Is The Singles a good place to start with The Pretenders?

Yes, The Singles is recommended as a starting point for new The Pretenders listeners. A vibrant collection of melodic rock anthems, blending poignant lyrics with infectious hooks and Chrissie Hynde's distinctive vocals. Released on November 17, 1987, The Singles compiled the Pretenders' most popular tracks from their first five albums. By this time, the band had already established themselves as a significant force in alternative rock, building upon the success of their earlier hits like Brass in Pocket and Back on the Chain Gang. This compilation marked a period of transition as the group faced lineup changes and began to redefine their sound for a new era.

Who is The Singles for?

The Singles works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed listening, catchy anthems for sing-alongs and heartfelt melodies for nostalgic moments.

How many songs are on The Singles?

The Singles has 16 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Singles

The Pretenders · 1987

57 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collection of melodic rock anthems, blending poignant lyrics with infectious hooks and Chrissie Hynde's distinctive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brass in Pocket Start here — This track captures the band's signature blend of rock and new wave while showcasing Chrissie Hynde's confident vocal delivery and lyrical wit. Its infectious hook and relatable themes made it a defining anthem of empowerment in the late '70s.
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Back on the Chain Gang — A poignant reflection on loss and resilience, this song illustrates Hynde's ability to merge personal narrative with broader themes. Its powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, making it one of the band's most enduring tracks.
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Don't Get Me Wrong — This upbeat track showcases the Pretenders' knack for catchy melodies paired with introspective lyrics about love and communication. Its energetic vibe and memorable chorus highlight their pop sensibility within a rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The collection showcases strong songwriting and production, solidifying the Pretenders' unique sound in alternative rock.

What we noticed

Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with memorable hooks that are reinforced by Chrissie Hynde's distinctive vocal delivery.
The running order alternates between upbeat anthems and more reflective tracks, maintaining listener engagement throughout its length.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 pacing for relaxed listening
catchy anthems for sing-alongs
heartfelt melodies for nostalgic moments
vibrant energy for social gatherings
consistent flow throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

seekers of immediate gratification
prefer longer, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A compilation of popular tracks, ideal for new listeners to grasp the band's essence.
Themes: personal loss· melodic resilience
Career context: Released on November 17, 1987, The Singles compiled the Pretenders' most popular tracks from their first five albums. By this time, the band had already established themselves as a significant force in alternative rock, building upon the success of their earlier hits like Brass in Pocket and Back on the Chain Gang. This compilation marked a period of transition as the group faced lineup changes and began to redefine their sound for a new era.
Stylistic neighbors: The Bangles· Blondie· Siouxsie and the Banshees