The Pretenders are a British-American rock band formed in 1978 in London, fronted by American singer and guitarist Chrissie Hynde. The band’s sound blends elements of punk rock, new wave, and pop, and they are known for their catchy melodies, sharp guitar riffs, and Hynde’s distinctive voice. The Pretenders’ debut album, Pretenders (1980), was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Brass in Pocket” and “Kid,” which became staples of rock radio. The album’s blend of punk energy, pop sensibilities, and Hynde’s unique songwriting set the band apart from other new wave acts of the time. Their follow-up album, Pretenders II (1981), continued this success with tracks like “Message of Love” and “Talk of the Town,” further solidifying their place in the rock pantheon. The Pretenders’ music was characterized by Hynde’s feminist themes, sharp lyrics, and a willingness to tackle personal and social issues in her songwriting. Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes, with Hynde remaining the constant driving force behind the group. Despite this, the Pretenders maintained their relevance with albums like Learning to Crawl (1984) and The Isle of View (1995), which included hits such as “I’ll Stand By You” and “Middle of the Road.” Throughout their career, the Pretenders have been praised for their ability to mix pop, rock, and punk elements in a way that has influenced numerous other bands, especially female-fronted groups in the alternative and punk scenes. The Pretenders remain one of the most enduring acts in rock music, with Chrissie Hynde’s strong voice and songwriting continuing to define their sound.