CD review: The Pretenders

A solo album in all but name, the 10th effort from post-punk survivor Chrissie Hynde sees more trademark tender toughness, this time with an able supporting cast of session musos in tow.

Produced by Black Keys maestro Dan Auerbach, whose rootsy, retro flourishes enliven the title track’s swaggering rockabilly and Gotta Wait’s scuzzy blues stomp, Hynde extols the virtues of ploughing one’s own furrow with plenty of colourful kiss-offs, as well as fierce self-examination throughout.

Guitar hero Duane Eddy’s iconic twang adds zest to Never Be Together, and the self-lacerating I Hate Myself is as spirited as ever.

• The Pretenders. Alone. BMG. 

• Three stars (out of five)

Single download: Never Be Together
For those who like: Feisty frontwomen

— John Hayden