Product Description

While THE SINGLES may misrepresent The Pretenders, concentrating as it does on their jangly, radio friendly material rather than their punkier, proto-Riot Grrrl fare, there isn't a track here that fails to delight. Of course, it helps thatChrissie Hynde is arguably the most emotionally compelling female pop vocalist of the second half of the 20th century. But THE SINGLES also proves something that's too often overlooked--that Hynde is the first distaff rocker whose songwriting can stand comparison with the genre's biggest guns.
High points here are almost too numerous to mention, including the Motown influenced "Don't Get Me Wrong" (which spawned a charming video with Hynde intercut with her idol Patrick Macnee in footage from TV's' "The Avengers",), the exquisite Christmas song "2000 Miles", the chiming, Byrdish "Talk of the Town", and (best of all) the killer garage rocker "Middleof the Road". There are also some great covers, including two Ray Davies songs, a fun version of Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" with UB40, and a take on the Persuaders' "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" that allows Hynde to show of her 70s soul roots. Bottom line: Greatest Hits albums don't comeany better.

Track Listing

1. Stop Your Sobbing
2. Kid
3. Brass In Pocket
4. Talk Of The Town
5. I Go To Sleep
6. Day After Day
7. Message Of Love
8. Back On The Chain Gang
9. Middle Of The Road
10. 2000 Miles
11. Show Me
12. Thin Line Between Love And Hate
13. Don't Get Me Wrong
14. Hymn To Her
15. My Baby
16. I Got You Babe
17. What You Gonna Do About It

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9006 in Music
• Released on: 2006-07-03
• Number of discs: 1

From Amazon.com
Ignoring the "Precious" side of Chrissie Hynde's rocking and writing, The Singles still captures a good bit of what was special about her in the '80s. Bopping assertions of strength ("Brass in Pocket"), wistful dreaminess ("Talk of the Town"), flat-out weepers ("2000 Miles"), her tough-mom attitude ("Middle of the Road")--the many sides of her seven-inches are generously surveyed herein. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Radio-friendly unit-shifters
The Pretenders, like their more fashionable new wave contemporaries Blondie, had the ability to marry melodic, edgy pop with sassy lyrics in a fashion that appealed to singles-buyers and radio programmers alike. This chronological collection, including UK No. 1 'Brass In Pocket', illustrates that well.

Melodic rock at its best
What a delicious dish of melodic rock and pop! From the opening number Stop Your Sobbing to their lovely interpretation of I Got You Babe that closes the album, this is a non-stop feast for the ears.

Chrissie Hynde is an expert vocalist, perfectly capturing the mood of every song with her nuanced vocals, whilst the rest of the band moves in perfect synth. The guitar playing is amongst the best you'll find in any rock music from the 1980s. Almost all of the songs are masterpieces, but my special favourites include Stop Your Sobbing, Kid, Brass In Pocket, Talk Of The Town, Message Of Love, Don't Get Me Wrong and I Got You Babe.

The music is tender and sensual at times, raucous and ebullient at others. Those who enjoy The Pretenders might also like their contemporaries Pat Benatar, The Cars or Joan Jet. This album should however appeal to a wide spectrum of people who appreciate tuneful and intelligent rock music that is still in touch with its roots.

MELODIC ROCK AT ITS BEST
What a delicious dish of melodic rock and pop! From the opening number Stop Your Sobbing to their lovely interpretation of I Got You Babe that closes the album, this is a non-stop feast for the ears.

Chrissie Hynde is an expert vocalist, perfectly capturing the mood of every song with her nuanced vocals, whilst the rest of the band moves in perfect synth. The guitar playing is amongst the best you'll find in any rock music from the 1980s. Almost all of the songs are masterpieces, but my special favourites include Stop Your Sobbing, Kid, Brass In Pocket, Talk Of The Town, Message Of Love, Don't Get Me Wrong and I Got You Babe.

The music is tender and sensual at times, raucous and ebullient at others. Those who enjoy The Pretenders might also like their contemporaries Pat Benatar, The Cars or Joan Jet. This album should however appeal to a wide spectrum of people who appreciate tuneful and intelligent rock music that is still in touch with its roots.