The Pretenders rose to fame with their breakout hit “Brass in Pocket” in the late 1979, featuring an empowering sound and lyrics penned by Chrissie Hynde and James Honeyman-Scott. The song, which appeared on their self-titled debut album, quickly climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1980. Rolling Stone hailed it as one of the greatest songs of all time, noting its pivotal role in propelling the Pretenders into pop stardom.
Despite its eventual success, “Brass in Pocket” almost didn’t make the cut for the album. In an interview with American Songwriter, Hynde revealed her initial dislike for the track, calling it out as too ambiguous and not quite hitting the mark. “I didn’t like it at first,” she confessed. “I said that would go out over my dead body. That was my famous quote.”
The song’s rise to the top of the charts was unexpected for Hynde, who remained perplexed by its popularity. Walking the streets of London and hearing it blasting from radios left her feeling surprised and somewhat embarrassed. She downplayed the notion that the song was meant to be an anthem for women, explaining that it was a simple rock tune without loaded meanings.
Despite her reservations, “Brass in Pocket” paved the way for the Pretenders’ success, leading to future hits like “Back on the Chain Gang” and “I’ll Stand By You.” Hynde eventually grew to appreciate the song for its role in her career, admitting that it was a highlight she now enjoys performing.
Looking back on the impact of “Brass in Pocket,” the track remains a defining moment for the Pretenders and Hynde’s career, showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock, pop, and Motown influences into an infectious sound that captivated audiences around the world.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.