My Top 10 Favorite Songs by The Pretenders, Ranked

Fronted by the fierce vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders are one of the most iconic bands nearly 50 years since their debut. Here are the ten best songs by the English alt-rock band:

#10: “Precious” (Pretenders)

A punk rock staple of The Pretenders’ live sets, this hard-hitting single is a favorite from the band’s debut album. It’s got everything — sharp lyrics, bluesy bass lines, jangly guitars, and plenty of attitude.    

#9: “Love’s a Mystery” (Break Up the Concrete)

Hynde’s vocals truly shine in this mid-tempo, alt-country 2008 tune, with a gorgeous pedal-steel guitar opening. The lyrics — an ode to the bittersweet experience of falling in love — are truly relatable to every listener.

#8: “Talk of the Town” (Extended Play)

An ode to The Pretenders’ then-newfound fame, this 1980 single’s is airy, breezy, dark pop goodness. Released first as a single and then on the Pretenders’ 1981 EP Extended Play, the band’s 1981 album Pretenders II features a shorter version of the song, which was reportedly inspired by a London nightclub and a fan of the band.

#7: “Don’t Get Me Wrong” (Get Close)

This 1986 single is fun, upbeat, and the perfect accompaniment for coastal drives in any continent. It would have been the perfect first dance for my imaginary ’80s wedding.

#6: “Middle of the Road” (Learning to Crawl)

With its catchy “woo hoo” vocal hook and dark, road-trip vibes, “Middle of the Road” is one of the Pretenders’ most memorable ’80s post-punk anthems. Fun fact: The 1983 song was a staple on early ’90s alternative radio (which is how I heard it as a teen). The harmonica solo at the end of the song gives it that extra-special kick.

#5: “Brass in Pocket” (Pretenders)  

The 1979 single, the band’s third, is arguably The Pretenders’ biggest hit. It scored number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in January 1980 (making it the first new number-one single of the 1980s) and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, according to reports. It’s got one of the best singalong refrains too, starting with Hynde’s confident declaration, “I’m gonna make you, make you, make you, notice!”

#4: “I’ll Stand by You” (Last of The Independents)

I’ll never forget the first time I saw The Pretenders perform in 2022 — and, specifically, perform this 1994 hit. Simply put, it blew me away. With Hynde’s powerful vocals and emotive lyrics, “I’ll Stand By You” is a testament to lasting friendship and perseverance.

#3: “2,000 Miles” (Learning to Crawl)

Though it’s not a Christmas song, this song always reminds me of the holidays, with the wintry lyrical references and the nostalgic love story. I always miss home and feel teary eyed when I hear the 1984 single.

#2: “Message of Love” (Pretenders II)

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t in love with “Message of Love,” when I was asked to play it for a once-in-a-lifetime rock show (the CTGB rock showcase in Connecticut) – but with every hour I spent learning to strum and sing it, the singe, recorded in Paris, grew on me. The lyrics aren’t earthshattering – but the untypical pacing of the verses, glittery refrain, and unique beat are so glorious that I found myself singing the song for months after the event.

Notably, the drums deserve extra special credit on the 1981 tune: According to Wikipedia, Ultimate Classic Rock critic Bryan Wawzenek rated it as drummer Martin Chambers’ 3rd best Pretenders songs, saying that “He gets to swing and slam on this monstrous Pretenders song; he might as well be playing a lead instrument.”

#1: “Back on the Chain Gang” (Back on the Chain Gang)

From the moment she reminisces on a picture she found, this gorgeous pop-rock hit with its punchy “oohs” and “aahs” has me. And I’m not alone: As American Songwriter observes, “it’s not all that often that an artist’s best song is also their biggest hit/ The Pretenders can claim that distinction with the gorgeously bittersweet ‘Back On the Chain Gang.’”

The 1982 song, apparently borrowing from the Sam Cooke hit “Chain Gang,” “reflects Chrissie Hynde’s feelings of sorrow surrounding the death of original guitarist James Honeyman-Scott,” according to AS.

It’s brilliant, poetic, and inspired. And for all of those reasons, it’s my number 1.

Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the founder and editor of Rockmommy.