Pretenders II

Pretenders II, released in 1981, tightens the band's blend of rock, new wave and post-punk into concise, melodic songs that pair chiming, punchy guitar work with Chrissie Hynde's cool, expressive vocals. The record emphasizes focused pop-rock hooks and layered guitar interplay, building on the debut's raw energy while leaning toward more polished arrangements and a balance of toughness and vulnerability in the songwriting.