Product Description

Following a five-year silence after 1994's LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS, the Pretenders-- more accurately frontwoman Chrissie Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers--returned in 1999 with VIVA EL AMOR, a vigorous and rock-hard return of one of the greatest bands to ever stumble out of London's punk scene inthe late '70s. Hynde, who married Columbian sculptor Lucho Brieva before recording the album, reflects a decidedly romantic bent with the album title ("Long Live Love"), languid, honeyed ballads like "From the Heart Down", and erotic, black-leather rockers like "Biker".
Formidable guitarist Adam Seymour plays stinging solos on tracks like "Baby's Breath" and Hynde's harrowing, Janis Joplin tribute "One More Time". Of all of the guitarists the Pretenders have used since their second album, he might come closest to the much-missed raucous elegance of the late James Honeyman-Scott. The ebullient, hook-happy "Human", which features singer/songwriter Jules Shear on backing vocals, isn't penned by Hynde but captures the joyous essence of her brilliant pop side. Other standout tracks include the "Precious"-reminiscent rocker "Legalize Me", featuring a guest solo from guitarist Jeff Beck, and the lyrically cynical, but sweet-sounding jangle of "Who's Who". The constructivist-style cover photograph was shot by Linda McCartney just weeks before she died.

Track Listing

1. Popstar
2. Human
3. From The Heart Down
4. Nails In The Road
5. Who's Who
6. Dragway 42
7. Baby's Breath
8. One More Time
9. Legalise Me
10. Samurai
11. Rabo De Nube
12. Biker

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #114667 in Music
• Released on: 1999-05-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import

Amazon.co.uk Review
Opening with the anthemic single "Popstar", proclaiming "They don't make 'em like they used to/Shoulda just stuck with me", the eighth album from the Pretenders is a triumphant tour de force of a rock comeback. The strident pop songs which could have graced their 1980 eponymous debut are still all present, including the fantastic single "Human". But there are more emotional moments too, such as "Samurai" and "Biker", which are laments to departed Pretenders's members Pete Farndon and James "Honeyman" Scott. And of course, Hynde's voice is as sexy and full-bodied as always, as she belts her way sublimely through "Who's Who" and "Nails In The Road". Compared to other New-Wave girl comebacks of the late Nineties--such as Blondie--when you listen to Viva El Amor, it's like the Pretenders have never been away. --Amber Cowan

Customer Reviews

�This is a clean-up job. Everybody grab a mop��
With two of the original members dead, and constant arguments fuelled by the pressures of Rock 'n' Roll lifestyles, The Pretenders haven't had an easy time of it. But not to be underestimated, as they too often are, the band makes another comeback to record their 8th album in 20 years. Chrissie Hynde has once again achieved an inevitably strong 4-piece line-up. Hynde has always claimed that her job is to simply make the musicians look good, which she does with ease. As ever, additional synths and strings aid the music, but not so much as to hide the framework. The range of talent provided by guitarist Adam Seymour is on display here, as he takes us up to the rafters with the 'pop-tune' melody of 'One More Time' and beneath the floorboards with the low grinding of 'Dragway 42', the album's centrepiece. We are also given a pleasant surprise as Hynde takes the vocals to new dimensions. The band's invincible singer has always had a unique way of combining tough with tender, and 'Viva El Amor!' is no exception. We are taken back to the dreaminess of 'I go to sleep' on 'Samurai' (an obvious reference to the band's dead guitarist) and 'Rabo de nube', and are presented with a contrast during the boisterous 'Legalise Me'. It is here where Hynde writes alone, exposing her raw talent in expressing her thoughts. Don't be fooled by the sugarcoated single, though - her iconoclast instincts surface on more than one occasion. The album is opened by a spiteful yet knowledgeable attack at female pop stars. Just to let us know how familiar with the cringe worthy process she is. And with her 'A' list celebrity status, who's to argue? Something for all tastes, one listen and you're hooked. Sheer proof that they do make 'em like they used to.....