Chrissie Hynde Invites Dave Gahan and Brandon Flowers for New Duets Album

Explore Chrissie Hynde's exciting new duets album featuring rock legends like Dave Gahan and Brandon Flowers for a fresh musical journey.

A Rock Legend Ventures into Duets

If you told me Chrissie Hynde—the indomitable Pretenders frontwoman, with her unmistakable voice and fierce presence—would release a duets album, I might have raised an eyebrow. But here we are, and it's an absolute treat! Duets Special, arriving October 17 via Rhino, is a vibrant collection where Chrissie has teamed up with a dazzling array of rock and indie heavyweights. The album features thirteen tracks, each with a special guest adding their unique flavor, from the soulful k.d. lang to the legendary Mark Lanegan, and of course, the unmistakable voices of The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan.

Chrissie Hynde on stage, radiating rock royalty

The Spark Behind the Album

You might wonder how this idea blossomed. Chrissie, who’s just about to celebrate her 74th birthday on September 7, says the album was a spontaneous inspiration. She recalls chatting with Jörn, Rufus Wainwright’s husband, exchanging book recommendations when a lightbulb went off. Suddenly, she jotted down ten songs spontaneously and floated the idea to Rufus—and just like that, the collaboration took flight.

It’s refreshing to see a rock icon embrace the joy of collaboration in such an organic way. “I never thought about doing a duets album before,” Chrissie admits, which only adds charm to this project’s authenticity.

Star-Studded Guest Appearances

The roster on Duets Special reads like a who’s who of music legends and contemporary icons. Alongside Dave Gahan’s deep baritone and Brandon Flowers’ distinctive vocals, we have:

• Late great Mark Lanegan lending his gritty touch
• Shirley Manson of Garbage bringing her edgy style
• Cat Power’s haunting voice
• Lucinda Williams’ raw Americana flair
• Julian Lennon’s melodic sensibility
• Blondie’s Debbie Harry with her timeless punk-pop edge
• Alan Sparhawk from Low, adding a dreamy tone
• Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, sharing an Ohio hometown bond with Hynde

This lineup alone makes the album a compelling listen—a celebration of musical camaraderie and mutual respect.

Track List Highlights

The album weaves a rich tapestry of styles and emotions across its 13 tracks:

• “Me & Mrs Jones” featuring k.d. lang, a classic reimagined with smooth elegance.
• “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with Mark Lanegan, a tender yet rugged take.
• “Dolphins” featuring Dave Gahan, blending Hynde’s grit with Depeche Mode’s iconic voice.
• “I’m Not In Love” with Brandon Flowers, a heartfelt duet that truly shines.
• “Try To Sleep” alongside Debbie Harry, adding a new dimension to the track.

Each track feels like a mini musical journey, crafting new stories while honoring the originals.

Why This Album Matters

Duets albums can be hit or miss, but Duets Special feels like a genuine labor of love—a heartfelt celebration of friendships, shared histories, and the thrill of creating together. For longtime fans like me, it’s a nostalgic trip wrapped in fresh sounds, a bridge between rock’s rich past and its vibrant present.

Plus, it’s a reminder that creativity knows no age. Chrissie Hynde, with decades of rock ‘n’ roll under her belt, embraces new collaborations with the enthusiasm of an artist half her age, proving that passion only grows stronger with time.

Closing Notes

With Duets Special, Chrissie Hynde invites us into her world of musical friendships and timeless tunes. It’s a heartfelt, joyous project that’s sure to resonate with anyone who appreciates the magic born when great artists join forces.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What inspired Chrissie Hynde to create a duets album?
  A casual conversation with Jörn Wainwright sparked the idea, leading to spontaneous song selections and collaborations.
• Who are some of the guest artists featured on the album?
  The album features notable names like Dave Gahan, Brandon Flowers, Mark Lanegan, Shirley Manson, and more.
• When will Duets Special be released?
  The album is set for release on October 17.
• What is the first single from the album?
  The first single is “Always on My Mind” featuring Rufus Wainwright.
• Are there any special hometown connections on this album?
  Yes, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys shares an Ohio hometown with Chrissie Hynde.

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