Chrissie Hynde, the iconic frontwoman of The Pretenders, has announced the upcoming release of a new solo project, an album of collaborations titled "Duets Special." The record is scheduled to be released on Friday, October 17, 2025, and will feature 13 cover songs performed with a diverse lineup of acclaimed musicians.
The album, released through Rhino/Parlophone, marks Hynde's latest solo effort following her 2021 collection of Bob Dylan covers. This new project shifts focus to partnerships, pairing the Akron, Ohio native with a wide range of artists from different generations and genres.
Key Takeaways
- New Album: Chrissie Hynde will release "Duets Special" on October 17, 2025.
- Album Concept: The record features 13 cover songs performed as duets with various artists.
- Featured Artists: Collaborators include Debbie Harry, Dave Gahan, Brandon Flowers, the late Mark Lanegan, and fellow Akron native Dan Auerbach.
- Label: The project will be released on the Rhino/Parlophone label.
A Star-Studded Roster of Collaborators
"Duets Special" brings together an impressive and eclectic group of vocalists to perform alongside Hynde. The guest list reads like a who's who of modern music, spanning several decades of rock, pop, and alternative scenes. The album features both Hynde's contemporaries and younger artists who have been influenced by her work.
This approach allows for unique interpretations of classic songs, blending Hynde's distinctive voice with those of her esteemed partners. The selection of artists suggests a curated project that celebrates musical connection and mutual respect.
A History of Solo Exploration
While best known for her work with The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde has pursued several solo projects throughout her career. Her 2021 album, "Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan," was a personal tribute to another legendary songwriter. "Duets Special" continues this trend of interpretive work, this time through the lens of collaboration.
Icons and Contemporaries Join Hynde
Among the most anticipated pairings are those with Hynde's peers, artists who rose to prominence during the same era. The album includes a duet with Debbie Harry, the celebrated frontwoman of Blondie, uniting two of the most influential women in rock music.
Another significant collaboration is with Depeche Mode's lead singer, Dave Gahan. His baritone voice is expected to create a compelling dynamic with Hynde's signature alto. The album also features a track with the late Mark Lanegan, the former Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age vocalist known for his gritty, soulful delivery. This posthumous release will be a poignant moment on the record.
Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang also contributes her powerful and versatile voice to the project, adding another layer of musical prestige.
Notable Guest Vocalists
The album features a wide array of talent, including:
- Debbie Harry (Blondie)
- Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode)
- Brandon Flowers (The Killers)
- Shirley Manson (Garbage)
- Cat Power
- Julian Lennon
- Rufus Wainwright
Influential Voices from a New Generation
Hynde also partnered with a number of artists who emerged in the decades following The Pretenders' debut. These collaborations highlight her lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Brandon Flowers of The Killers and Shirley Manson of Garbage, both lead singers of highly successful alternative rock bands, appear on the album.
Indie music icon Chan Marshall, known professionally as Cat Power, brings her unique and emotive style to a track. The inclusion of these artists bridges the gap between different eras of rock music, connecting the foundational post-punk and new wave scenes with the alternative rock boom of the 1990s and 2000s.
Featured Tracks and Ohio Roots
While the full tracklist has not been detailed, one specific song has been confirmed. Hynde teams up with fellow Akron, Ohio musician Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys for a rendition of The Righteous Brothers' classic, "(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration." This collaboration is a significant nod to their shared Ohio roots, bringing together two of the most successful artists to emerge from the city's music scene.
The collaboration between Chrissie Hynde and Dan Auerbach on a Righteous Brothers hit unites two generations of Akron's musical legacy.
The album is further enriched by contributions from a variety of other talented artists. Julian Lennon, Rufus Wainwright, and singer Carleen Anderson are all part of the project. Additionally, Alan Sparhawk of the acclaimed indie band Low lends his voice to a track, rounding out a diverse and thoughtfully assembled collection of musical partnerships.
A Major Release in a Crowded Week
The release of "Duets Special" on October 17, 2025, places it among a number of other high-profile new music releases scheduled for the same day. Music fans can also anticipate new albums from a wide range of artists, creating a competitive and exciting week for the industry.
Other notable releases expected during the same period include new titles from R&B artist Ty Dolla $ign, legendary musician Boz Scaggs, and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. Country music star Vince Gill and psychedelic rock act Tame Impala are also slated for new releases. The week will also see the release of the final live performance from the late jazz pianist Chick Corea.
Hynde's album, with its unique collaborative concept and star-studded guest list, is positioned to be a standout release, appealing to longtime fans of The Pretenders and listeners of the many featured artists.