The Pretenders

The Pretenders is a British-American new wave rock band that merged punk rock energy with melodies and rock and roll tradition (active 1978-present).

• AKA: Pretenders, The Pretenders Band, Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders.
• Context:
  • It can typically feature Chrissie Hynde as founding member, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter.
  • It can typically perform Pretenders Songs like "Brass in Pocket", "Back on the Chain Gang", "Don't Get Me Wrong", and "I'll Stand by You".
  • It can typically demonstrate Pretenders Sound through Hynde distinctive vocals, jangly guitars, and melodic rock arrangements.
  • It can typically showcase Pretenders Innovations via punk-pop fusion, female rock authority, and genre-crossing appeal.
  • It can typically create Pretenders Albums including "Pretenders (album)", "Learning to Crawl", and "Get Close".
  • ...
  • It can often blend Musical Influences from punk rock to power pop to alternative rock.
  • It can often feature Chrissie Hynde Songwriting with personal lyrics and social observations.
  • It can often experience Lineup Changes due to member deaths and personnel shifts.
  • It can often maintain Rock Credibility while achieving mainstream success and radio airplay.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Punk-Influenced Pretenders to being a Pop Rock Pretenders, depending on its Pretenders album era.
  • It can range from being a Band-Format Pretenders to being a Hynde-Centered Pretenders, depending on its Pretenders lineup configuration.
  • It can range from being a New Wave Pretenders to being an Adult Rock Pretenders, depending on its Pretenders stylistic period.
  • It can range from being a British Pretenders to being an American Pretenders, depending on its Pretenders geographic base.
  • ...
  • It can achieve Commercial Recognition with multiple platinum albums and top 40 hits.
  • It can face Early Tragedy with deaths of James Honeyman-Scott (1982) and Pete Farndon (1983).
  • It can establish Female Rock Leadership with Hynde artistic control and band direction.
  • It can earn Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2005.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • The Pretenders (1978-1982), forming original lineup and achieving breakthrough success.
  • The Pretenders (1983-1985), rebuilding after member losses with "Learning to Crawl".
  • The Pretenders (1986-1990), evolving sound with "Get Close" and pop rock direction.
  • The Pretenders (1991-2000), continuing as Hynde-led project with rotating members.
  • The Pretenders (2001-2015), releasing independent albums and consistent touring.
  • The Pretenders (2016-present), returning with "Alone" album and Dan Auerbach production.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Blondie, which had different new wave approach with disco influences.
  • Chrissie Hynde Solo, which represents individual work outside Pretenders band.
  • The Go-Go's, which was all-female band unlike Pretenders mixed lineup.
  • Siouxsie and the Banshees, which had darker post-punk sound than Pretenders rock approach.
  • The Motels, which was contemporary female-fronted band with different musical style.
• See: Rock Band, New Wave Band, Female-Fronted Rock Band, Chrissie Hynde, British-American Band, Punk Rock, Power Pop, 1980s Rock Band, Alternative Rock, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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