Chrissie Hynde, the iconic frontwoman of The Pretenders, has announced the release of her new album, Duets Special, set to launch on October 17, 2025. This highly anticipated project features a collection of 13 unique duets with an array of renowned artists, marking a significant addition to Hynde’s illustrious musical career.
The album showcases collaborations with notable musicians such as k.d. lang, the late Mark Lanegan, Dave Gahan, Cat Power, Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry, Shirley Manson, and Alan Sparhawk. Each track is designed to celebrate the distinct vocal styles of these artists through intimate arrangements and minimalist instrumentation, all connected by a common theme of memorable melodies.
The first single from the album, titled Always On My Mind, features Rufus Wainwright and was released on August 13, 2025. In discussing the origins of the album, Hynde revealed that the idea for a duets project emerged in 2023 during a conversation with Wainwright’s husband, Jörn. “I never thought about doing a Duets album before,” she explained. “I think the idea came about in 2023. I was talking to Jörn on the phone, and for some reason, I said, hey, maybe Rufus and I should do something.”
Hynde, now 73, has a remarkable legacy as one of the founding members of The Pretenders, which formed in 1978. Despite her extensive experience in the music industry, she has expressed modesty regarding her musical abilities. “I’m not a great musician, I know that,” she stated earlier this year. “I just had this foresight, like most people who end up writing songs, just to be on my own and write something.”
The complete tracklist for Duets Special includes the following songs:
1. Me and Mrs Jones (feat. k.d. lang)
2. Can’t Help Falling In Love (feat. Mark Lanegan)
3. Sway (feat. Lucinda Williams)
4. Dolphins (feat. Dave Gahan)
5. First Of The Gang To Die (feat. Cat Power)
6. Always On My Mind (feat. Rufus Wainwright)
7. Every Little Bit Hurts (feat. Carleen Anderson)
8. I’m Not In Love (feat. Brandon Flowers)
9. It’s Only Love (feat. Julian Lennon)
10. Try To Sleep (feat. Debbie Harry)
11. County Line (feat. Alan Sparhawk)
12. Love Letters (feat. Shirley Manson)
13. (You’re My) Soul And Inspiration (feat. Dan Auerbach)
As anticipation builds for the release, fans can look forward to a collection that not only highlights Hynde’s artistry but also brings together a diverse group of musicians to explore the power of collaboration through song.
