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Get Close
Studio album by
the Pretenders
Released20 October 1986
Studio
Genre
Length47:01
LabelReal (UK), Sire (US)
Producer
The Pretenders chronology
Learning to Crawl
(1984) 		Get Close
(1986) 		The Singles
(1987)
Singles from Get Close
  1. "Don't Get Me Wrong"
    Released: 22 September 1986[1]
  2. "Hymn to Her"
    Released: 1 December 1986
  3. "My Baby"
    Released: January 1987
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[2]
Chicago TribuneStarStar[3]
Robert ChristgauB[5]
The Music BoxStarStar[4]
Rolling StoneUnfavorable[6]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar[7]

Get Close is the fourth studio album by rock band the Pretenders, released on 20 October 1986 in the United Kingdom by Real Records and on 4 November 1986 in the United States by Sire Records. The album contains the band's two highest-charting Mainstream Rock Tracks entries, "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "My Baby", both of which reached number one.

The album would be the last Pretenders album with drummer Martin Chambers until Last of the Independents. Hynde fired Chambers because she thought his playing was unsatisfactory, though she would acknowledge in interviews that it was because he was still coping with the deaths of former members Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott and it was affecting him musically.

Background

[edit]

The Pretenders' previous album, Learning to Crawl (1984), was a critical and commercial success.[8] On the heels of its success the band performed at Live Aid in 1985. The same year Chrissie Hynde appeared with UB40 on their number-one single "I Got You Babe".[9]

Get Close, recorded during a particularly transitional period of the band's career, consisted of a variety of sessions and included multiple personnel. The early recording sessions, produced by Steve Lillywhite, started with the Learning to Crawl lineup put together by Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers (following the deaths of fellow founding Pretenders James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon) including guitarist Robbie McIntosh and bass guitarist Malcolm Foster (in addition to the band's touring keyboard player Rupert Black). These first sessions resulted in the recording of a cover version of Jimi Hendrix's "Room Full of Mirrors", which would become the album's closing track.[10] Shortly after the sessions, Hynde decided that Chambers' playing had deteriorated: "Martin was playing crap. Martin just fucking lost it, and to think about it, why shouldn't he have lost it? He'd just lost his two best friends. I was insane. I was traumatised. But you don't know it at the time. I was trying to keep my shit together. To be honest Martin was playing crap and I knew musically I was losing my inspiration. But I'd tried too hard and come too far to let it all go, so Martin went instead."[9]

Having fired Chambers from the band, Hynde was left as the only remaining original member. Foster's departure shortly afterwards left the band without a rhythm section.[10] With Jimmy Iovine and Bob Clearmountain taking over production duties, about half of the album was recorded by Hynde and McIntosh with high-profile session players. Bass guitar was provided by Bruce Thomas (of the Attractions), Chucho Merchán and John McKenzie, and drums by Simon Phillips, Steve Jordan and Mel Gaynor, then of Simple Minds, with assorted keyboards and synthesizers provided by Tommy Mandel, Patrick Seymour, Funkadelic's Bernie Worrell, Bruce Brody (ex-Patti Smith Band) and Wix Wickens. Carlos Alomar made further contributions on percussion and synthesizer programming.

The later album sessions featured contributions from two further musicians: former James Brown bass guitarist T.M. Stevens and ex-Haircut One Hundred drummer Blair Cunningham. Towards the end of the sessions, Stevens and Cunningham were recruited into the band full-time. On release, Get Close was credited to a formal Pretenders lineup of Hynde, McIntosh, Stevens and Cunningham, despite the latter two members only having played on half of the album. All four musicians appeared on the album cover art, as had been the case with previous Pretenders albums. Unlike previous albums, however, this time Hynde was the only member pictured on the front cover, emphasizing her dominance of the band (as would be the case with all subsequent Pretenders album art).

In comparison to the New Wave stylings of the first three Pretenders albums, Get Close had a strong funk element (partially due to the substantial session contributions from American funk, soul and rhythm and blues players). The album also featured Pretenders' first power ballad: "Hymn to Her", a paean to femininity, written by Hynde's former schoolfriend Meg Keene. The band also recorded a Carlos Alomar song, "Light of the Moon".

Tour and aftermath

[edit]

As the Pretenders embarked on their 1986 tour in support of the album, Bernie Worrell was added to the live band on keyboards. Despite the strength of the musicians in the new lineup, it only took a few gigs for Hynde to realise that what had seemed to work for Pretenders in the studio was not right for live work, and that she was now fronting a slick funk band poorly suited to her ideas. She is quoted saying: "It wasn't an English pop band anymore. It wasn't the Pretenders."[9] Halfway through the tour, on the advice of manager Dave Hill, Hynde sacked Stevens and Worrell in an attempt to salvage the situation (although Cunningham was retained), a decision she would later refer to as ruthless.[9] Malcolm Foster and Rupert Black were rapidly re-hired to complete the band's live commitment. At the end of the tour, Robbie McIntosh also left the band.[9]

Much later, McIntosh and Cunningham would be re-united in 1991 as members of Paul McCartney's backing band (appearing together on McCartney's 1991 album Unplugged, 1993 album Off the Ground and the subsequent live release Paul Is Live). According to Paul McCartney's book, it was Linda McCartney (who was a friend of Hynde's) who recommended McIntosh to him.[citation needed]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Chrissie Hynde, except where noted. All tracks produced by Bob Clearmountain and Jimmy Iovine except "Room Full of Mirrors" produced by Steve Lillywhite.

Get Close track listing
No.TitleLength
1."My Baby"4:07
2."When I Change My Life"3:38
3."Light of the Moon" (Carlos Alomar, Genevieve Gazon, Wayne Ragland)3:57
4."Dance!"6:46
5."Tradition of Love"5:27
6."Don't Get Me Wrong"3:46
7."I Remember You"2:38
8."How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?"3:48
9."Chill Factor"3:27
10."Hymn to Her" (Meg Keene)4:58
11."Room Full of Mirrors" (Jimi Hendrix)4:44
2007 reissue bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
12."Hold a Candle to This" (alternate version)3:44
13."World Within Worlds"3:47
14."Tradition of Love" (remix)6:13
15."Dance!" (take 1)5:06
16."Don't Get Me Wrong" (live)3:49
17."Thumbelina" (live)5:01

Personnel

[edit]

The Pretenders

Additional personnel

Technical

  • Bruce Lampcov – engineer
  • Helen Backhouse – design
  • Richard Haughton – cover photography

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Get Close
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[27] Gold 7,500^
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[28] Platinum 100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[29] Gold 100,000^
United States (RIAA)[30] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Get Close

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Get Close is the fourth studio album by English-American rock band , released on October 20, 1986, in the United Kingdom by Real Records and on November 4, 1986, in the United States by . The album, primarily written by lead singer and songwriter , represents a stylistic evolution from the band's earlier new wave and punk influences toward a broader palette incorporating , , and R&B elements. It features 11 tracks, including the standout singles "", which peaked at number 10 on the and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and "My Baby", which reached number 64 on the but topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Get Close achieved commercial success, peaking at number 6 on the , where it spent 28 weeks, and number 25 on the . Critically, the album received mixed to positive reviews for its adventurous production and Hynde's songwriting, though some noted it as a transitional work amid lineup changes following the deaths of original members and . The record was produced by and and recorded at studios including AIR Studios in and The Power Station in New York.

Background and development

Lineup changes

The Pretenders experienced significant lineup instability in the early 1980s due to the deaths of two founding members from drug-related causes. Guitarist , a key architect of the band's signature sound, died on June 16, 1982, at age 25 from a cocaine-induced heart attack, just two days after bassist was dismissed for escalating issues. Farndon's own death followed less than a year later on April 14, 1983, from a and overdose at age 30, further destabilizing the group and leaving vocalist as the sole original member. These tragedies, occurring amid broader issues of within the band, halted touring and recording activities, profoundly impacting their cohesion and forcing Hynde to rebuild the lineup multiple times. By 1984, with the release of —a collection born from the grief of these losses—the band had stabilized temporarily around Hynde, on guitar, and drummer , but underlying problems persisted. In early 1985, Hynde fired Chambers due to his declining performance stemming from alcohol and abuse, marking another major shift as the band prepared for their next album. This dismissal left the rhythm section vacant, prompting Hynde to seek fresh collaborators to reinvigorate . To assemble the lineup for Get Close, Hynde recruited bassist T.M. Stevens, formerly of The Pretenders' touring ensemble and known for his work with artists like James Brown; keyboardist Bernie Worrell, a Parliament-Funkadelic veteran adding funk elements; and drummer Blair Cunningham, ex-Haircut One Hundred, who brought a precise, energetic style. By mid-1985, this new configuration—with McIntosh retained on guitar—solidified under Hynde's leadership, allowing the band to enter recording sessions as a reformed unit despite the revolving-door history. Hynde's determination to persist as the creative anchor underscored her role in sustaining the Pretenders through repeated adversity, transforming personal and personnel turmoil into the foundation for the album.

Songwriting and conception

The songwriting for Get Close was predominantly handled by Chrissie Hynde, who drew heavily from her personal experiences during a transformative period in her life, including the challenges of new motherhood following the birth of her daughter Yasmin in 1985 and the emotional aftermath of her relationship with ending in 1984. These elements infused several tracks with themes of vulnerability, resilience, and relational complexity, marking a maturation in Hynde's lyrical approach compared to the band's earlier work. The album's conception spanned 1985 and 1986, amid Hynde's efforts to rebuild the band after significant lineup shifts that introduced fresh perspectives. Some songs originated from earlier ideas; for instance, "Don't Get Me Wrong" was inspired by Hynde's friendship with tennis star and incorporated a melody she had "nicked" from a prior composition. One notable external contribution was "Hymn to Her," a power written by Meg Keene, Hynde's high school friend from , as a to feminine strength and endurance. Hynde aimed to evolve ' sound beyond their punk-rock and new wave roots, seeking a broader palette that reflected her growing artistic ambitions. This shift toward funkier, more experimental territory was influenced by the backgrounds of new collaborators, including bassist and keyboardist , both veterans of scenes who brought rhythmic grooves and keyboard textures to the material. The lineup changes, such as the addition of these musicians, enabled this sonic expansion while maintaining Hynde's core vision.

Recording and production

Studios and sessions

The recording sessions for Get Close primarily took place at AIR Studios in and The Power Station in , with additional work conducted at in , Right Track Recording in , and in , . These locations were chosen to accommodate the band's transatlantic workflow, starting in the UK before shifting to the US for the bulk of the production. Overdubs and mixing were completed at The Power Station. The sessions occurred throughout 1986, spanning approximately six weeks across the various studios as the project evolved. Initial tracking began in London under producer Steve Lillywhite with the post-Learning to Crawl touring lineup, aiming to harness the group's live energy following extensive road work. The process wrapped in time for the album's October release in the UK and November release in the US. Significant challenges arose during the sessions due to lineup tensions, particularly after drummer Martin Chambers was fired and bassist Malcolm Foster resigned for inconsistent performances stemming from a period of reduced practice amid the band's reliance on drum machines in live settings. This led to replacements including drummer Blair Cunningham and bassist T.M. Stevens, who contributed to final takes, though the album credits reflect a formalized lineup incorporating these late additions. The shifts impacted the recording flow, requiring multiple musicians and engineers to maintain cohesion despite varying studio equipment. To capture the band's dynamic, most tracks employed live band tracking, with the core group performing together in the studio to preserve a raw, energetic feel—exemplified by the one-day session for "Don't Get Me Wrong" at The Power Station, where instruments and vocals were cut simultaneously.

Producers and techniques

The production of Get Close was led by and , who handled most tracks and brought a refined, radio-friendly polish to the album's rock foundation. Iovine's involvement emphasized pop accessibility, drawing from his experience with artists like and to streamline the band's raw energy into broader commercial appeal. Clearmountain, renowned for his mixing expertise, contributed to the album's crisp, dynamic sound, utilizing SSL consoles during the mixing phase at Power Station Studios to achieve a balanced, professional sheen that highlighted the interplay of guitars and rhythm sections. For the album's closing track, a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Room Full of Mirrors," took over production duties, infusing the session with his signature lively, organic approach honed on works with and . This track stands apart in production style, featuring a looser, more improvisational vibe compared to the tighter execution elsewhere. Key techniques included layered guitar arrangements by , who employed a routed through a digital delay unit for rhythmic parts on tracks like "," creating a shimmering, expansive texture that enhanced the song's jangly riff. delivered prominent, driving bass lines on several cuts, such as "," while Bruce Thomas played bass on "My Baby," grounding the arrangements with funk-inflected precision. Bernie Worrell's keyboard contributions, including and organ on tracks like "My Baby," synthesized subtle funk elements into the mix, adding groovy, textural depth drawn from his Parliament-Funkadelic background. Drum recording emphasized close-miking—Sennheiser 421s on toms, an AKG D12 on the kick, and Shure SM57s on the snare—compressed via UREI 1176 units to capture punchy, live-feel rhythms without excessive room ambience. Engineering was overseen by Bruce Lampcov, who tracked sessions across multiple studios, ensuring cohesive capture of the ensemble's performances; Clearmountain handled the final mixes, while mastered the album for clarity and warmth.

Musical content

Style and influences

Get Close represents a significant evolution in ' sound, blending their foundational new wave rock with prominent , R&B, and pop elements, marking a clear departure from the band's earlier punk-inflected edge. This shift is evident in the album's incorporation of sleek R&B grooves and diverse rhythmic textures, influenced by the new lineup including bassist and keyboardist , whose backgrounds in contributed Parliament-Funkadelic-inspired vibes and James Brown-style grooves. The album's stylistic palette draws from , as heard in upbeat, hook-laden tracks, alongside 1980s synth-pop sheen from use that adds a polished, commercial layer to the production. Chrissie Hynde's versatile vocals—ranging from snarling intensity to soaring melodies—anchor these influences, delivering guitar-driven hooks over upbeat rhythms that emphasize , romance, and introspection. Compared to the rawer energy of , Get Close feels more diverse and accessible, prioritizing melodic pop accessibility while retaining the band's rock core. This maturation reflects Hynde's desire to move beyond punk stereotypes, embracing broader sonic experimentation rooted in late-1960s rock influences like and .

Track listing

The standard edition of Get Close, released in 1986, features 11 tracks primarily written by , with production by and except for the closing track. Durations and songwriters are as follows:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"My Baby"4:07
2"When I Change My Life"3:36
3"Light of the Moon"Carlos Alomar, Genevieve Gazon, Wayne Ragland3:57
4"Dance!"4:44
5"Tradition of Love"5:25
6"Don't Get Me Wrong"3:48
7"I Remember You"2:38
8"How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?", Billy Steinberg3:47
9"Chill Factor", T-Bone Burnett3:24
10"Hymn to Her"Meg Keene5:08
11"Room Full of Mirrors"4:36
"My Baby" serves as an energetic opener with a big arena sound, driven by prominent drums, layered guitars, and keyboards that support Hynde's smooth, confident vocals on themes of romantic devotion. "When I Change My Life" explores lyrical themes of personal reinvention and breaking free from routine, set to a mid-tempo rock arrangement. "Light of the Moon" incorporates a funky and synth elements in its collaborative composition, evoking nocturnal romance through its rhythmic groove. "Dance!" delivers an upbeat, vibe with pulsating rhythms encouraging movement and in its lyrics. "Tradition of Love" builds a soulful, extended structure around enduring romantic commitments, featuring emotive guitar work. "Don't Get Me Wrong" stands out as a jangly pop-rock track with an infectious melody and sunny guitar riffs, its cryptic addressing the complexities of and inconsistency from a female perspective, urging understanding despite contradictions. "I Remember You" offers a concise, nostalgic reflection on past relationships, delivered in a stripped-back acoustic style. "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?" employs a funky bass and synth backdrop to deliver accusatory critiquing in , with Hynde's vocals carrying a raw edge. "Chill Factor" follows a classic song with empowering about self-reliance and cooling emotional tensions, though its chorus is less immediately catchy than others. "Hymn to Her," written by Hynde's childhood friend Meg Keene, is a resonant tribute to womanhood and feminine power, often interpreted as a feminist honoring maternal strength and , accompanied by a simple and vocal arrangement. The album closes with a cover of Jimi Hendrix's " Full of Mirrors," reimagined as an extended rock jam with psychedelic edges, produced by to emphasize its improvisational, mirror-reflecting lyrical motif of self-confrontation. Later reissues, such as the 2007 expanded and remastered edition, include bonus tracks like the alternate version of "Hold a Candle to This" (3:44, Hynde), originally the B-side to the single ""; "World Within Worlds" (3:47, Hynde), a previously unreleased introspective piece; a of "Tradition of Love" (6:13, Hynde); an early take of "Dance!" (5:06, Hynde); and live versions of "" (3:44, Hynde) and "Middle of the Road" (3:44, Hynde).

Personnel

Core band members

The core band members for The Pretenders' 1986 album Get Close consisted of Chrissie Hynde on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Robbie McIntosh on lead guitar, T.M. Stevens on bass guitar, and Blair Cunningham on drums. Hynde, the band's founder and primary songwriter, handled the rhythmic foundation alongside her distinctive vocal delivery, while McIntosh provided the lead guitar work, continuing his role from the previous album Learning to Crawl. This configuration marked a shift from prior lineups, with Cunningham replacing longtime drummer Martin Chambers and Stevens joining as the new bassist, forming what was presented as the official band upon the album's release.

Guest musicians and staff

The album Get Close featured a range of guest musicians who provided additional instrumentation across its tracks, enhancing the core band's sound with specialized contributions. Bruce Thomas, the bassist from Elvis Costello and the Attractions, played bass on the opening track "My Baby". Mel Gaynor, known for his work with Simple Minds, contributed drums to "My Baby". Simon Phillips, the drummer from Toto, performed on "When I Change My Life", "Tradition of Love", and notably "Don't Get Me Wrong". Chucho Merchan added bass to "Dance!". Other notable guest contributions included Bernie Worrell on keyboards and synthesizer for "My Baby", "Light of the Moon", "Dance!", "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?", "Chill Factor", and "Room Full of Mirrors"; Steve Jordan on drums and percussion for "How Do I Miss You"; Carlos Alomar on percussion and synthesizer programming for "Light of the Moon"; L. Shankar on violin for "Tradition of Love"; John McKenzie on bass for "Tradition of Love"; and Bruce Brody on organ for "Dance!", "Don't Get Me Wrong", and "Hymn to Her". Keyboard support came from Pat Seymour on "My Baby" and "Tradition of Love", Wix (Paul Wickens) on keyboards for "When I Change My Life" and piano/synthesizer for "How Do I Miss You", and Rupert Black on keyboards for "Room Full of Mirrors". Tommy Mandel contributed synthesizer on "Hymn to Her". Former Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers also returned for drums on "Room Full of Mirrors". The production staff was overseen by producers and for most tracks, with handling "Room Full of Mirrors". Primary engineering duties fell to Bruce Lampcov, supported by assistant engineers Karl Lever and Matt Howe at AIR Studios in , Chris Potter at in New York, Andy Udoff at The Power Station in New York, and Mark McKenna at Right Track Recording in New York. The album was mastered by at Masterdisk in . Additional crew support included Davie Phee for general assistance and equipment. Art direction and design were managed by Helen Backhouse, while photography was provided by Victoria Pearlman. Band management was handled by Dave Hill.

Release and promotion

Singles and marketing

The Pretenders released three singles from their fourth studio album Get Close between 1986 and 1987, with release strategies tailored to different markets to build anticipation ahead of and following the album's launch. "Don't Get Me Wrong" served as the , issued on September 23, 1986, by in the United States, where it peaked at number 10 on the , and on October 27, 1986, in the by Real Records, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United Kingdom, "" followed as the second single, released in December 1986, climbing to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. "My Baby" was released as the third single in March 1987 in the UK, reaching number 84 on the UK Singles Chart, and in January 1987 in the US, where it peaked at number 64 on the but topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Marketing efforts for Get Close emphasized visual and broadcast promotion to leverage the band's established rock persona. The album was released on October 20, 1986, in the UK by Real Records and on November 4, 1986, in the by , available initially in vinyl LP, cassette, and formats. Album artwork featured a close-up portrait of frontwoman on the front cover. Promotion centered on and radio airplay; the video for "Don't Get Me Wrong," directed by Stuart Orme, adopted a playful narrative inspired by the British TV series The Avengers, aiding its rotation on and contributing to crossover appeal. Radio campaigns targeted mainstream rock and pop stations, amplifying exposure for tracks like "My Baby" and "Hymn to Her" during the 1986-1987 period. The singles rollout supported broader promotional tie-ins, with selections from Get Close—including "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "Hymn to Her"—featured on the band's 1987 compilation album The Singles, released in October by Real Records in the UK and in the , which helped sustain momentum from the original campaign.

Tour and live performances

To support the 1986 album Get Close, embarked on a world tour that began in late 1986 with dates in , including a performance in Riva del Garda, , on September 24, before extending to and concluding with shows in in April 1987, such as the April 30 concert at . The tour comprised approximately 94 dates across these regions, marking a period of lineup experimentation for the band. The touring lineup initially featured Chrissie Hynde on vocals and rhythm guitar, Robbie McIntosh on lead guitar, on bass, Blair Cunningham on drums, and on keyboards, expanding the group to a to incorporate and R&B elements heard on Get Close. However, just six shows into the North American leg in early 1987, Hynde dismissed Stevens and Worrell, citing a stylistic mismatch that veered too far from the band's rock roots toward an overly -oriented sound. Former bassist Malcolm Foster and keyboardist Rupert Black were reinstated as temporary replacements to complete the remaining dates. Setlists during the tour blended tracks from Get Close with staples from earlier albums, emphasizing the new material's integration into the Pretenders' catalog. Highlights included frequent performances of "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "My Baby," both of which debuted live on the tour and became staples, alongside older hits like "Back on the Chain Gang," "Middle of the Road," and "Brass in Pocket" to maintain audience familiarity. Following the tour's conclusion in mid-1987, McIntosh transitioned to Paul McCartney's backing band for his 1989–1990 world tour, while Cunningham joined for the 1993 New World Tour and subsequent recordings, leveraging their rhythmic synergy from the Pretenders era. Hynde placed the Pretenders on hiatus, shifting focus to personal projects including the birth of her daughter Yasmin in 1985, which delayed new band material until the 1990 album Packed!. While no full documentary of the tour exists, snippets of live footage, such as the complete Sydney concert recording, have surfaced in fan archives and online platforms.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Get Close entered the UK Albums Chart at number 11 before reaching a peak position of number 6 and spending a total of 28 weeks on the chart. In the United States, the album debuted on the at number 62, eventually peaking at number 25 while charting for 35 weeks. It also achieved notable placements internationally, peaking at number 12 on the Australian Albums Chart, number 9 on the Canadian RPM Albums Chart, number 13 on the Albums Chart, and number 16 on the Swedish Albums Chart. Overall, the album demonstrated stronger performance in European markets compared to its more moderate success in . The album ranked number 17 on the Australian year-end albums chart for 1987. Among its singles, "Don't Get Me Wrong" became the album's biggest hit, peaking at number 10 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and number 1 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. "Hymn to Her" reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. "My Baby" reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 84 on the UK Singles Chart, while topping the US Mainstream Rock chart.

Album chart performance

Chart (1986–1987)Peak position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)12
Canadian Albums (RPM)9
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)13
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)16
UK Albums (OCC)6
US Billboard 20025

Singles chart performance

SingleChart (1986–1987)Peak position
"Don't Get Me Wrong"US Billboard Hot 10010
"Don't Get Me Wrong"UK Singles (OCC)10
"Don't Get Me Wrong"US Mainstream Rock1
"Hymn to Her"UK Singles (OCC)8
"My Baby"US Billboard Hot 10064
"My Baby"UK Singles (OCC)84
"My Baby"US Mainstream Rock1

Sales certifications

"Get Close" achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States on December 16, 1986, recognizing shipments of 500,000 units, though some reports date the official award to 1987. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded the album Gold status for sales of 100,000 copies. The album also received Gold certification in from Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ) for 7,500 units, and Platinum certification in from (PROMUSICAE) for 100,000 units. Certified sales in selected countries total 707,500 copies.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 1986, Get Close received mixed reviews from contemporary critics, who often highlighted the album's strengths in Chrissie Hynde's songwriting while pointing to inconsistencies in its execution. of awarded the album a B grade, commending Hynde's mature lyrics and her commanding vocal presence as evidence of her growth into motherhood and a stable relationship, but critiquing the overall lack of excitement and specific tracks like "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?" for their awkward cultural references. In New Musical Express, John McCready offered a largely negative assessment, dismissing ' albums as consistently subpar and questioning Hynde's vocal style, though he conceded admiration for her as a performer. Critics frequently praised elements that showcased Hynde's evolution, including the catchy, radio-friendly singles "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "My Baby," which blended and pop influences effectively, and the album's polished production that reflected a more phase for the band. However, common criticisms centered on the uneven track quality, with some songs feeling underdeveloped or mismatched in style, as well as the lineup instability—featuring new members like bassist and drummer —which contributed to a perceived lack of cohesion compared to earlier works. Reviewers also noted a dilution of the band's punk authenticity, as the shift toward and smoother arrangements marked a departure from their raw new wave roots. In retrospective assessments, Get Close has been viewed more favorably as an underrated transitional album that demonstrates Hynde's artistic growth. AllMusic's three-out-of-five-star review appreciates its intimate, personal songs and graceful maturation, even if it lacks the raw energy of prior releases. Modern commentary often emphasizes the album's feminist themes, particularly in Hynde's lyrics exploring female autonomy, relationships, and identity, positioning it as a significant step in her oeuvre despite its contemporary flaws. As the album predates aggregate sites like Metacritic, no numerical consensus exists from its era, but these later perspectives underscore its enduring value in the Pretenders' catalog.

Cultural impact and reissues

The single "Don't Get Me Wrong" from Get Close emerged as a quintessential radio staple, blending rock and pop elements with its infectious melody and themes of romantic ambiguity, which helped solidify ' enduring appeal in . Its vibrant energy captured the era's spirit, leading to frequent airplay and later features in films and television, maintaining its relevance across generations through covers by artists like alongside in 2015. The album's exploration of female strength and resilience, particularly through Hynde's commanding vocals and songwriting, influenced later women. Tracks like "" further amplified this legacy, with covers by diverse acts including in 1987, Voice Male in 1998, and a collaborative rendition by , , , , and Ainslie Wills in 2014. While samples of the album appear in various genres, including hip-hop productions, its core influence lies in inspiring feminist-leaning rock narratives. Shortly after the start of recording Get Close in 1986, Hynde dismissed drummer and bassist Malcolm Foster due to personal and creative differences exacerbated by the emotional toll of earlier band members' deaths, leaving her as the sole original member and prompting further lineup adjustments for the supporting tour and beyond. This restructuring paved the way for Hynde's ongoing leadership of , culminating in their 1990s revival through albums like (1994), which reestablished the band's commercial footing, and later supporting her solo endeavors starting in the . In 2007, Rhino Records issued an expanded remastered edition of Get Close, adding bonus tracks such as the alternate version of "Hold a to This," the unreleased "World Within Worlds," a of "Tradition of Love," an early take of "," and live performances of "" and "." The expanded content became widely available on streaming services in subsequent years, enhancing accessibility without a dedicated release to date. In 2025, tracks from Get Close were featured in a remastered of the Pretenders' compilation The Singles, further preserving the album's hits. Despite its role as a commercial peak—featuring the band's biggest mainstream rock hits—Get Close remains somewhat underrated in the Pretenders' canon compared to earlier works like , though it marked a pivotal high point in their chart success.

References

  1. https://www.classicrockreview.com/2016/10/1986-pretenders-get-close/
  2. https://diffuser.fm/pretenders-get-close-album/
  3. https://pophits.org/songs/pretenders-dont-get-me-wrong
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/pretenders-dont-get-me-wrong/
  5. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/pretenders
  6. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/17432/pretenders/
  7. https://www.allmusic.com/album/get-close-mw0000195344
  8. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/06/17/James-Honeyman-Scott-the-lead-guitarist-for-the-rock-group/6543393134400/
  9. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/two-days-that-changed-the-pretenders/
  10. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chrissie-hynde-without-tears-101729/3/
  11. https://pleasekillme.com/pretenders-drummer-remembers-james-honeyman-scott/
  12. https://www.musicradar.com/news/martin-chambers-talks-getting-fired-mourning-friends-and-enjoying-40-years-with-the-pretenders
  13. https://www.rhino.com/article/the-one-after-the-big-one-pretenders-get-close
  14. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/11/13/pretenders-chrissie-hynde-juggles-motherhood-rock/
  15. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pretenders-dont-get-me-wrong/
  16. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/pretenders/hymn-to-her
  17. https://www.sessiondays.com/2021/09/1986-pretenders-get-close/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/6657337-The-Pretenders-Get-Close
  19. https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks/classic-tracks-pretenders-dont-get-me-wrong-366168
  20. https://producelikeapro.com/blog/bob-clearmountain-legendary-mix-engineer-and-producer/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/1562553-The-Pretenders-Get-Close
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/19/arts/the-pop-life-pretenders-and-rock-s-direction.html
  23. https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/seven-female-rock-singers-that-changed-the-game/
  24. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/pretenders/dont-get-me-wrong
  25. https://genius.com/Pretenders-room-full-of-mirrors-lyrics
  26. https://music.apple.com/us/album/get-close-expanded-remastered/255897461
  27. https://www.allmusic.com/album/get-close-mw0000195344/credits
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/pretenders-my-baby/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14096884/
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-singles-mw0000197989
  31. https://thepretenders.com/tour/1986/
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pretenders/1987/sydney-entertainment-centre-sydney-australia-43d7bf6f.html
  33. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/pretenders/events/131071/song/up-the-neck/tour/get-close
  34. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-02-15-ca-3271-story.html
  35. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pretenders/1987/radio-city-music-hall-new-york-ny-43d96f0f.html
  36. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pretenders/1987/uic-pavilion-chicago-il-5bc687f8.html
  37. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/robbie-mcintosh-guitar-paul-mccartney-pretenders-john-mayer-1234726237/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9XHysVvtGY
  39. https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Pretenders
  40. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/search.aspx
  41. https://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Pretenders
  42. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/Australia_Top_Albums_1987
  43. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/01/30/who-went-gold-platinum-in-86/
  44. https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3096738
  45. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/47239
  46. https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=5750
  47. https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/the-pretenders--get-close
  48. https://musicbydecade.com/1980s/dont-get-me-wrong-pretenders
  49. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/killers-brandon-flowers-pretenders-chrissie-hynde-dont-get-me-wrong-6575886/
  50. https://www.whosampled.com/album/The-Pretenders/Get-Close/
  51. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/3073/all
  52. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pretenders-last-of-the-independents/
  53. https://www.rhino.com/product/get-close-expanded-and-remastered
  54. https://open.spotify.com/album/1d7D1MLaFW6rp9N1kBZDn3
  55. https://www.rhino.com/article/pretenders-release-the-singles-vinyl-with-remastered-audio-available-august-15
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