1977 US repress; B4 edited in length (despite showing original running time). EX copy, till in shrink which has been taped at mouth opening edge. "The Pretender" is a timeless classic song by the American rock legend Jackson Browne. It was released in 1976 as the title track of his fourth album. This song is considered one of Jackson Browne's most iconic works, and it remains a popular song that is often covered by different artists.

One of the most interesting facts about this song is the inspiration behind the lyrics. Jackson Browne wrote this song as a reflection of his own disillusionment with the American Dream. The song's lyrics portray the feelings of frustration and disappointment that many Americans felt during the 1970s, as they watched the country's political, social, and economic landscape change.

The song's music is also quite notable. The Pretender's melody is simple yet effective, with a haunting piano intro that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The song's instrumentation is sparse, with only a few instruments accompanying Browne's vocals, but this simplicity lends itself to the song's powerful lyrics and emotional impact.

Another interesting fact about "The Pretender" is that it was produced by Jon Landau, who would later produce iconic albums by Bruce Springsteen, including "Born to Run" and "Darkness on the Edge of Town."

"The Pretender" has been covered by many artists over the years, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Joan Baez. This song's universal themes of disillusionment and disillusionment with the status quo have made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.