Craving that perfect blend of raw power and infectious melodies? Then you've come to the right place! For decades, The Pretenders, fronted by the iconic Chrissie Hynde, have delivered unforgettable tracks that continue to resonate with music lovers worldwide. This isn't just another "best of" list; we're diving deep into the heart of their catalog to uncover the definitive answer to the question everyone's asking: what are the best songs by The Pretenders? From their punk-infused beginnings to their more mature, sophisticated sounds, we'll explore the tracks that defined a generation and continue to inspire new listeners. Whether you're a longtime fan looking for a fresh perspective or a curious newcomer ready to discover a legendary band, get ready to revisit some classics and unearth hidden gems. Let's embark on a journey through the best of The Pretenders' incredible discography.
| Song | Listens |
|---|---|
| 1. Back-on-the-Chain-Gang | 20M+ |
| 2. Don't Get Me Wrong | 12M+ |
| 3. Brass in Pocket | 10M+ |
| 4. I'll Stand by You | 10M+ |
| 5. 2000 Miles | 6M+ |
| 6. My City Was Gone | 3M+ |
| 7. Middle of the Road | 3M+ |
1. Back-on-the-Chain-Gang
Driving Beat: "Back on the Chain Gang" features a relentlessly propulsive rhythm that instantly grabs your attention and keeps you moving.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's iconic vocals deliver a powerful and emotionally resonant performance, conveying both vulnerability and defiance.
Enduring Appeal: The song's timeless blend of rock energy and emotional depth ensures its place as a Pretenders classic.
2. Don't Get Me Wrong (1986)
Driving Beat: "Don't Get Me Wrong" boasts a relentlessly catchy, driving beat that propels the song forward, making it perfect for any playlist needing an energetic boost.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's instantly recognizable vocals are at their raw and powerful best here, delivering a performance that's both vulnerable and defiant.
Enduring Popularity: This track showcases The Pretenders' signature blend of rock and pop, explaining its enduring appeal and continued place amongst their best-known works.
3. Brass in Pocket (The Pretenders - 1980)
Driving Beat: "Brass in Pocket" boasts a relentlessly catchy rhythm section, a propulsive force that keeps the song moving from start to finish, perfectly suited for any best-of playlist.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's iconic vocals are raw, powerful, and effortlessly cool, delivering a performance that's both confident and vulnerable, showcasing her signature style.
Enduring Appeal: The song's blend of new wave energy and timeless songwriting ensures its continued relevance and place among The Pretenders' best.
4. I'll Stand by You (The Pretenders)
Heartfelt Vocals: Chrissie Hynde's emotive delivery makes "I'll Stand by You" a powerful anthem of unwavering support, showcasing her signature raspy yet tender tone.
Timeless Ballad: The song's simple yet effective structure and memorable melody contribute to its enduring popularity and widespread appeal across generations.
Unforgettable Chorus: The instantly catchy chorus is both anthemic and deeply personal, creating a lasting impact and solidifying its place amongst The Pretenders' best.
5. 2000 Miles (The Pretenders - 1983)
Driving Beat: "2000 Miles" boasts an infectious, propulsive rhythm that keeps the energy high, making it perfect for a road trip or a high-energy playlist.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's instantly recognizable vocals deliver a powerful and emotional performance, showcasing her signature raspy tone and captivating delivery.
Enduring Appeal: The song's timeless quality and catchy melody solidify its place among The Pretenders' best, consistently resonating with listeners across generations.
6. My City Was Gone
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's signature raspy yet powerful vocals are at their best in "My City Was Gone" conveying both vulnerability and resilience.
Driving Rhythm and Guitar: The song's driving rhythm and iconic guitar riff create an unforgettable, anthemic quality.
Emotional Resonance: "My City Was Gone" resonates deeply with its themes of loss and longing, making it a timeless classic among The Pretenders' catalog.
7. Middle of the Road (The Pretenders - 1982)
Driving Beat: "Middle of the Road" boasts a propulsive rhythm that's both catchy and undeniably cool, a hallmark of The Pretenders' signature sound.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's distinctive vocals deliver the lyrics with a raw, emotionally resonant power that makes the song unforgettable.
Enduring Appeal: This track showcases the band's knack for crafting instantly classic rock anthems that continue to resonate with listeners decades later.
8. Talk of the Town
Driving Beat: "Talk of the Town" boasts a relentless, propulsive rhythm that keeps the energy high, perfectly capturing the Pretenders' signature blend of power pop and new wave.
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's iconic vocals are at their sneering best, delivering the lyrics with a cool detachment that belies the song's emotional intensity.
Unforgettable Guitar Hook: The instantly catchy guitar riff is a highlight, both memorable and endlessly replayable – a testament to the band's songwriting prowess.
9. Message of Love (The Pretenders)
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's instantly recognizable vocals are at their raw, emotional best on "Message of Love" conveying both vulnerability and strength.
Driving Rhythm and Guitar: The song features a propulsive rhythm section and crisp guitar work that creates an irresistible energy, perfectly balancing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Enduring Appeal: "Message of Love" showcases The Pretenders' knack for crafting timeless pop songs with a unique blend of grit and melody that continues to resonate with listeners.
10. Human (The Pretenders)
Chrissie Hynde's Vocals: Hynde's instantly recognizable vocals are at their raw, powerful best on "Human" delivering a performance that's both vulnerable and commanding.
The Song's Catchy Melody: The song boasts a memorable melody and a driving rhythm that instantly hooks the listener and stays with you long after the song ends.
Enduring Popularity: A testament to its quality, "Human" remains a staple of The Pretenders' live performances and continues to resonate with fans decades after its release, solidifying its place among their best.
11Tattooed Love Boys
The Pretenders
1980
12Show Me
The Pretenders
1984
- 13
Time the Avenger
The Pretenders
1984
14Night in My Veins
The Pretenders
1994
- 15
Thin Line Between Love and Hate
The Pretenders
1984
16Popstar
The Pretenders
1999
17Boots of Chinese Plastic
The Pretenders
2008
18Sense of Purpose
The Pretenders
1986