The title Essential is open to interpretation. There is nothing essential on this album in terms of greatest hits, or defining songs. Essential is a collection of remixes, rare singles, and novelties that Pet Shop Boys collectors will consider absolute gems (many of these songs appear on no other album). This is in no way a compilation intended to abridge the full-length albums. Rather, it is useful to any collector filling in the gaps of their Pet Shop Boys discography. --Beth Bessmer