"Kid" | ||||
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Single by The Pretenders | ||||
from the album Pretenders | ||||
B-side | "Tattooed Love Boys" | |||
Released | June 1979 | |||
Format | 7" single | |||
Recorded | 1979 | |||
Genre | New wave | |||
Length | 3:03 | |||
Label | Real, Sire (US) | |||
Writer(s) | Chrissie Hynde | |||
Producer(s) | Chris Thomas | |||
The Pretenders singles chronology | ||||
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"Kid" is a song written by Chrissie Hynde that was released on the Pretenders 1980 debut album Pretenders. It was also released as a single and reached #33 in the UK. It has been covered by several other artists, including Everything but the Girl.
Author Alex Ogg describes "Kid" as a "resonant ballad." The lyrics express the singer's devotion to the listener, who may be her child, but could also be her lover or just a friend.Allmusic critic Stewart Mason calls it "an all-time classic rock and roll love song" and "probably the [Pretenders]' masterpiece." He particularly praises Hynde's "beautiful and emotional" lead vocals, and James Honeyman-Scott's lead guitar playing, which he says sounds like the Byrds at times but also sounds tougher when necessary. Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine also praised how Honeyman-Scott's "unconventional" playing adds additional dimensions to the "measured pop" of "Kid." Author Jeremy Simmonds said of "Kid" that it"showed the group's complete mastery of sixties hooks with sharp. confident new wave leanings."Rolling Stone Album Guide critic J.D. Considine praises how melody expresses "emotional vulnerability." Considine also praises how the band adds "soul" to the song's "sentimentality." According to Mason, the Pretenders' later single "Show Me" was partially a rewrite of "Kid."
"Kid" was released as the Pretenders' second single in 1979, prior to the release of their debut album, following "Stop Your Sobbing." It performed slightly better on the UK charts than "Stop Your Sobbing," reaching #33 whereas "Stop Your Sobbing" reached #34. However, the band's follow up single "Brass in Pocket" performed even better, reaching #1.