"The sweetest woman in the world/may be the meanest woman in the world/if you make her that way." The Persuaders sang those words nearly 15 years before the Pretenders, but they strongly describe that resilient group and its charismatic lead singer, Chrissie Hynde.

"The Singles" is ultimately a compelling, although incomplete, survivor's story. In Hynde the group had one of music's most eloquent, expressive voices, as sharp and sarcastic in aiming at social ills (she was among the first to chide early MTV for excluding black artist videos, then ridiculed those same black artists for transforming the videos into commercials) as she was tender and vulnerable describing the longing of "I Go To Sleep" or the sexy, tentative swagger of "Brass In Pocket." (Credit should also go to members Robbie McIntosh and Martin Chambers, who provided the group its ew wave backbeat punch.)

New Wave got assimilated. Band members enjoyed the rock and roll high life, paying the ultimate cost themselves and exacting a high cost on survivors. Causes arose that had to be addressed, but the Pretenders music survived. "Back On The Chain Gang," and "Middle Of The Road" (from 1983's top-selling "Learning To Crawl") are defiant statements of purpose, band members rocking ever harder as Hynde shouts, "I'm going home, I'm tired as hell/I'm not the kind I used to be/I've got a kid, I'm 33." It may not have been the first time a working mom expressed her frustration in song, but it was among the most powerful.

The early hits are all here: their first single "Stop Your Sobbing," the gorgeous Christmas ballad "2000 Miles", a fun remake of "I Got You Babe" with UB40. The sound would become more generic after this release, with guest backup more constant. But albums like "Last Of The Independents" and "Viva El Amor" are the latest proof that the the Pretenders and Hynde are in for the long haul. This essential hits set proved it first.

This album is nothing more than a compilation of hits that were popular in the 80's. Chrissie Hynde is a very versatile artist, giving us authority in her vocals ("Brass In Pocket" and "Don't Get Me Wrong"). Chrissie also gives us a sweet dose of metaphoric pleasure on "Back On The Chain Gang" and "Thin Line Between Love And Hate". Let's not forget to rock out with the toughness of "Middle of the Road", either. A good effort.

What a delicious dish of melodic rock and pop! From the opening number Stop Your Sobbing to their lovely interpretation of I Got You Babe that closes the album, this is a non-stop feast for the ears.

Chrissie Hynde is an expert vocalist, perfectly capturing the mood of every song with her nuanced vocals, whilst the rest of the band moves in perfect synth. The guitar playing is amongst the best you'll find in any rock music from the 1980s. Almost all of the songs are masterpieces, but my special favorites include Stop Your Sobbing, Kid, Brass In Pocket, Talk Of The Town, Message Of Love, Don't Get Me Wrong and I Got You Babe.

The music is tender and sensual at times, raucous and ebullient at others. Those who enjoy The Pretenders might also like their contemporaries Pat Benatar, The Cars or Joan Jet. This album should however appeal to a wide spectrum of people who appreciate tuneful and intelligent rock music that is still in touch with its roots.

This is a "Best of" album and the selection of tracks is almost spot on. The Pretenders was one of the more successful bands of the eighties but not because if churned out formulaic pop tunes. Chrissie Hynde was the backbone of the band, performing almost all their songs and writing many of them. While the music has a hard, perhaps bitter edge, I like it because it has an unavoidable energy to it. That, and because it has a truly unique style. This is the sort of rock and roll that can keep me working at the gym or get me up in the morning. If coffee just isn't doing it for you any more, try the Pretenders.

Firstly, Middle of the Road is an awesome song...I love those monster solos.

Anyway, if you want to get into one of the good 80's bands, go with the Pretenders. Surely you've heard Brass in Pocket (another good song) and Hymn to Her (Incredible lyrics) but there are some slightly less famous songs worth mention. Back on the Chain Gang (I love those Ooh! Ah! backup vocals), Show Me, Middle of the Road, My Baby, Show Me, Talk of the Town, Day After Day...Need I go on?

The only weak songs are 2000 Miles and I Got You Babe.