Relentless
The Pretenders · 2023
49 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of reflective lyrics and jangly guitars creates a sound that balances nostalgia with modern alternative rock sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Losing My Sense of Taste Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics and catchy melody, encapsulating themes of loss and longing right from the start.
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Domestic Silence — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of isolation and communication barriers, showcasing Hynde's ability to convey deep emotional truths through simple yet impactful verses.
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Let the Sun Come In — With an uplifting chorus and infectious energy, this song serves as a beacon of hope amidst the album's more somber moments, making it a memorable highlight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reflective lyrics with jangly guitars, showcasing a mix of nostalgia and modernity.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar arrangements that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of nostalgia and introspection, with many songs featuring reflective verses followed by more anthemic choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 reflective moments
- nostalgic themes with resilience
- thoughtful lyrics for introspection
- warm melodies for cozy evenings
- subtle emotional depth throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues to evolve while showing the band's vitality after a long gap.
- Themes
- nostalgic reflections· communication barriers
- Career context
- Released on September 15, 2023, 'Relentless' marks The Pretenders' first album in nearly a decade since 'Alone' (2016). At this stage in their career, they continue to evolve while retaining their signature sound, showcasing Chrissie Hynde's enduring artistry in a changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bangles· Blondie· Siouxsie and the Banshees
Tracklist
- 1 Losing My Sense of Taste Start here 4:14
- 2 A Love 3:25
- 3 Domestic Silence 4:03
- 4 The Copa 4:03
- 5 The Promise of Love 3:10
- 6 Merry Widow 4:44
- 7 Let the Sun Come In 3:53
- 8 Look Away 3:16
- 9 Your House Is on Fire 3:45
- 10 Just Let It Go 5:14
- 11 Vainglorious 2:48
- 12 I Think About You Daily 6:27
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Remind Me Tomorrow
Sharon Van Etten
Features reflective lyrics and a blend of jangly guitars with modern alt-rock elements.
Thank You for Today
Death Cab for Cutie
Shares similar themes of nostalgia and communication barriers with melodic, jangly instrumentation.
I Am Easy to Find
The National
Combines introspective lyrics with lush arrangements, echoing the emotional resonance found in 'Relentless'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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