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Review: The Pretenders
By Shannon Yoshida
syoshida@mscd.edu

The Pretenders The Pretenders (Sire, 1980)

“PLAY THIS ALBUM LOUD,” read the directions on the sleeve of The Pretenders’ 1980 self-titled debut. After 26 years, this advice still rings true. This album deserves to be played loud.

The raw talent of Chrissie Hynde’s voice is surprising. With the first track, “Precious,” she sets the bar for every future female rocker. Her rugged yet graceful voice is deceiving all the way to the song’s end, when she belts out, “But not me baby/ I’m too precious/ I had to fuck off.” There really is no better way to start an album.

The tracks may seem to have a tone of sexual infatuation with lyrics like “I rubbed my face in the sweat that ran down his chest,” from the song “Up the Neck,” but Hynde still shows class throughout the album. The first side is reckless, promiscuous and delivers an edge that not many vocalists can accomplish while playing the guitar at the same time.

The b-side shows The Pretenders in a softer light, with tracks like the inviting single “Brass In Pocket.” Every number puts out attitude and romance, creating an elixir of abrasive sensuality.
Hynde isn’t the only essence of this foursome though. Pete Farndon, the bassist, combined with Martin Chambers on drums, makes sure that every track has enough energy to keep up with her, but James Honeyman Scott shies away from outlandish guitar solos to showcase more of Hynde’s amazing tone.

It could be said that The Pretenders are geared more toward a punk style, but their ability goes far beyond being locked into one category.

The fact that so many female artists are spinning renditions of Hynde shows her influence. Current female artists, such as Pink, Gwen Stefani and The Donnas, idolize and imitate her seductive ways and bitchy attitude. The Pretenders may have been just what the ’80s needed to unleash women into an equilibrium where they can finally rock just as hard as men.