It seems strange that only now, 34 years on from the release of the Pretenders’ debut, we’re getting a taste of Chrissie Hynde as a solo artist.
‘Stockholm’ is the first record released under one of the great names in modern rock but, in truth, it’s more of a collaborative effort than its billing might suggest.
Recorded and partly co-written with Björn Yttling, of Peter, Björn and John, in the titular city, here we find Hynde open to ideas and eager to rope in a few familiar faces. Accordingly, there’s no great unmasking, no bleeding heart on display, simply a collection of pop-rock songs largely classic in arrangement and safe in delivery.
Hynde, of course, still sounds wonderful. One of the defining voices in popular music since her bow with the Pretenders, it was inconceivable that she’d drop the ball on this one.
As the chorus of Dark Sunglasses, the lead single, unfurls its wings she delivers a couple of jabs at comfortable superficiality in the sort of sharp, melodic tone that made her name: “A kind of glamour you can lend yourself, like dark sunglasses.”
You Or No One and Like In The Movies are further treats, both enjoyably mournful in the way that only the best pop songs can be, while Down The Wrong Way sinks its hooks in immediately thanks to the record’s best guitar line, courtesy of Neil Young.
Unfortunately, after a sure-footed start ‘Stockholm’ meanders, with only the delicate Tourniquet (Cynthia Anne) and lilting closer Adding The Blue hitting similar heights. These late highlights are left strung out at the record’s end, and the journey through You’re The One, A Plan Too Far and House Of Cards is not the most engaging.
Hynde, though, remains a compelling presence. She’s been around for long enough to not give two shits about what anyone has to say, and that attitude makes its way onto ‘Stockholm’, which isn’t perfect, but is honest and delivered with conviction.
Chrissie Hynde Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sat June 14 2014 - LONDON Royal Festival Hall
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