Pretenders Relentless LP (Baby Pink Vinyl)

TAS Rated 3.5/5 Music, 4/5 Sonics in the December 2023 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

'Relentless' features 12 all-new songs, crafted between legendary Chrissie Hynde and Pretenders' guitarist James Walbourne, who has recorded with everyone from Dave Gahan to Jerry Lee Lewis.

In a note, Chrissie Hynde explains that the two balance one another, explaining:

"We had developed this method of working remotely and it seemed like we just kept on doing it for this album. This is something that we've honed down to an art in the last few years. He always comes up with something I wouldn't have thought of myself and I love surprises."

New single 'Let The Sun Come In' feels like an apt starting point, and it comes as The Pretenders prepare for a hectic summer. A flurry of club shows are accompanied by massive festival headline slots, with the iconic group going back out on the road.

As for the album title itself, Chrissie adds…

"I enjoy seeing the various meanings and origins of a word. And I liked the definition: "showing no abatement of intensity". It's the life of the artist. You never retire. You become relentless."

Produced by David Wrench and recorded at Battery Studios in West London.

...another robust late-career set that exceeds expectations.

The balance of this record is anchored by ballads, like the tender, finger-picked 'Look Away,' and the enigmatic 'The Copa.' This melancholy streak of songs tempers the overall record with a slightly muted feel. In a graceful finale, 'I Think About You Daily,' Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead arranges a string accompaniment that imbues a lovely glow to Hynde's delicate piano ode; her strong, clear voice has rarely sounded better than on this mournful, breakup reminder.