For the album she is aided by UK guitarist James Walbourne, the pedal steel of Eric Heywood, bassist Nick Wilkinson, and legendary drummer Jim Keltner. They work as a fine combination and there is an effective live immediacy to the recordings.
Break Up The Concrete has many highlights. They include, “The Nothing Maker” a song that could have us looking deeply into the mirror. “Don’t Lose Faith In Me” which has a world weary blues vibe with Chrissie almost pleading during a characteristically wonderful performance. The country infused radio friendly “Love’s A Mystery”, the catchy “The Last Ride”, and the dreamy “Almost Perfect” ensure that the album moves along nicely. “You Don’t Have To” just has to be one of those Chrissie life experience songs.
There is a mix of styles with the jagged punk of “Don’t Cut Your Hair” and the blues boogie of “Rosalee” adding an eclectic feel to the whole. The title track has Chrissie verbally breaking up the concrete to a Bo Diddley beat, for a cause close to her heart, the environment. The utterly superb “One Thing Never Changes” is sadness personified, a pedal steel closer that will leave you staring into the half distance.
The journey back full circle to Ohio has clearly connected Chrissie to a vein of creativity that has helped make Break Up The Concrete an outstanding achievement.
When she sings, we listen. It is as simple and effective as that.
Go to The Pretenders official website or the Myspace profile for news on the album.
Article comments
1 - Brien Comerford
"Break Up The Concrete" verifies why Chrissie Hynde is the greatest female vocalist in music. Her vocals are rugged, tender, poignant and resonant. The animal loving vegetarian delivers the musical goods again.