The Pretenders’ long career lives on with Viva El Amor! The band has consistently put out a high quality performance, and this latest album, their eighth, is no exception.
For the most part, there are no surprises on this cd. If you have enjoyed the Pretenders throughout the years, then you will most likely continue to do so here. Most of the songs are in their traditional almost down and dirty rock style, with a hint of pop. Stylistically, the sound ranges from a Caribbean flavor to blues to regular American classic rock. It is never twangy or too heavy, but sometimes a little too light. There is the ever-present power ballad selection, at which the band excels. Though the band is extremely talented on its own, its success is based around lead singer Chrissie Hynde. She must be in her late forties, but her voice is still as poignant and fresh as ever. There are no signs of the decay that has occurred with other rock divas such as the Wilson sisters of Heart and perhaps Pat Benatar. In one moment Chrissie wails metal style, as in the track “Popstar”, then sings a soft love ballad in the next, “From the Heart Down”. She is an extremely versatile vocalist after so many years of singing.
Lyrics on the album seem to have that ethereal, lovelorn quality that is often present in the Pretenders work. The only disappointing aspect lies in the fact that there are no really rocking tracks on Viva El Amor! “Rabo De Nube” is perhaps the best track on the album. It is exciting, dance-like and vivacious, and sort of a good new sound for the band. Essentially, Chrissie makes the music work. Instrumentals are muted to make her voice stand out even more. The guitar lines are often written to harmonize with Hynde’s vocals, and the effect is what makes the album.
All in all, the Pretenders are solid. I would highly recommend this album. It exhibits true talent that has grown with the roots of modern rock.
+S. Bennett
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