The Pretenders are back with a brand new single that sounds like it’s straight out of the 1980’s. Its been eleven years since we last heard the wonderful rock and roll vocals of Chrissie Hynde on a Pretenders album. Although the singer recently released a solo album in 2014, its been a long time since she has recorded as a Pretender. The single release “Holy Commotion,” hails from a brand new Pretenders album entitled Alone. The album is due to be released in mid-October. The releases of Alone comes 36 years after the debut Pretenders album was issued in 1980.
The new album Alone was produced by the Black Keys guitarists-of-the-21st-century/”>Dan Auerbach. On the album Auerbach is credited as a multi-instrumentalist. The album also features an all-star lineup of musicians. The legendary David Roe of the Johnny Cash Band plays bass on the record. Country artist Kenny Vaughan adds guitar to the album. Contributions to the sonic fun festival on the record were also made by the iconic Tchad Blake who has worked with hundreds of famous artists.
The Black Keys and Dan Auerbach have been producing some of the most interesting and creative music of the past ten years. Auerback’s influence on the single can be heard clearly throughout the production. However, the opening synth line is clearly a tribute to 1980’s pop music. The sound of the hi hats and snare drum also echo 1980’s production values. Nonetheless, Chrissie Hynde’s vocals are timeless. Her earnest soulfulness has always been juxtaposed within a tough pop punk sensibility that has distinguished her legacy in rock and roll.The album will be released on the Liberator Music/BMG label. The record is due in stores on October 21, 2016.
Below is the lead off single “Holy Commotion,: that was just released.
Track Listing for the Alone Album
1. Alone
2. Roadie Man
3. Gotta Wait
4. Never Be Together
5. Let’s Get Lost
6. Chord Lord
7. Blue Eyed Sky
8. The Man You Are
9. One More Day
10. I Hate Myself
11. Death Is Not Enough
12. Holy Commotion