Album Information:

About The Pretenders:

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s. The band was formed in 1978 in Hereford, England, by lead singer and songwriter Chrissie Hynde. Other members of the band at the time consisted of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers.

The band released its debut album, self-titled 'The Pretenders,' in 1980. The album features hit songs such as 'Brass in Pocket,' 'Kid,' and 'Precious,' and has since been celebrated as a classic of the new wave and punk rock era. Sadly, two members of the original lineup, Honeyman-Scott and Farndon, passed away from drug-related issues in 1982 and 1983, respectively.

Despite these losses, Hynde continued to lead the band forward, and The Pretenders continued to find commercial success throughout the 1980s. The band released hit songs like 'Back on the Chain Gang,' 'Middle of the Road,' and 'Don't Get Me Wrong.' In addition to Hynde, the band featured diverse musicians over the years, including bassists Malcolm Foster and T.M. Stevens, keyboardist/guitarist Robbie McIntosh, and drummer Blair Cunningham.

The Pretenders' music has been revered for its combination of punk and new wave sounds with a pop sensibility, and its witty, personal lyrics focused on relationships, self-identity, and social commentary. Chrissie Hynde's distinctive voice, songwriting, and personal style have also been praised, with her efforts earning her both commercial and critical admiration throughout her career.

In addition to their musical contributions, The Pretenders have been known for their activism, involvement with animal rights organizations, and support for social justice causes. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and have continued to release music through the years. The current lineup includes Hynde, Chambers, guitarist James Walbourne and bassist Nick Wilkinson.

About the album Learning To Crawl:

Learning to Crawl is the third studio album recorded by the British-American rock band The Pretenders, released on January 7, 1984, by Sire Records. It was the band's first album following the deaths of two original members, lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon.

The album opens with the track 'Middle of the Road,' which features a driving guitar riff and catchy lyrics. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, which features a mix of rock, pop, and punk influences. The lead single 'Back on the Chain Gang' is a standout track, with its infectious chorus and bittersweet lyrics about loss and longing.

Other highlights of the album include 'Time the Avenger,' a song about revenge and regret, and 'Thumbelina,' a ballad about a woman's struggle to find her place in the world. The album's closing track, '2000 Miles,' is a hauntingly beautiful acoustic song about missing someone during the holiday season.

Throughout the album, frontwoman Chrissie Hynde's rich vocals shine, conveying a range of emotions from vulnerability to defiance. The band's tight musicianship is also showcased, particularly in the guitar work of Hynde and new member Robbie McIntosh.

Overall, Learning to Crawl is a masterful album that reflects the band's resilience and creativity following the loss of its original members. It's a timeless record that still sounds fresh and relevant today.

Members:

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band formed in 1978. Here are the key members of the band and their biographies:

1. Chrissie Hynde (vocals, guitar): Chrissie Hynde was born in 1951 in Akron, Ohio. She moved to London in 1973 and became involved in the punk rock scene, working as a music journalist and playing in various bands. In 1978, she formed The Pretenders, which became her most successful project. Hynde is known for her distinctive voice and songwriting, and has been a leading figure in rock music for over four decades.

2. James Honeyman-Scott (guitar, keyboards): James Honeyman-Scott was born in 1956 in Hereford, England. He joined The Pretenders in 1978 and played on their first two albums, before passing away in 1982 due to a drug overdose. Honeyman-Scott was known for his innovative guitar work and his contributions to the band's sound.

3. Martin Chambers (drums): Martin Chambers was born in 1951 in Hereford, England. He joined The Pretenders in 1978 and has been the band's drummer ever since, except for a brief hiatus in the mid-1980s. Chambers is known for his energetic and powerful drumming style, which has been a key component of The Pretenders' sound.

4. Pete Farndon (bass): Pete Farndon was born in 1952 in Hereford, England. He was the original bassist for The Pretenders, joining the band in 1978. However, he was fired in 1982 due to drug addiction and passed away shortly afterwards. Farndon's bass playing was an important part of The Pretenders' early sound.

Since the original lineup, The Pretenders have had various members come and go, including Malcolm Foster (bass), Robbie McIntosh (guitar), and Adam Seymour (guitar). However, the core of the band remains Hynde and Chambers, who have continued to tour and record together for over four decades.

Track List for Learning To Crawl:

1. 'Middle of the Road' - 4:12
This upbeat and catchy track sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs. Vocalist Chrissie Hynde delivers energetic, rebellious lyrics about embracing change and taking risks.

2. 'Back on the Chain Gang' - 3:51
This single from the album became a hit and features an unforgettable hook and soaring chorus. The song is driven by a strong bassline and Hynde's emotive vocals, which tell the story of heartbreak and resilience.

3. 'Time the Avenger' - 4:52
This track slows down the tempo a bit and features atmospheric guitar work and a haunting melody that builds throughout the song. Lyrically, the song explores themes of regret and revenge with Hynde singing about the power of time.

4. 'Watching the Clothes' - 2:45
This upbeat, jangly tune sees Hynde singing about everyday tasks like doing laundry and cleaning the house. The song features a catchy chorus and a twangy guitar solo.

5. 'Show Me' - 4:00
With a strong bassline and a driving beat, 'Show Me' is a powerful anthem about desire and longing. Hynde showcases her vocal range, going from a lower register to belting out the chorus.

6. 'Thumbelina' - 3:16
A melancholic ballad, 'Thumbelina' features emotive, confessional lyrics from Hynde set against a sparse soundscape of piano and guitar. The song builds to a dramatic climax, with Hynde's vocals reaching an anguished peak.

7. 'My City Was Gone' - 5:14
This slow-burning track features a memorable bassline and lyrics that reflect Hynde's struggles with gentrification and the changing landscape of her hometown. The song builds to a powerful climax with a soaring guitar solo.

8. 'Thin Line Between Love and Hate' - 3:39
An energetic and danceable track, 'Thin Line Between Love and Hate' features jangly guitars and a pulsing beat. Lyrically, the song explores the blurred lines between love and obsession.

9. 'I Hurt You' - 4:29
This brooding and atmospheric tune features a haunting melody and emotive vocals from Hynde. The lyrics describe a relationship that has turned toxic, with Hynde singing about the pain caused by hurtful words and actions.

10. '2000 Miles' - 3:38
The album's closing track is a poignant and heartfelt ballad about missing someone who is far away. Featuring simple guitar chords and a memorable chorus, the song builds to a soaring conclusion that leaves a lasting impact.

Discography for The Pretenders:

Here is the complete discography for The Pretenders:

Albums:

1. The Pretenders (1980) - January 1980
2. Pretenders II (1981) - August 1981
3. Learning to Crawl (1984) - January 1984
4. Get Close (1986) - November 1986
5. Packed! (1990) - August 1990
6. Last of the Independents (1994) - May 1994
7. The Isle of View (1995) - June 1995
8. Viva el Amor! (1999) - June 1999
9. Loose Screw (2002) - November 2002
10. Break Up the Concrete (2008) - October 2008
11. Alone (2016) - October 2016

Singles:

1. 'Stop Your Sobbing' (1980) - January 1980
2. 'Kid' (1980) - May 1980
3. 'Brass in Pocket' (1980) - November 1980
4. 'Talk of the Town' (1980) - December 1980
5. 'Message of Love' (1981) - May 1981
6. 'Day After Day' (1981) - September 1981
7. 'I Go to Sleep' (1981) - November 1981
8. 'Back on the Chain Gang' (1982) - September 1982
9. 'Middle of the Road' (1983) - January 1983
10. '2000 Miles' (1984) - December 1983
11. 'My Baby' (1986) - May 1986
12. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' (1986) - September 1986
13. 'Hymn to Her' (1987) - March 1987
14. 'Room Full of Mirrors' (1987) - June 1987
15. 'Windows of the World' (1988) - November 1988
16. 'Sense of Purpose' (1990) - July 1990
17. 'Night in My Veins' (1994) - May 1994
18. 'I'll Stand by You' (1994) - September 1994
19. '977' (1995) - September 1995
20. 'Popstar' (1999) - April 1999
21. 'Human' (1999) - July 1999
22. 'You Know Who Your Friends Are' (2003) - February 2003

Other releases:

1. Extended Play (1981) - March 1981
2. The Singles (1987) - June 1987
3. Packed! (Japanese Tour Edition) (1990) - 1990
4. Pirate Radio (2006) - September 2006

Note: This list only includes releases of original material and does not include compilations or movie soundtrack contributions.