Album: Learning to Crawl by Pretenders (1984)
Genre: Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: BMG
Format: Album

Description: After losing guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon to drug-related deaths, a sobered Pretenders returned to the spotlight with <i>Learning to Crawl</i>. Chrissie Hynde turned her distinctive contralto to sentimental songs, both romantic and reflective, that retained her trademark, clear-eyed bravado. Poignant singles like the shimmering love song "Show Me" and the rueful "Back on the Chain Gang" meshed perfectly with attitude-driven rockers "Middle of the Road" and "My City Was Gone".

Artist Background: The Pretenders were one of the seminal bands of the second British Invasion, rising out of London in 1979 with a forceful, self-titled first album. Their melodic but hard-charging sound suggested a union of punk and New Wave approaches. Moreover, being older and more seasoned than their punk peers, they drew inspiration from bands of the first British Invasion, including the Kinks and the Who, as well American soul music. Leader Chrissie Hynde was, in fact, an American expatriate who grew up ... Part of the Hereford, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Blondie, Joe Jackson, The Cars, The Go-Go's

Music Scene: Part of the Hereford, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Rock, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, BMG

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


After losing guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon to drug-related deaths, a sobered Pretenders returned to the spotlight with <i>Learning to Crawl</i>. Chrissie Hynde turned her distinctive contralto to sentimental songs, both romantic and reflective, that retained her trademark, clear-eyed bravado. Poignant singles like the shimmering love song "Show Me" and the rueful "Back on the Chain Gang" meshed perfectly with attitude-driven rockers "Middle of the Road" and "My City Was Gone".

Learning to Crawl

Pretenders

Track List

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