With 11 tracks on the Pretenders new album, Breaking up the Concrete, it is unreal to think that it was only recorded in 12 days. Still, taking risks is part of the rock band image. But while many regard the Pretenders as a rock band, their newest album indicates otherwise: Lyrics take the lead, while the instrumentals fall out into the background, which makes Break up the Concrete an album that lacks the power of their former work.
The Pretenders, who originated in Britain, are a rock band that started in the ’70s. They became famous in 1979 with their song “Stop your Sobbing,” but now most probably remember them from their ’90s ballad “I’ll Stand By You” or Guitar Hero-ed “Tattooed Love Boys.” The group has had to make many changes in its lineup due to the excessive drugs many members enjoyed as well as the deaths of some of those same users. Their new album now includes Martin Chambers, James Walbourne, Nick Wilkinson and Chrissie Hynde, who is the only original member of the Pretenders. Hynde is the lead vocalist as well as songwriter for the group, and she writes semi-autobiographical lyrics which make for powerful and thought-provoking lyrics.
On Breaking up the Concrete, the Pretenders’ lyrics provide insight into the past, political changes, race and, of course, love, and they draw listeners in with intriguing verses such as “And, by the way, you look fantastic/ In your boots of Chinese plastic” or “Don’t cut your hair/ Don’t cut your hair/ Whatever you do.” These are from the songs, “Boots of Chinese Plastic” and “Don’t Cut Your Hair,” respectively, both of which have fast tempos, quick lyrics and a unique sound.
“Don’t Cut Your Hair,” however, is the most comical and quirky song on the album. With lyrics like, “Don’t cut it/ Don’t chop it” and “If you got a man/ Go ahead and flaunt it/ Any guy is lying if he says he doesn’t want it/ Any guy is lying if he says he doesn’t want it” inspires images of long, crazy ’70s hair and the Pretenders not wanting to give up their precious locks into the listener’s imagination.
While the lyrics intrigued, the instrumentals did not. The Pretenders have a relaxed feeling to their songs; the music on this album is more calm and quiet and simply not as exciting. In “Almost Perfect” and “Don’t Lose Faith in Me,” Hynde’s voice is very soft and overly soothing. Her voice is the only thing heard, and the actual instrumentation can only be heard in snippets beneath her singing.
The Pretenders’ new album Break up the Concrete may be a bit milder than the music they used to play, but the captivating lyrics make up for the changes they’ve made. If you are looking for more rock music, check out their older material. The lyrics provide insight to Hynde’s personal world and give the band’s fans food for thought. While the instruments lag behind, the verses, filled with questions, adoration and quirky ideas, are sure to keep their listeners entertained.
3 stars out of 5
