The Pretenders: Punk Cool Meets Pop Soul
I. Formation and Origins
The Pretenders were formed in 1978 in Hereford, England, by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chrissie Hynde, originally from Akron, Ohio.
Original classic lineup:
- Chrissie Hynde – Vocals, rhythm guitar
- James Honeyman-Scott – Lead guitar, keyboards
- Pete Farndon – Bass
- Martin Chambers – Drums
Hynde had worked as a journalist for NME and played in proto-punk circles (including early versions of The Damned and The Clash). She formed The Pretenders after years of trying to break into the UK punk scene.
II. Breakthrough: Pretenders (1979/1980)
✦ Pretenders (1979 UK / 1980 US)
Their debut was an instant classic — tough, sexy, smart, and melodic.
Key tracks:
- “Brass in Pocket” – A U.K. #1 and global hit, mixing vulnerability and confidence
- “Precious” – A snarling punk opener
- “Kid” – A beautifully melodic, emotional ballad
- “Tattooed Love Boys” – Raw and edgy
This album was a critical and commercial success, bridging punk, new wave, and pop rock with Hynde’s distinctive voice and lyricism.
III. Tragedy and Transition (1981–1984)
✦ Pretenders II (1981)
A strong follow-up, though darker and moodier.
Notable songs:
- “Message of Love”
- “Talk of the Town”
- “Day After Day”
Tragedy struck in 1982:
- Pete Farndon was fired due to drug problems
- James Honeyman-Scott died of a drug overdose two days later
- Farndon died the following year
Hynde carried on, recruiting new members and preserving the band’s core spirit.
IV. Reinvention and Commercial Success (1984–1994)
✦ Learning to Crawl (1984)
A comeback album blending personal grief, political commentary, and pop craft.
Highlights:
- “Back on the Chain Gang” – A poignant hit honoring lost bandmates
- “Middle of the Road” – One of their fiercest rockers
- “2000 Miles” – A beloved Christmas song in the UK
- “Show Me” – Uplifting and hopeful
This album re-established The Pretenders as a leading force in 1980s rock.
✦ Get Close (1986)
Embraced a slicker, more commercial sound.
Hits:
- “Don’t Get Me Wrong” – A Top 10 U.S. hit with jangly guitar and romantic wit
- “My Baby” – Heartfelt and soulful
- “Hymn to Her” – A feminist, spiritual ballad
By now, Chrissie Hynde was the only constant member, steering the band with rotating lineups and collaborations.
V. Later Albums and Enduring Presence (1990s–Present)
Though their chart presence waned in the 1990s, The Pretenders remained critically respected and creatively vital.
Albums include:
- Packed! (1990) – Hynde-led with session musicians
- Last of the Independents (1994) – Featured “I’ll Stand by You,” a heartfelt ballad later covered by multiple artists
- Viva El Amor! (1999) – A return to energetic form
- Loose Screw (2002)
✦ Recent work:
- Break Up the Concrete (2008) – Americana-influenced
- Alone (2016) – Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys
- Relentless (2023) – Hynde continues to deliver sharp songwriting and emotional depth
They’ve toured consistently, often supporting acts like Stevie Nicks and Pearl Jam, and performing in major festivals and rock showcases.
VI. Legacy and Influence
The Pretenders are known for:
- Blending punk toughness with pop beauty
- Chrissie Hynde’s cool, expressive vocals and feminist stance
- Songs that balance raw emotion, political insight, and romance
Their influence spans:
- Alanis Morissette
- Garbage
- Hole
- The Strokes
- Florence + The Machine
Accolades:
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005
- “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang” are rock radio staples
- Chrissie Hynde is widely hailed as one of the greatest women in rock history
VII. Interesting Facts
- Chrissie Hynde was nearly a member of The Sex Pistols and The Clash, but timing and visa issues prevented it
- “I’ll Stand by You” became a massive hit through covers and charity campaigns, including by Girls Aloud and Shakira
- Hynde is a staunch animal rights advocate and longtime vegan
- Despite massive success, The Pretenders have always maintained a raw, underdog ethos
