What is the best The Pretenders album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Learning to Crawl" (1984). It's the most representative of what makes The Pretenders worth hearing.

What are the best The Pretenders albums?

The essential The Pretenders albums include "Pretenders" (1979), "Brass in Pocket" (1979), "Talk of the Town" (1980), "Pretenders II" (1981) and "Extended Play" (1981).

How many albums does The Pretenders have?

The Pretenders has 32 releases in their discography, including 12 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: Calan · Public domain

The Pretenders

Q: Who is The Pretenders for?

If you're into alternative rock, The Pretenders is worth your time. The Pretenders generate a tense interplay between sharp, rhythmic guitar lines and emotive vocal delivery, creating an environment of both urgency and introspection.

The Pretenders generate a tense interplay between sharp, rhythmic guitar lines and emotive vocal delivery, creating an environment of both urgency and introspection.

alternative rock

United Kingdom Est. 1978

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Start here

The album

Learning to Crawl album by The Pretenders

Learning to Crawl (1984)

Presents a cohesive blend of their signature sound, balancing urgency and introspection while showcasing the band's evolution.

The song

“Brass in Pocket”

An engaging track that encapsulates their style with a memorable hook, making it an ideal introduction to The Pretenders.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Popstar" — from ¡Viva el Amor! (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Brass in Pocket" — from Greatest Hits (2000)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Never Do That" — from Packed! (1990)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Alone" — from Alone (2016)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"The Adultress" — from Pretenders II (1981)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Losing My Sense of Taste" — from Relentless (2023)

establishes the sonic palette early

About The Pretenders

The Pretenders matter for their raw, unfiltered expression of emotional landscapes that resonate with the complexities of modern relationships and identity.

Emerging at a time when rock was evolving, they carved out a space that combined the grit of punk with poignant lyrical storytelling, influencing countless artists who strive to balance vulnerability and defiance in their own work. Their approach merges a punchy sonic backbone with a knack for melody, driven by a distinctive blend of guitar riffs and rhythmic precision. This allows them to create an engaging contrast between driving energy and introspective moments, often infusing their tracks with an urgency that compels listeners to confront both personal and broader social issues. In their songwriting, themes frequently revolve around love's contradictions and the search for authenticity in a chaotic world. The voice is often conversational yet charged, striking a balance between irony and sincerity, which grounds their narratives in relatable experiences. Through vivid storytelling and impressionistic touches, they evoke complex emotions without relying on overt sentimentality.

12 studio albums· 32 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom