Released 40 years ago
Get Close
The Pretenders · 1986
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of rock and pop infused with poignant lyrics and catchy melodies, encapsulating the spirit of the mid-'80s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Don't Get Me Wrong — As one of the album's standout singles, this track combines infectious hooks with upbeat instrumentation, showcasing Chrissie Hynde's signature vocal style and lyrical wit.
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Hymn to Her — This poignant ballad offers introspective lyrics that reflect themes of love and loss, highlighting Hynde's emotional depth and ability to convey vulnerability.
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My Baby Start here — Opening the album with an energetic vibe, this song sets the tone for the record while illustrating the band's knack for blending rock sensibilities with melodic pop hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with varied lyrical themes, though it lacks the depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong hooks, while the fourth track introduces a more dance-oriented rhythm.
- Several songs incorporate layered guitar riffs and prominent keyboard lines, contributing to a rich sonic texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- introspective moments for reflection
- for evening relaxation
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Followed a commercial peak and solidified Chrissie Hynde's prominence.
- Themes
- mid-'80s vibrancy· personal loss· introspective love
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Get Close marked The Pretenders' fifth studio album and followed the band's commercial peak with Learning to Crawl. At this stage, Chrissie Hynde was solidifying her role as a prominent figure in rock music, navigating the challenges of lineup changes and personal loss while continuing to evolve their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bangles· Blondie· Siouxsie and the Banshees
Tracklist
- 1 My Baby Start here 4:07
- 2 When I Change My Life 3:38
- 3 Light of the Moon 3:57
- 4 Dance! 4:45
- 5 Tradition of Love 5:24
- 6 Don't Get Me Wrong 3:46
- 7 I Remember You 2:38
- 8 How Much Did You Get for Your Soul? 3:47
- 9 Chill Factor 3:26
- 10 Hymn to Her 4:57
- 11 Room Full of Mirrors 4:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Beauty and the Beat
The Go-Go's
Shares vibrant pop-rock energy and introspective themes of love and loss in a mid-'80s context.
Fables of the Reconstruction
R.E.M.
Captures a similar blend of introspective lyrics and jangly guitar-pop, resonating with personal storytelling.
East Side Story
Squeeze
Combines sharp lyrical wit and catchy melodies, echoing the emotional depth found in The Pretenders' work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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