The Singles

The Pretenders burst on the scene in the early '80s with one of the most compelling presentations of rock and roll ever seen. This collection, which highlights their A and B sides up until the mid-'80s, shows that Chrissie Hynde and co-conspirators were true masters of the rock single. Tracks such as Brass in Pocket, Middle of the Road, Stop Your Sobbing and the highly underrated Message of Love are spectacularly performed, written, and produced. The early band, especially with James Honeyman-Scott's hook-laden guitar playing, was capable of miracles, and you'll find examples of that on virtually every cut.