It’s hard to pinpoint how exactly Chrissie Hynde hasn’t lost her rock and roll edge. She’s made a few detours — as any seasoned musician should. But she always comes back to the Pretenders, pens songs that fit the band’s style, and makes it all sound and feel so effortless. She does it brilliantly on Hate For Sale, the 11th Pretenders album and every bit a contender for one of the group’s finer latter-day releases. Unlike 2016’s Alone, this is a group effort with all the songs credited to Hynde and guitarist James Walbourne, and original drummer Martin Chambers appearing on his first Pretenders album since 2002’s Loose Screw.
Over the course of 10 fairly strong numbers, the Pretenders assert their might. Hynde digs in from the start, blowing harp and tossing out snarky lines like, “Money in the bank and coke in his pocket, Porn all day, wanks like a rocket…” Another spurned punk thrown overboard, perhaps? She softens up with that trademark purr and vibrato on the more subservient “The Buzz.” Somehow, in its mid-tempo sway, skipping through Walbourne’s subtle lines, the sting isn’t so harsh. The reggae hop behind “Lightening Man” only makes sassy rockers like “Turf Accountant Daddy” and I Did Not Know When To Stop” more infectious.
“You Can’t Hurt A Fool” reigns in the angst and offers a glimpse of Hynde’s vulnerable side with a soulful vocal and smooth arrangement. By all accounts, the singer has never sounded better. And much like “The Buzz,” a song like “Maybe Love Is In NYC” just screams classic Pretenders. You’ll either dig or loathe the scratchy “Junkie Walk,” though you can’t fault Hynde’s street cred. The Buddy Holly bounce behind “Didn’t Want To Be The Lonely” assures its place on the setlist for the postponed 2020 tour with Journey. No word on when that will happen.
A piano and string section guide Hynde through the emotive stanzas of “Crying In Public.” It’s a proper end to an album built around mood, honesty and longevity. At a time when the world order has been turned upside down, an album called Hate For Sale almost falls in line with the narrative. Really though, as long as outfits like the Pretenders can keep it real and lively for those of us yearning for simpler times and less drama, things just may work out for the better. Until then, best turn it up, relax and remember what it was like when the Pretenders first burst onto the world’s stage 40 years ago. In that respect, very little has changed.
~ Shawn Perry
