What is Chrissie Hynde’s new album about?
Chrissie Hynde
Rock legend Chrissie Hynde, the unmistakable voice of The Pretenders, has once again proven her musical brilliance with the release of her latest project, ‘Duets Special’, set to drop this Friday, October 17, via Parlophone Records. The 13-track album is a masterclass in collaboration, showcasing Hynde’s timeless vocals alongside a powerhouse lineup of artists spanning generations and genres.
From The Killers’ Brandon Flowers to Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Garbage’s Shirley Manson, and the late Mark Lanegan, ‘Duets Special’ feels like an intimate conversation between music legends—each track blending nostalgia with raw artistry.
A Passion Project Decades in the Making
Speaking exclusively with NME, Hynde revealed that the idea for ‘Duets Special’ came about unexpectedly in 2023 during a casual chat with Jörn Weisbrodt, husband to singer Rufus Wainwright.
“I thought, maybe Rufus and I should do something,” she shared. “I quickly scribbled out ten songs, and that’s how it started—a spontaneous idea that grew into something magical.”
That spark evolved into a 13-song record exploring love, loss, and legacy—delivered through a series of deeply emotional performances.
Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry & Other Iconic Collaborations
The album opens with “Me and Mrs. Jones”, featuring the legendary k.d. lang, before transitioning to a moving duet of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with Mark Lanegan—a bittersweet collaboration since the two never met before his passing in 2022.
On “I’m Not In Love”, Hynde found her perfect partner in Brandon Flowers, whose smooth, haunting delivery beautifully complements her smoky tone. “Brandon was the perfect fit,” she said. “His voice just elevated the track.”
Other highlights include Lucinda Williams on “Sway”, Cat Power on Morrissey’s “First of the Gang to Die”, and Julian Lennon—son of John Lennon—on “It’s Only Love”, a deeply emotional father-son tribute that fans are already calling the heart of the record.
Hynde also reunites with Debbie Harry for “Try To Sleep”, a tribute to the late Mimi Parker of Low, and joins forces with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on “You’re My Soul and Inspiration.” Each track celebrates connection—between artists, between eras, and between fans who’ve followed Hynde’s journey for over four decades.
Beyond Covers: A Testament to Musical Kinship
What sets ‘Duets Special’ apart isn’t just the names involved—it’s the sincerity. Hynde’s collaborations feel effortless, not commercial. “This wasn’t about making a big record,” she said. “It was about creating something real with people I admire.”
From Fred Neil’s “Dolphins” featuring Dave Gahan to “Every Little Bit Hurts” with Carleen Anderson, Hynde reimagines classic songs with contemporary flair. Every lyric feels lived-in, every note earned.
For fans of The Pretenders, the album feels like a gift—an invitation to rediscover the songs that shaped generations, filtered through Hynde’s unmatched artistry and authenticity.
Tracklist:
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Me & Mrs. Jones (feat. k.d. lang)
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Can’t Help Falling In Love (feat. Mark Lanegan)
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Sway (feat. Lucinda Williams)
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Dolphins (feat. Dave Gahan)
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First Of The Gang To Die (feat. Cat Power)
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Always On My Mind (feat. Rufus Wainwright)
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Every Little Bit Hurts (feat. Carleen Anderson)
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I’m Not In Love (feat. Brandon Flowers)
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It’s Only Love (feat. Julian Lennon)
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Try To Sleep (feat. Debbie Harry)
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County Line (feat. Alan Sparhawk)
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Love Letters (feat. Shirley Manson)
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(You’re My) Soul And Inspiration (feat. Dan Auerbach)
FAQ Section
Q1: What is Chrissie Hynde’s new album about?
‘Duets Special’ is a collaborative covers album featuring 13 classic tracks reimagined with guest performances by some of the biggest names in music.
Q2: Who are some of the featured artists?
The album includes duets with Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry, Cat Power, Lucinda Williams, Rufus Wainwright, Mark Lanegan, and Julian Lennon, among others.
Q3: When will ‘Duets Special’ be released?
The album drops on Friday, October 17, 2025, via Parlophone Records.
Q4: Is this Chrissie Hynde’s first covers album?
No. Her earlier solo works ‘Valve Bone Woe’ (2019) and ‘Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan’ (2021) also explored covers, though ‘Duets Special’ brings a new collaborative twist.
Q5: Which duet was the most emotional for Chrissie Hynde?
Her collaboration with the late Mark Lanegan on Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” was particularly poignant, as she never met him before his passing.