“Go West” is a grand and uplifting song by British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released in September 1993 with “Shameless” on the B-side as a single from their fifth studio album Very. It is a cover of a 1979 disco anthem by Village People, but the Pet Shop Boys transformed it into a dramatic and orchestral piece, giving it new life and cultural resonance.
The lyrics of “Go West” are aspirational and optimistic, describing a desire to move westward toward a place of freedom, opportunity, and unity. While the original version by Village People carried implicit references to the gay liberation movement, the Pet Shop Boys’ rendition amplified its themes of solidarity and utopia, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences.
Musically, the Pet Shop Boys’ version of “Go West” is lush and grandiose, featuring orchestral synths, a pulsating electronic beat, and soaring vocal harmonies. It incorporates elements of classical music, with Neil Tennant’s lead vocals supported by Chris Lowe’s intricate production. The arrangement draws on Pachelbel’s Canon in D, adding a majestic quality that elevates the song from a simple dance track to a powerful anthem.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and performing well across Europe, Australia, and Japan. In the United States, the song topped Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
The music video, directed by Howard Greenhalgh, is an extravagant and surreal visual spectacle based on computer-generated imagery. Inspired by Soviet-era propaganda imagery, it features Tennant and Lowe leading a parade of workers marching toward an idealized future. The video’s striking use of bold colors, symbolism, and computer-generated effects reinforced the song’s themes of unity and aspiration while giving it a satirical edge.