Learning to Crawl marked a significant turning point for The Pretenders, with Chrissie Hynde re-establishing the band as a formidable solo-driven entity. The album navigated personal tragedy with resilience, delivering a sound that was both raw and polished.
- The album was largely recorded by Chrissie Hynde with session musicians after the deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon. It reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and number 5 on the US Billboard 200. The title is a reference to a line from the T.S. Eliot poem "The Waste Land."
- The single "2000 Miles" became a perennial holiday season staple, despite not being explicitly a Christmas song. Learning to Crawl was the first Pretenders album to feature the lineup of Hynde, Robbie McIntosh, and Malcolm Foster. The album is certified Platinum in the US and Gold in the UK.
- Produced by Chris Thomas, the album balanced the band's punk roots with more accessible pop sensibilities. Learning to Crawl is often cited as one of Chrissie Hynde's most personal and autobiographical works. The record successfully navigated the band's internal turmoil, proving their enduring creative force.
The Pretenders, fronted by Chrissie Hynde, are a rock and roll band formed in 1978 in Hereford, England. They are best known for their distinctive blend of new wave, post-punk, and classic rock influences. In 1984, The Pretenders were at a pivotal moment, recovering from the death of key members and forging a new path.
Tracklist
