Chrissie Hynde & Pals: Duets Special Album Preview and Collaborations
Chrissie Hynde has recently collaborated with k.d. lang on a new duet cover of the classic song ‘Me & Mrs Jones’ originally performed by Billy Paul in 1972. This track is part of the upcoming album titled Duets Special by Chrissie Hynde & Pals, set to be released on October 17th through Parlophone. The album features 13 remarkable duets with various renowned artists such as Mark Lanegan, Dave Gahan, Cat Power, Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry, Shirley Manson, Alan Sparhawk, and more. The song ‘Me & Mrs Jones’ premiered on BBC Radio 2 and is now available for listening. Additionally, the single ‘Always On My Mind’ featuring Rufus Wainwright is already out.
Chrissie Hynde shared that the idea for the Duets Special album came about in 2023 during a conversation with Rufus Wainwright's husband, Jörn. They discussed the possibility of collaborating, and Chrissie quickly came up with a list of 10 songs for the project. Rufus agreed to the idea, and that's how the album began, as a spontaneous and enjoyable endeavor.
Recalling her initial meeting with k.d. lang, Chrissie mentioned that they connected during a tour in Canada due to their shared passion for animal welfare. The collaboration on ‘Me & Mrs Jones’ showcases their unique voices and musical styles, adding a fresh perspective to the classic song.
The Duets Special album features 13 diverse voices, each bringing their own interpretation to the songs. The common thread among the tracks is the focus on great melodies, highlighted by stripped-down arrangements and subtle instrumentation that allow the vocals to shine.
Duets Special marks a significant departure for Chrissie Hynde, offering a new and unexpected direction in her already illustrious career. Following the release of The Pretenders' album Relentless and a successful world tour, this album showcases a different side of Chrissie's artistry. The project follows her live record Kick ’em Where It Hurts, recorded during the Mark Lanegan 60 Celebration Concert at the Roundhouse last year.
In conclusion, Duets Special by Chrissie Hynde & Pals promises to be a captivating and diverse collection of collaborations that showcase the talents of Chrissie and her esteemed musical partners. The album's focus on great melodies and intimate arrangements sets it apart as a unique and compelling addition to Chrissie Hynde's discography.