Fridae

Fitting right in with Britain's Olympic spirit, "Winner" is wonderfully joyful tune that perfectly showcases Pet Shop Boys' refreshed state of mind. Whether you're competing, in love or simply trying to make it through another day, the song carries a universal meaning and conveys that everyone who perseveres against the odds, loves and lives in the moment is a true winner. And even when life is getting you down, Neil Tennant comforts and reminds listeners that "in desperation you get inspiration," which captures the overarching sentiment of the song.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe recorded this track and the entire "Elysium" album earlier this year in Los Angeles, which actually marks the first time in their long career that the duo has recorded an album in the U.S. They co-produced the record with American producer Andrew Dawson who previously has collaborated with Lil Wayne, Beyonce and Drake. He also produced tracks on Kanye West's prog piece "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" for which he received three GRAMMYs.

Pet Shop Boys explain in a statement that it was exciting for them to get out of their comfort zone to work on this new record. "It was inspiring to make an album in Los Angeles, and to work with a producer from a different musical genre, who has brought a new dimension to our music," the group explains.

According to a press release, "Elysium" features twelve new songs which display "a warm, deep electronic sound," and includes orchestral arrangements by Joachim Horsley, Andrew Dawson and Ben Leathers. Backing vocals are provided on many of the tracks by veteran singers Oren, Maxine and Julie Waters (whose long career spans sessions with The Jackson Five to Adele), and singer/songwriter James Fauntleroy.