Album Information:

About The Pretenders:

The Pretenders are an English-American rock band that formed in Hereford, England in 1978. The original line-up consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Chrissie Hynde, lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers.

The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1980 and became a critically acclaimed success. The album included hits such as “Brass in Pocket” and “Kid”, which helped to establish the band’s reputation for combining punk, rock, and pop elements in their music. The album was followed by “Pretenders II” in 1981, which included radio-friendly tracks such as “The Adultress” and “Talk of the Town”.

In 1982, the band’s momentum came to a tragic halt when Honeyman-Scott died of a drug overdose. The band continued on, releasing “Learning to Crawl” in 1984, which included hits such as “Back on the Chain Gang” and “Middle of the Road”. Farndon was fired from the band in 1982 due to drug and alcohol abuse, and later died of an overdose in 1983. Bassist Tony Butler and keyboardist Rupert Black joined the band for the recording of “Learning to Crawl”.

Throughout the 1980s, The Pretenders continued to release successful albums, including “Get Close” (1986) and “Packed!” (1990). Hynde’s songwriting and distinctive voice, combined with the band’s evolving sound and lineup changes, allowed them to maintain a loyal fan base and commercial success.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the band underwent more lineup changes, with Chambers being the only consistent member. In 2005, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their pioneering work and enduring influence in the music industry.

Despite the changes in the band’s membership and musical direction over the years, The Pretenders have remained a beloved and respected force in rock music. Chrissie Hynde’s dynamic presence and powerful vocals, along with the band’s ability to blend genres and create memorable hooks, have solidified their place in music history.

About the album Pretenders:

The Pretenders' self-titled debut album, also known as Pretenders, was released in 1980. The album features a mix of rock and punk inspirations, with catchy guitar riffs and strong vocals from lead singer Chrissie Hynde.

The first track, 'Precious,' sets the tone for the album with its driving guitar and energetic vocals. This is followed by 'The Phone Call,' which slows things down a bit but still features Hynde's powerful voice. 'Up the Neck' is a standout track with its gritty guitar and memorable chorus.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Kid,' with its emotional lyrics and haunting melody, and 'Brass in Pocket,' which became one of the band's biggest hits. The album finishes with 'Mystery Achievement,' which showcases the band's expert musicianship and Hynde's ability to convey raw emotion through her singing.

Overall, Pretenders is a solid debut album with a sound that still holds up today. It established The Pretenders as a force in the music world and helped to pave the way for other female-led rock bands.

Members:

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band known for their distinctive sound that blends punk, new wave and pop rock genres. The following are the key members of The Pretenders and their biographies:

1. Chrissie Hynde (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)
Chrissie Hynde, born on September 7, 1951, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. She was the founder of The Pretenders and remains the only constant member of the band. Her distinctive voice and songwriting skills have made her one of the most influential female rockers of the 20th century.

Hynde started her music career in the 1970s and moved to London, where she worked as a music journalist. She formed The Pretenders in 1978 and has released several hit records including 'Brass in Pocket,' 'Don't Get Me Wrong,' and 'Back on the Chain Gang.' Outside of her music career, Hynde is an animal rights activist and has been involved in several environmental and animal protection campaigns.

2. James Honeyman-Scott (Lead Guitar, Keyboards)
James Honeyman-Scott, born on November 4, 1956, was the lead guitarist of The Pretenders. He was known for his innovative guitar-playing skills and was an essential element in the band's sound. Honeyman-Scott was responsible for writing many of The Pretenders' songs and was Hynde's writing partner.

Honeyman-Scott sadly passed away in 1982, aged just 25, due to an accidental drug overdose. He left behind a significant legacy in the music industry and is still considered one of the greatest guitarists in rock history.

3. Pete Farndon (Bass Guitar)
Pete Farndon, born on June 12, 1952, was the original bassist for The Pretenders. He was known for his powerful bass-playing and was an integral member of the band. Farndon was responsible for writing several of The Pretenders' songs alongside Hynde and Honeyman-Scott.

Sadly, Farndon was dismissed from the band in 1982 due to drug addiction, and he passed away just a few months later after being found dead in his bathtub. Farndon left behind a considerable legacy in The Pretenders' music and is still regarded as one of the most influential bassists in rock history.

4. Martin Chambers (Drums)
Martin Chambers, born on September 4, 1951, is the current drummer for The Pretenders. He joined the band in 1978 and has been with the group ever since. Chambers is known for his dynamic drumming style and is considered one of the most underrated drummers in rock history.

Aside from his work with The Pretenders, Chambers has also worked with several other notable artists such as Iggy Pop, Sinead O'Connor, and Peter Gabriel. He has also released one solo album, 'The Long Goodbye,' in 1985.

Track List for Pretenders:

I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I cannot provide a detailed description of each track in The Pretenders album as I am not capable of expressing personal opinions or feelings towards the music. However, I can provide you with a list of the tracks in order and their play time.

1. Precious - 3:36
2. The Phone Call - 2:29
3. Up the Neck - 4:25
4. Tattooed Love Boys - 2:59
5. Space Invader - 3:27
6. The Wait - 3:35
7. Stop Your Sobbing - 2:38
8. Kid - 3:06
9. Private Life - 6:25
10. Brass in Pocket - 3:03
11. Lovers of Today - 5:51
12. Mystery Achievement - 5:23

'Precious' is the opening track of the album and is a fast-paced punk rock song. 'The Phone Call' features a lively melody, rhythmic percussion, and strong vocals by Chrissie Hynde. 'Up the Neck' showcases the band's distinctive guitar riffs and rock energy. 'Tattooed Love Boys' is a catchy punk track with clever lyrics. 'Space Invader' combines punk and new wave elements with a playful synth riff. 'The Wait' features a driving bassline and powerful vocals by Hynde. 'Stop Your Sobbing' is a cover of a track originally by The Kinks, and has a more laid-back feel to it. 'Kid' continues the upbeat energy of the album and features melodic guitar lines. 'Private Life' is a slower, more reflective track with a soulful guitar solo. 'Brass in Pocket' is one of the band's biggest hits and is a catchy pop rock song with a memorable chorus. 'Lovers of Today' is a more experimental track featuring rich instrumentation and psychedelic elements. 'Mystery Achievement' closes the album on a high note with dynamic drumming and driving guitar riffs.

Discography for The Pretenders:

Here is the complete discography for The Pretenders in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:

1. The Pretenders - January 19, 1980
2. Pretenders II - August 15, 1981
3. Learning to Crawl - January 11, 1984
4. Get Close - November 1986
5. Packed! - March 1990
6. Last of the Independents - May 1994
7. The Isle of View - September 6, 1995
8. Viva el Amor! - May 12, 1999
9. Loose Screw - November 12, 2002
10. Break Up the Concrete - October 7, 2008
11. Alone - October 21, 2016

Singles:

1. 'Stop Your Sobbing' - January 10, 1979
2. 'Kid' - January 11, 1980
3. 'Brass in Pocket' - January 28, 1980
4. 'Talk of the Town' - August 8, 1980
5. 'Message of Love' - November 7, 1981
6. 'Back on the Chain Gang' - October 1982
7. 'My City Was Gone' - October 1984
8. 'Middle of the Road' - February 1984
9. 'Time the Avenger' - May 1984
10. 'Show Me' - August 1984
11. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' - September 1986
12. 'Hymn to Her' - January 1987
13. 'My Baby' - October 1987
14. 'Room Full of Mirrors' - November 1990
15. 'Never Do That' - April 1990
16. 'Night in My Veins' - October 1994
17. 'I'll Stand by You' - September 1994
18. '977' - November 1994

Other releases:

1. Extended Play - March 10, 1981
2. The Singles - November 1987
3. Packed! - The Pretenders Anthology - July 2001
4. pirate radio - June 22, 2006.