Pretenders  by The Pretenders

The self-titled debut of the Pretenders, released in January 1980, remains one of the most dynamic and influential albums in rock history, combining the raw energy of punk with the irresistible melody of pop. This album marked the beginning of a new era for rock, with Chrissie Hynde establishing herself as one of the most iconic and authentic female presences in music.

The band's original producer was Nick Lowe, who took on the production of their first single, the cover of the Kinks' Stop Your Sobbing. Despite the success of the track, Lowe parted ways afterwards, even stating that the band was "going nowhere." The reins were taken over by the experienced Chris Thomas, known for his work with the Sex Pistols and Roxy Music. Under his guidance, the band worked on Chrissie Hynde's demos for almost two years, crafting a sound that was both wild and radio-friendly. The biggest hit of the album, Brass In Pocket, almost never got released. Chrissie Hynde initially hated it, considering it inferior, and it took the strong insistence of producer Chris Thomas to convince her to include it. Despite the album's punk style, songs like Tattooed Love Boys and The Wait used complex rhythm changes, showcasing the technical skills of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and drummer Martin Chambers.

The Pretenders immediately soared to No. 1 on the British charts, staying there for four weeks, while also reaching the 9th position on the American Billboard 200, soon becoming platinum.