The Pretenders

The Pretenders

alternative rock

United Kingdom Est. 1978

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

Start here

Begin with The Pretenders…

Alone

Alone

2016
Play this

Career Arc

The Pretenders's discography from 1979 to 2023

1979 2001 2023
Pretenders (1979) Brass in Pocket (1979) Kid / Tattooed Love Boys (1979) Talk of the Town (1980) Precious (1980) Pretenders II (1981) Extended Play (1981) I Go to Sleep / The Engli... (1981) Back On The Chain Gang /... (1982) Middle of the Road (1983) 2000 Miles (1983) Learning to Crawl (1984) Get Close (1986) Don't Get Me Wrong (1986) Hymn to Her (1986) The Singles (1987) Kid (Remix) (1987) Where Has Everybody Gone? (1987) Packed! (1990) Last of the Independents (1994)
The Pretenders matter for their raw, unfiltered expression of emotional landscapes that resonate with the complexities of modern relationships and identity.
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.

Full discography

The Pretenders's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

31 releases • 17 albums • 1 EP • 1979–2023
Type:

EPs ()

Extended Play album by The Pretenders

Extended Play

1981

Singles ()

I'll Stand by You / Rebel Rock Me / Bold as Love album by The Pretenders

I'll Stand by You / Rebel Rock Me / Bold as Love

1994

Kid (Remix) album by The Pretenders

Kid (Remix)

1987

Where Has Everybody Gone? album by The Pretenders

Where Has Everybody Gone?

1987

Don't Get Me Wrong album by The Pretenders

Don't Get Me Wrong

1986

Hymn to Her album by The Pretenders

Hymn to Her

1986

Middle of the Road album by The Pretenders

Middle of the Road

1983

2000 Miles album by The Pretenders

2000 Miles

1983

Back On The Chain Gang / My City Was Gone album by The Pretenders

Back On The Chain Gang / My City Was Gone

1982

I Go to Sleep / The English Roses album by The Pretenders

I Go to Sleep / The English Roses

1981

Talk of the Town album by The Pretenders

Talk of the Town

1980

Precious album by The Pretenders

Precious

1980

Brass in Pocket album by The Pretenders

Brass in Pocket

1979

Kid / Tattooed Love Boys album by The Pretenders

Kid / Tattooed Love Boys

1979

No releases match the current filters.

Like The Pretenders? Try these next

Similar artists with their own starting points

Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Pretenders sound like?

The Pretenders generate a tense interplay between sharp, rhythmic guitar lines and emotive vocal delivery, creating an environment of both urgency and introspection. Rooted in alternative rock. Start with Learning to Crawl.

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.

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.

How many albums does The Pretenders have?

The Pretenders has 31 releases in their discography, including 17 albums and 1 EP.

Apple Music Spotify Youtube Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Wikipedia