In the Pretenders' 30-year history, frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has been the only constant member, and the four other musicians on the band's ninth studio album haven't appeared on any of the previous eight. But while a tumultuous personnel record can threaten a band's momentum and consistency, it seems in this case to serve Hynde's creativity well. The blues- and country-influenced songs on "Break Up the Concrete" are an engaging departure from the group's earlier hits, while Hynde's dynamic alto voice gives the set the unmistakable Pretenders identity. Minor chords and vocal reverb make "Almost Perfect" both haunting and pleasingly poppy, while the energetic title track is a honky-tonk work song with a punchy Bo Diddley beat. And with ballads like closer "One Thing Never Changed," Hynde proves she can turn from rocker to crooner on a dime.—Evie Nagy