Pretenders II

I feel about the Pretenders as I did Elvis Costello and the Beatles-they gave rock a solid kick in the pants! A decent sophomore effort for the group, this expanded edition gives you a taste of what it was like to hear them live on the second disc. With a second Ray Davies cover, and "Louie, Louie", you may think that the band pulled out all the stops on their first album, then just coasted for the second one-you'd be wrong, but it's easy to see why. When you consider the output over the past 30 years, and all the turmoil in between, Chrissie Hynde was developing as a songwriter. Pretenders ll was a necessary step in that evolutionary process. Get the first album with 2nd companion disc, and the expanded 3rd and 4th albums, and you won't really need the box set. But...get that too!

Chrissie Hynde is one of the very best singers/songwriters in the business. I always get a charge out of her and her group whenever I listen to one of their CDs. This one is no different. Chrissie has an unmistakable voice, full of emotion, energy and vitality - the top female rocker around. She gives a satisfying listening experience matched by only a few performers. I'm not going to critique and over-analyze each song, because any CD should be judged in its entirety, as one creative offering to followers and the public. As with any CD by anyone, there will be varying degrees of satisfaction with the songs. The Pretenders never disappoint, and very often blow you away. Chrissie and her group do more than satisfy, they make me want to play it through 2-3 times. How many can you say that about today?

Most people prefer the first album, but this is my favorite as Chrissy and the boys get down and gritty with this one. So don't be a Bad Boy, that is unless you want to get spanked!

If you enjoyed their first album, Pretenders II will not disappoint! There's no sophomore slump here. For any Pretenders fan, this is a must have!

This is one of my fav albums. So much energy but more polished than first album. Lyrics make sense and musicianship is fantastic. Unlike their first remastered album, the second disc adds a lot to the set. I miss these guys!

excellent band, record came in perfect shape

Still among the best from the 80s, 90s music and has made the transition to the 21st century. Midwest mets NYC. I seen the band live and looking forward to the next tour.

love this album.