The Pretenders are opening for Stevie Nicks at the Xcel Energy Center tonight. As I stated in an earlier post about Stevie Nicks, both of these artists have plenty of music to draw from in their long storied careers, so this should be a memorable concert for those who go.

Chrissy Hynde is still at the helm of this hit-making machine out of the '80s. Through various line-up changes, this Hereford, England-based rock band has enjoyed a long career and have churned out 10 studio albums, two live recordings, 33 singles and more. Hynde and The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2005. Hynde has been the only consistent member of the band as two of the founding members, James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, passed away from drug-related circumstances and Martin Chambers left the band for a few years but has returned. Currently they are touring in support of their October 2016 album release, Alone.

Here's my Top Five Favorite Singles from The Pretenders:

  • 1

    Brass in Pocket

    From The Pretenders' debut and self-titled release, this was their breakthrough hit, topping out at No. 1 in the UK and No. 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

  • 2

    Talk of the Town

    This single went to No. 8 in the UK but failed to chart in the U.S.

  • 3

    Back on the Chain Gang

    Okay, I'll admit it. I crank this one up whenever I hear it. This is probably my favorite track by this band, and I'm not alone because it went to No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and scored them a Top 40 hit in several countries around the world.

  • 4

    My City Was Gone

    Hynde mentions Akron, Ohio, as well as various locations in and around her hometown, in this single.

  • 5

    Middle of the Road

    From The Pretenders' third album, Learning to Crawl, which they released in 1984, this single peaked at No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

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