. Hope you had… Read more »
I always get a thrill when ever you post any PSB’s 12” singles. They don’t disappoint either with generous amount of remixes, sometimes.
I remember this single fondly as it was released in the run up to Christmas in 1991.
Thanks loads, Paul 🙂
Mark, thank you so much! I’m the same way — anytime a PSB 12″ comes up, I know I’m in for something good. When they decide to spoil us with multiple mixes, it really does feel like a little gift.
And yes, this one does bring back that unmistakable pre-Christmas ’91 feeling. There was something special about hearing new PSB music during the holidays.
Really appreciate the kind words, Mark. Thanks loads right back at you!
This song really reminds me of Dead Or Alive’s “Your Sweetness Is Your Weakness” I remember getting Discography on CD and it cost extra because it was an extended play CD, it even came in a longbox, which I cut and used for a cassette cover . When this song came on my friend and I laughed at it a bit, I think the phrase “cheesy disco” got thrown around, perhaps they were trying a bit too hard here. I think my friend asked me “was it worth it” for the one new song…. I really like the Moby mix… Read more »
Joey, I love this—your memories always bring such great color to these releases. And you’re right, “Was It Worth It?” definitely shares a little DNA with “Your Sweetness Is Your Weakness.” That bright, almost over-the-top dance-pop sheen was everywhere around that time, and PSB leaning into a bit of “cheesy disco” charm is part of what makes the track so fun now. I can just imagine you and your friend reacting to it for the first time… and that “was it worth it?” comment is perfect. Discography in the longbox! I haven’t thought about that in ages. Those extended-play CDs… Read more »
Wow! Look at the A-list names on this 12″: Brothers In Rhythm, Moby, Harold Faltermeyer, Julian Mendelsohn, … AMAZING!
Thank you for another superb transfer of a superb remix vinyl, Paul!
Axel, right? The talent packed onto this 12″ is unreal — it’s like a remix all-stars lineup. Brothers in Rhythm, Moby, Harold Faltermeyer, Julian Mendelsohn… you could hardly ask for a stronger crew on a single release. No wonder the mixes hold up so well.
Really glad you enjoyed the transfer! Always a pleasure to share these gems. Thanks so much for the kind words!
I fell in love with this song immediately after buying “Discography” by the ‘Boys! I sought out the CD5 to hear the mixes included here. It did not disappoint. Thank you, Paul, for your stellar rip. Again, we’re so fortunate that we have you to uncover and preserve our dance music history! I’ve really given up on the labels themselves. So many beloved tracks are stuck in limbo, languishing in vaults, or ignored completely. And licensing is such a can of worms. The music fans always seem to suffer. We appreciate you Paul for doing praiseworthy work!! It’s definitely worth… Read more »
Jeff, thank you so much — that means a lot. “Discography” was such a gateway for so many of us, and I love that this track grabbed you right from the start. The CD5 really is a treat, and I’m glad the mixes still hit just as hard today. I completely agree about the labels… so much incredible music just sitting untouched, tangled up in licensing, or simply forgotten. It’s frustrating when fans care more about preserving the legacy than the people who actually hold the masters. That’s a big part of why I do this — these songs deserve… Read more »
Just when I think I’ve seen/heard everything from ‘the Boys,’ you never fail to surprise! Love hearing the short version and seeing for the first time that wild back cover art with the roses – fantastic. Thank you.
WHOAH! First time I noticed they sampled the breath percussion from Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” and used it in the “Was it Worth It” Dub!!
I know, pretty cool right?”
Jon, I love hearing that! The Pet Shop Boys have such a deep and quirky catalog that there’s always something fun hiding around the corner. That short version is a great little blast, and the back cover with the roses is such a wild, charming touch — one of those details you don’t forget once you finally see it.
So glad this one was a surprise for you. Thanks for the kind words!
One of the most striking aspects of the song “Was It Worth It?” is its vibrant return to the duo’s purest disco/hi-NRG sound, following the more orchestral and introspective tone of their previous album, Behaviour (1990).
That’s why this track resonated with many, even though it didn’t reach the UK Top 20. It evoked a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of the mid-80s. The lyrics speak of love, with elegance and dance that showcases pride, defiance, and skill.
Ruben, beautifully said. That shift back into a bright disco/hi-NRG pulse is exactly what makes “Was It Worth It?” stand out — especially coming right after the lush, introspective world of Behaviour. It really does feel like a joyful return to the mid-’80s spirit that first defined them.
And you’re right, the lyrics carry such a sense of pride and self-assurance. Even without hitting the Top 20, the song connected because it celebrates love, identity, and the freedom of the dancefloor with real elegance.
Thank you for sharing such a great perspective!
The 12” mix here is one of my all-time faves of theirs, an absolute joy. I often wonder how much of it, and the extended mix of So Hard, was influenced by their working with the KLF the previous year (they’d even mooted doing a joint single in 1990). Thanks for the upload!
John, I’m with you — this 12″ mix is pure joy from start to finish. It’s one of those PSB extensions that just flows, expanding the song without ever losing its spark.
And that’s a really interesting point about the KLF. Their influence was definitely in the air around that time, and you can hear hints of that big, driving, almost mischievous energy in both this mix and the extended “So Hard.” A joint single in 1990 would’ve been something wild — shame it never happened!
Thanks so much for listening and for the great insight!
Was It Worth It? is one of my all time PSB favourites, such a great track.
Thanks Paul!
My pleasure, Martin. I enjoyed working on this one.
Particularly happy to get “Miserablism!” The Pet Shop Boys are one of the bands where I tend to listen to their 12″ – extended and remixed versions – rather than album releases, so this is quite welcome today. Thank you!
Raymond, I’m so glad to hear that! “Miserablism” is such a gem, and it really shines in its extended and remixed forms. PSB are absolutely one of those groups where the 12″ versions often feel like the “true” versions — bigger, brighter, and more alive.
Happy this one hit the spot for you today. Thanks for the kind words!