Chrissie is indeed the magic of the Pretenders. "Back on the Chain Gang" is a good song for next play, but this first album is worth a complete listen. It's just badass.
"Brass in pocket" was an English idiom that Chrissie Hynde picked up in England, meaning "to have change/money in one's pocket." Also, the lyric was originally "you're special," but she was convinced to change it to "I'm special."
Great choice.... Also MY CITY WAS GONE, BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG, 2000 MILES, MYSTERY ACHIEVEMENT, TIME THE AVENGER, STOP YOUR SOBBING, etc. So many great songs!
Omg. I love The Pretenders. Can't believe you never heard if them or Chrissie Hynde. So glad you are getting exposed and to see this with you all. Thank you. Please, please, please listen to more.
I think you'll dig their "Kid"... Chrissie Hynde, for my money, is one of the greatest rock love song writers EVER. Her vocals combine Strength and Vulnerability in ways I think will resonate with you. "Talk of the Town", "Message of Love", "Back on the Chain Gang"... rockers like "Tattooed Love Boys", "Up the Neck", and other slow burns not suited for reaction vids like "Lovers of Today", "Birds of Paradise" which are Hugely Emotional.
"Precious", "Tattooed Love Boys", "Kid", "Stop Your Sobbing", "Mystery Achievement"... All brilliant! Frankly, the first album doesn't have a weak track on it. All killer, no filler! Sadly, the original guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, and bassist, Pete Farndon both died after the second album. For me, the band was never the same, though Chrissie Hynde still delivered the goods, vocally.
I really like the official video they did for “In The Middle of the Road”(the staged nightclub performance) The original band was smokin’, and Chrissie’s harmonica solo is a sight to see !
Their early stuff with the orignal band is fantastic. Debut album considered one of the best of all time. Guitar player Honeyman Scott one of the tiop 3 of his generation along with Johnny Marry. Listen anything off the first album - blend of punk / new wave / reggae and pop. Chrissie Hynde is an icon, and the band is in Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for good reason.
For over 40 years the discography of The Pretenders, a London, England-based rock band, reflects worldwide charting of 12 studio albums, four compilation albums, one extended play (EP), four live albums, six video albums and 55 singles. Inducted into the Hall of fame March 2005 Source Wikipedia
As excited as you are with this first listen, imagine the excitement of seeing them live first time in Detroit at the Motor City Roller Rink at 9 Mile and VanDyke, 1980. At that time, they got zero radio play from the big stations in town. That changed!!
I know exactly what you mean. I can not believe how fast you picked it up. Took me years to understand her, but there was something special that made people move.
read her book. Amazing. She was in england with iggy pop, and sex pistols, Lemme of Motorhead, David Johansen NY Dolls, before they were really famous and even had her daughter with Ray Davies of the Kinks. Loved her Ohio accent.
Also look up Talk of the Town. The Pretenders had many great hits over the 80's and were some of the first artists to use MTV. Chrissie Hynde was married to one of the Davies brothers of the Kinks. For a softer take by them, try Back on the Chain Gang, a truly beautiful song.
actually, chrissie never married ray davies but had her 1st child with him. she did later marry jim kerr of the band simple minds. they are no longer married.
At the time there were so many great bands on the market already, and The Pretenders came along and stood out among the other greats, and they're still here. They have a big library of songs.
Yeah... this is why people keep saying, "Quit listening to the same few singers! There are SO many great singers to get to!" Chrissie Hynde is BADASS, and unarguably the heart and soul of The Pretenders. No time to waste: jump to album "Learning To Crawl". Her personality just drips from that album: Back On The Chain Gang to My City Was Gone, Middle Of The Road to 2000 Miles... and have fun!
I too love this group. Saw them live and up close and was so impressed how they sounded like their recordings. Chrissie has amazing vocals. You should listen to I'll Stand By You and State of Independence. Enjoy.
It's funny you mention that this song has to be a pop culture thing/in a movie, because its in one of my favorite scenes in one of my all time fave movies, Lost in Translation. It's not this original version though - Scarlett Johanssen is singing and performing it in a beautifully atmospheric and dreamy scene taking place in a karaoke box in Tokyo at the end of night out. If you haven't seen the film, I highly recommend that you do --- and watch it on your movie reaction channel!!! I would love that so much :)
Please review Back on the Chain Gang, by The Pretenders. It is one of THE most poignant love/rock songs ever written. I get tears every time I hear it.
Make a note in your diary for Christmas - "Review '2000 Miles' by The Pretenders) !!! My personal favourite of Chrissie Hynde's is 'Hymn To Her' (see if you can find the video of her singing it acoustically to a piano accompaniment) but the rest of the discography that that other commenters mention are also superb tracks, especially, 'I Go To Sleep'.
Their first two albums are brilliant, love every song on both, the 3rd, after half the band died alas, also up there. Kid, Up the Neck, Bad Boys Get Spanked, Message of Love, Back on the Chain Gang, My City Was Gone, so many to choose from
My favorite Pretenders song. Chrissie Hynde was married to Jim Kerr from Simple Minds and did a couple collaborations with UB40 which are worth listening to. Great reaction, you clearly have a musical soul.
One of the top tier 80s essential groups love love love adore chrissie hyndes unique vocals. So many albums full of great hits. A first perfect album that led me on the quest for more different experimental exceptional groups.
Yes, their three big hits were this one, “Back On The Chain Gang” and “I’ll Stand By You”. Chrissie also had a pretty big hit with UB40 as a duet covering Sonny & Cher’s famous number one hit “I Got You Babe”.
Pretenders have a wide array of songs. Their rock 'n roll and their punk stuff is raw and powerful, but they can do pop rock really well too. But yeah, Chrissie is the key. That debut album doesn't have a misstep anywhere.
Love me some Pretenders! Brass In Pocket is a great song and so damn catchy!! Lots of other great songs, some of my favorites: Back On The Chain Gang, My City Was Gone, Don't get Me Wrong, Bad Boys Get Spanked, Kid, I Go To Sleep, Middle Of The Road, Night In My Veins, I'll Stand By You, My Baby.
Chrissie has a great and amazing voice and her delivery is superb. You do have to give JHS some love for some seriously tasty guitar on this too. Awesome song. This is back from when we just loved music for music's sake. No need to be in a movie or commercial or anything else. Cheers
"Brass in Pocket" was a favorite since the first moment I ever heard it. I highly recommend "Back on the Chain Gang" for your next Pretenders reaction!!!
Hi Salvo, I really enjoy how you research before you react. So many other reactors don't. Your reaction was fun and entertaining. I like Middle of the Road, and Back on the Chaingang. Pretenders were more successful in the UK. initially, before finding success in the U.S. Chrissy had a child with Simple Minds vocalist, Jim Kerr-thought you might enjoy that bit of trivia, Seriously, thanks for your thoughtful, knowledgable, and entertaining reactions;I'm a huge fan.
Interesting tidbit, she was married to the lead singer of Simple Minds ( You reacted to "Alive & Kicking") for 5-6 years. They have a child together, that she was pregnant with during the filming of the video for the Pretenders "Back On The Chain Gang"...it's why she's wearing the really baggy jean jacket.
They played Glastonbury last year and were incredible. She still looks and sounds amazing. A truly stand out performance and for me, the best bit of Glastonbury 23.
Please do "THUMBELINA". It was their first charted song I believe, and it is amazing. Plus, it shows that while they did ballads, rock, pop, whatever, and somehow lumped in to punk rock.....their real roots are actually very much ROCKABILLY. Chrissy's voice and poetry was food for our souls. They still put out great stuff (see, "Junkie Walk" for a more recent song).
my favourite pretenders song ❤ also love: message of love kid talk of the town back on the chain gang and their lovely christmas lament - "2,000 miles" chrissie hynde is a tour de force. her strength, attitude, and unique voice are the total package. p.s. always thought it was so cute in the video how she flirts with pete farndon. they used to be an item before his heroin addiction took over, got him kicked out of the band, and finally took his life. r.i.p. pete and james
The Pretenders first two albums are impeccable. So many great songs and all so different. After their guitarist Honeyman Scott died from a drug overdose they were good but for me the magic was gone.
My favorite band in the 80s they are the soundtrack to my youth. & she is the kinda artist whos in it for the music If she never became famous She would still playing even if in dive bars on weekends . Joan Jet is somone that also fits that descriptionjn . My boyfriend surprised me with tickets when they came to Atlantic City . They were amassed and bonus Sandra Bernhardt was in the booth next to us . It was serial being in the soon to close Trump casino It was a dump I after seeing how shabby it was we canceled the dinner and took our chance on the board walk for dinner .
I'VE SEEN THE PRETENDERS NINE TIME OVER THE YEARS. ONE OF THE BEST ROCK BANDS EVER. CHRISSIE IS THE BAND AND THE FORCE BEHIND THE GROUP. SHE IS ONE TOUGH CHICK! YOU SHOULD EXPLORE THIS BAND MORE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Chrissie Hynde, One of the best female rockers in history of music!!!!
A pioneer.
One of the best rock bands ever.
Chrissie is indeed the magic of the Pretenders. "Back on the Chain Gang" is a good song for next play, but this first album is worth a complete listen. It's just badass.
One of the greatest debut albums ever.
I second "Chain Gang"! ❤
So many good Pretenders songs.... Dive deep, because you'll love them.... Middle of the Road is a banger!
"Middle of the Road" definitely! Can't be missed!
"Mystery Achievement" would also be great. Or "Message of Love".
Next one by them should be "Back On The Chain Gang" for sure!
1980 was a monster year for music!
Her voice completely fits the soft punk sound! Back on the Chain Gang is good, so is My City was Gone (Ohio)
The medley from their first album (“Precious”, “The Phone Call”, “Up The Neck”, and Tattooed Love Boys”) is anything but “soft”. It rocks hard!
"Brass in pocket" was an English idiom that Chrissie Hynde picked up in England, meaning "to have change/money in one's pocket." Also, the lyric was originally "you're special," but she was convinced to change it to "I'm special."
❤Yes! The Pretenders are perfection and Chrissie Hynde is a such badass lead 👏 with an amazing voice.
Great choice.... Also MY CITY WAS GONE, BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG, 2000 MILES, MYSTERY ACHIEVEMENT, TIME THE AVENGER, STOP YOUR SOBBING, etc. So many great songs!
I'll Stand By You is my FAVORITE Pretenders song. Her voice just soars in that song.
Omg. I love The Pretenders. Can't believe you never heard if them or Chrissie Hynde. So glad you are getting exposed and to see this with you all. Thank you.
Please, please, please listen to more.
I’ll stand by you, try that one☮️ ❤️ 🏴
I think you'll dig their "Kid"... Chrissie Hynde, for my money, is one of the greatest rock love song writers EVER. Her vocals combine Strength and Vulnerability in ways I think will resonate with you. "Talk of the Town", "Message of Love", "Back on the Chain Gang"... rockers like "Tattooed Love Boys", "Up the Neck", and other slow burns not suited for reaction vids like "Lovers of Today", "Birds of Paradise" which are Hugely Emotional.
Kid and Talk of the Town are definitely in my top faves of theirs.
Back on the Chain Gang is an all time favorite.
I Love Chrissie Hynde. One of my favorites by Pretenders is Don't Get Me Wrong, as well as My Baby, both cool videos imo
Number 1 in the UK for 2 weeks in 1980 [released 1979] and No: 14 in the US.
Love this song and they are a great group with some good tunes.
I just love how CH sings this. Shes all over it.
Definitely my favorite Pretender’s song
"Precious", "Tattooed Love Boys", "Kid", "Stop Your Sobbing", "Mystery Achievement"... All brilliant! Frankly, the first album doesn't have a weak track on it. All killer, no filler! Sadly, the original guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, and bassist, Pete Farndon both died after the second album. For me, the band was never the same, though Chrissie Hynde still delivered the goods, vocally.
Day after Day, Message of Love, Kid....all great songs by the amazing Chrissie and The Pretenders.
I really like the official video they did for “In The Middle of the Road”(the staged nightclub performance) The original band was smokin’, and Chrissie’s harmonica solo is a sight to see !
Love the Pretenders! 💓
Back on The Chain Gang, Middle of the Road, Talk of the Town, My City was Gone.....are some of my favourites.....
I saw her (with Stevie Nicks) a few years ago (amaaaazing concert) and Chrissie is still hot as ever and voice totally on point ~ fantastic!
One of the best debut album in the biz. Still sounds fresh today.
Their early stuff with the orignal band is fantastic. Debut album considered one of the best of all time. Guitar player Honeyman Scott one of the tiop 3 of his generation along with Johnny Marry. Listen anything off the first album - blend of punk / new wave / reggae and pop. Chrissie Hynde is an icon, and the band is in Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for good reason.
Great group!!!! Her voice is sooooo sultry sexy smooth
For over 40 years the discography of The Pretenders, a London, England-based rock band, reflects worldwide charting of 12 studio albums, four compilation albums, one extended play (EP), four live albums, six video albums and 55 singles.
Inducted into the Hall of fame March 2005
Source Wikipedia
As excited as you are with this first listen, imagine the excitement of seeing them live first time in Detroit at the Motor City Roller Rink at 9 Mile and VanDyke, 1980. At that time, they got zero radio play from the big stations in town. That changed!!
She really give life to this song, Chrissie is a hell of a woman
I know exactly what you mean. I can not believe how fast you picked it up. Took me years to understand her, but there was something special that made people move.
read her book. Amazing. She was in england with iggy pop, and sex pistols, Lemme of Motorhead, David Johansen NY Dolls, before they were really famous and even had her daughter with Ray Davies of the Kinks. Loved her Ohio accent.
Also look up Talk of the Town. The Pretenders had many great hits over the 80's and were some of the first artists to use MTV. Chrissie Hynde was married to one of the Davies brothers of the Kinks. For a softer take by them, try Back on the Chain Gang, a truly beautiful song.
actually, chrissie never married ray davies but had her 1st child with him. she did later marry jim kerr of the band simple minds. they are no longer married.
At the time there were so many great bands on the market already, and The Pretenders came along and stood out among the other greats, and they're still here. They have a big library of songs.
True rock goddess right there. Singer/song writer/ guitarist and sexy🤘❤️
The song Kid always does me in ❤😢
Yeah... this is why people keep saying, "Quit listening to the same few singers! There are SO many great singers to get to!" Chrissie Hynde is BADASS, and unarguably the heart and soul of The Pretenders. No time to waste: jump to album "Learning To Crawl". Her personality just drips from that album: Back On The Chain Gang to My City Was Gone, Middle Of The Road to 2000 Miles... and have fun!
Love this song, back on the chain gang is also a must listen for you!!
This, one takes me straight back to fun ,happy ,carefree days. Definitely special ❤
I too love this group. Saw them live and up close and was so impressed how they sounded like their recordings. Chrissie has amazing vocals. You should listen to I'll Stand By You and State of Independence. Enjoy.
Love 'I'll Stand By You'.
The best!
It's funny you mention that this song has to be a pop culture thing/in a movie, because its in one of my favorite scenes in one of my all time fave movies, Lost in Translation. It's not this original version though - Scarlett Johanssen is singing and performing it in a beautifully atmospheric and dreamy scene taking place in a karaoke box in Tokyo at the end of night out. If you haven't seen the film, I highly recommend that you do --- and watch it on your movie reaction channel!!! I would love that so much :)
Please review Back on the Chain Gang, by The Pretenders. It is one of THE most poignant love/rock songs ever written. I get tears every time I hear it.
Make a note in your diary for Christmas - "Review '2000 Miles' by The Pretenders) !!! My personal favourite of Chrissie Hynde's is 'Hymn To Her' (see if you can find the video of her singing it acoustically to a piano accompaniment) but the rest of the discography that that other commenters mention are also superb tracks, especially, 'I Go To Sleep'.
Love love love this song and her voice!!! One of my faves from my childhood!!
19 yrs old, in boot camp and finding MTV. Time travel 😌
my fave Pretenders song! ♥
Their first two albums are brilliant, love every song on both, the 3rd, after half the band died alas, also up there. Kid, Up the Neck, Bad Boys Get Spanked, Message of Love, Back on the Chain Gang, My City Was Gone, so many to choose from
Yes it is a great band
Talk of the Town is fav song by The Pretenders.
Great concert and love that Chrissie was very private with other than her music. The music spoke for itself.
Chrissie really had it. She’s so cool
The Pretenders! They were REALLY popular in the 80s. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' is another favorite of mine. 'Back on the Chain Gang' is really good too.
Message of Love
Middle of the Road
My City Was Gone
Just saw them live back in August 2023. Chrissie still gots it! Amazing band.
My fave Pretenders song is “I Go To Sleep” - fave album is Pretenders 2
Back on the chain gang.... that's a hell yeah !
I’ll stand by you. My favourite.
Her voice!
She's precious 😂😂😂😅
My favorite Pretenders song.
Chrissie Hynde was married to Jim Kerr from Simple Minds and did a couple collaborations with UB40 which are worth listening to.
Great reaction, you clearly have a musical soul.
Yes, back on the Chaín gang
"I'll Stand By You" is a must. "Back on the Chain Gang", "Middle of the Road", and "Don't Get Me Wrong".
One of the top tier 80s essential groups love love love adore chrissie hyndes unique vocals. So many albums full of great hits. A first perfect album that led me on the quest for more different experimental exceptional groups.
Yes, their three big hits were this one, “Back On The Chain Gang” and “I’ll Stand By You”. Chrissie also had a pretty big hit with UB40 as a duet covering Sonny & Cher’s famous number one hit “I Got You Babe”.
Pretenders have a wide array of songs. Their rock 'n roll and their punk stuff is raw and powerful, but they can do pop rock really well too. But yeah, Chrissie is the key. That debut album doesn't have a misstep anywhere.
Chrissie Hynde was married to the lead singer of Simple Minds and they had a child.
Superb Pretenders tune. My most played with "Don't get me wrong" & "Message of Love"
Such a great single I got on 45vinyl (which I still have over 40 yrs later) when I was about 13yo at its release. Such a Jam⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love me some Pretenders! Brass In Pocket is a great song and so damn catchy!! Lots of other great songs, some of my favorites: Back On The Chain Gang, My City Was Gone, Don't get Me Wrong, Bad Boys Get Spanked, Kid, I Go To Sleep, Middle Of The Road, Night In My Veins, I'll Stand By You, My Baby.
The first two albums- phenomenal!
Yes to Back on the Chain Gang! And any other Pretenders songs!
Chrissie has a great and amazing voice and her delivery is superb. You do have to give JHS some love for some seriously tasty guitar on this too. Awesome song. This is back from when we just loved music for music's sake. No need to be in a movie or commercial or anything else. Cheers
"Brass in Pocket" was a favorite since the first moment I ever heard it. I highly recommend "Back on the Chain Gang" for your next Pretenders reaction!!!
Chrissie Hynde is one of the most amazing female rock singers ever. Check out her catalogue, she's got real charisma.
that tiny little moan-like part at the very end is the cherry on the top of the sundae that is this entire song.
love her she does a cover of Creep by Radiohead thats amazing. she has the same cool style now
She collaborated with the band Moodswings for Moodswings ft Chrissie Hynde - Spiritual High. This song in incredible.
Chrissie Hynde is really unmatched. Thanks for this one. I'd almost forgotten how great The Pretenders are.
I love this song.
Hi Salvo, I really enjoy how you research before you react. So many other reactors don't. Your reaction was fun and entertaining. I like Middle of the Road, and Back on the Chaingang. Pretenders were more successful in the UK. initially, before finding success in the U.S. Chrissy had a child with Simple Minds vocalist, Jim Kerr-thought you might enjoy that bit of trivia, Seriously, thanks for your thoughtful, knowledgable, and entertaining reactions;I'm a huge fan.
Interesting tidbit, she was married to the lead singer of Simple Minds ( You reacted to "Alive & Kicking") for 5-6 years. They have a child together, that she was pregnant with during the filming of the video for the Pretenders "Back On The Chain Gang"...it's why she's wearing the really baggy jean jacket.
They played Glastonbury last year and were incredible. She still looks and sounds amazing. A truly stand out performance and for me, the best bit of Glastonbury 23.
Up The Neck and Tattooed Love Boys from the same album should be heard together. Amazing stuff.
More Pretenders please.
Please do "THUMBELINA". It was their first charted song I believe, and it is amazing. Plus, it shows that while they did ballads, rock, pop, whatever, and somehow lumped in to punk rock.....their real roots are actually very much ROCKABILLY. Chrissy's voice and poetry was food for our souls. They still put out great stuff (see, "Junkie Walk" for a more recent song).
Summer 1980 this song made me feel cool
Chrissie is a fkn QUEEN!!
Great group. I recommend “Back on the Chain Gang” and “My City Was Gone.”
The Pretenders have good songs. 👍
🌪 one of my favorite movies if not my favorite movie!
Kid is a good song.Chrissie is a legend
Check out "I'll Stand by You", " Mystery Achievement" and "Talk of the Town". All hits!!!!!
This is from one of the best debut albums EVER! You should check it out. Such a great record.
Thank you ☮️ ❤️ 🏴
Chrissie is special. So special.
my favourite pretenders song ❤ also love:
message of love
kid
talk of the town
back on the chain gang
and their lovely christmas lament - "2,000 miles"
chrissie hynde is a tour de force. her strength, attitude, and unique voice are the total package.
p.s. always thought it was so cute in the video how she flirts with pete farndon. they used to be an item before his heroin addiction took over, got him kicked out of the band, and finally took his life.
r.i.p. pete and james
The Pretenders first two albums are impeccable. So many great songs and all so different. After their guitarist Honeyman Scott died from a drug overdose they were good but for me the magic was gone.
Back on the chain gang is great Pretenders track you'll hopefully delve into & its a lot more upbeat❤
They have so many great songs but 'Hymn to Her' is my favourite.
My favorite band in the 80s they are the soundtrack to my youth. & she is the kinda artist whos in it for the music If she never became famous She would still playing even if in dive bars on weekends . Joan Jet is somone that also fits that descriptionjn . My boyfriend surprised me with tickets when they came to Atlantic City . They were amassed and bonus Sandra Bernhardt was in the booth next to us . It was serial being in the soon to close Trump casino It was a dump I after seeing how shabby it was we canceled the dinner and took our chance on the board walk for dinner .
I'VE SEEN THE PRETENDERS NINE TIME OVER THE YEARS. ONE OF THE BEST ROCK BANDS EVER. CHRISSIE IS THE BAND AND THE FORCE BEHIND THE GROUP. SHE IS ONE TOUGH CHICK! YOU SHOULD EXPLORE THIS BAND MORE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Great song!