Think of this long awaited studio album as if it were the first Pretenders record: musical turf that's defined by attitude, lyrical and melodic mastery, and the unexpected...and Chrissie Hynde's voice as you've always known it. "Break Up The Concrete" is an authentic slice of rock Americana, ranging from blistering punk to the most delicate storytelling as told by the queen of rock royalty herself.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Chrissie's back:
I'm gay but there's always been one woman for me: Chrissie Hynde. OK, so I spent a few years in Purgatory (Ohio) but she's always been my rock'n'roll savior. I hadn't spent much time with her for many years until this one came out, and now, once again, I'm drinking the kool aid. This one goes all the way back to the first album, with raw energy, punkish rage, but also some shamelessly sappy pathos. Chinese Plastic and Break Up the Concrete can put to shame ANY rocker out there. the ballads make me cry like... more info
Not up to usual standard:
Pretty disappointing with not a single remarkable song. After so many great albums over the years this is a miss rather than a hit.
What the h-e double hockey sticks is this?:
Chrissie poo what happened? There are a total of 4 songs that make the grade. The title track, Dont lose faith, Loves a mystery, and the outstanding rocker Rosalee. The Chinese plastic song is unbelievably bad. How this track got on the album and is the opening track is truly a mystery achievement. I still love you and hope you will bear my love child someday.
Not as good as I expected...listen to samples first!!:
I saw Chrissy and the Pretenders perform Boots of Chinese Plastic on the Letterman Show and LOVED it. It brought me back to the days of their earlier recordings. I went out and bought the disc the next day. First song, Boots of Chinese Plastic, loved it! Here we go, great rockin' album. Second song, slow, still great songwriting, press next....my head is getting that twinge it gets when listening to country music. More country. Oh, a great blues tune...but still sounds country-ish. Lots of that peddle steel... more info
