Pretenders

yeah it was ok

I knew almost all of these songs. I hadn't realized that they are all on this debut album.

Not bad, punky Rock

2.0/5.0: Disappointing

cool album, nothing mindblowing but good music. the album is a bit long and there were a few songs that probably couldve been cut to make the flow a little tighter

I'm definitely a New Wave fan, but I never really connected with the Pretenders. Listening to this mostly in the background I thought that might change - lots of cool moments made me think I needed to re-assess. On close listen I still liked it (particularly the guitars), but still felt that lack of connection. I'm not sure what it is - I think Chrissie Hynde's singing is an acquired taste. Sometimes I like it, sometimes not so much, and I can't find a consistent reason. On the one hand I like it better when she's not singing with punk affectations, but that feels kind of wrong, like I'm telling some woman that she should smile more. I'm going with the 4 even though I suspect the album deserves a 5. Favorite tracks: Tattooed Love Boys, Stop Your Sobbing, Private Life (great guitar parts, although sounds a little too close to the Police), Brass in Pocket (classic).

I love the fidgety, playful energy Pretenders bring to each song. They sound like they are continually teetering on the edge of exploding, actively working to hold the whole production together. Chrissie Hynde is great, keeping the momentum going with her powerful voice and force of personality. It’s an album of peaks and troughs though - it has the singles you know and love and some more quality tracks besides.

Enjoyable. Had heard a few of the songs in the past but this was pretty solid end to end. 3.5/5

In my top ten. One of those albums that reveals something you never heard before every time you listen. This time, I am hearing the guitar solos in "Private Life," where in the past I haven't paid much attention to this song. Masterful. Everything about this album amazes me, from the lust to the guitar tone, from the voice(s) to the inventiveness. The Wait, Tattooed Love Boys, Precious - good lord! THe only POSSIBLE weakness is Lovers of Today, but everything else here makes up for it and - you know - it still has Chrissy Hynde, so that makes it awesome anyway.

One of the best debut albums
EV...
ER.
Gets me every time.

Is it late stage Punk or early stage New Wave? Chrissie Hynde isn't here to be pigeonholed by the likes of me... "Brass In Pocket" is the standout/radio friendly bop, but there a lot to love in here if Pop Punk is your shit.

This was great. I’ve heard the Pretenders, I think I listened to their greatest hits cd in the past. This album was not what I expected based on that. It was way more experimental and unpolished. It had a punk edge to it. You can hear glimpses of their future in songs like the big hit, Glass in Pocket, but this was way more raw and energetic than their hits. Pleasantly surpriser.

Liked the full album very much for the variety of styles on it. Vocals fit the music and the music and the lyrics perfectly.

A solid rock album with the attitude of punk.

Me mola el new wave y aunque la segunda mitad de este álbum salva lo flojita que es la primera, me sigue pareciendo demasiado mid como para apreciarlo más. Nada especialmente reseñable.

Canción destacada: Mystery Achievement

Hynde is occasionally a bit much of a Patti Smith knockoff for me, but at her best, she's damn good, and the band RIPS. Excellent songwriting and arrangement.

4/5

Pretty nice to listen to, but doesnt seem to quite make it to 4/5.

Standout tracks: Brass In Pocket, Tattooed Love Boys

So good! Maybe not my speed entirely but really good.

Quintessential New Wave - tight compressed and slightly dirty guitars, a bit of jangle, loads of hooks, a touch of corny cutting edge for the day production, and heavy dose of retro flair recalling the rock-n-roll of the early 60s. I only knew the hits, but there are some bangers on this one and the instrumentals are great surprise.

Favorites: space invader, private life, Kids

Brass in pocket is catchy. There is a change from punk to pop within this album alone but how do they get from pink to I’ll stand by you? Crazy style change. Chrissie’s vocals are great and addictive. Probably won’t add to my collection but doesn’t bother me to listen.

3<x<3.5