what Miller wanted to do, which was traditional blues. In an interview, Miller claimed that he told Hynde she would "probably have to go to Europe to get anyone to listen to you." Release "Precious" was first released on the band's 1980 album Pretenders. It was the opening track of the album. "Precious" was also released as a single in some countries, such as the Netherlands and Spain. A medley of "Precious" with "Brass in Pocket" and "Mystery Achievement" reached number 28 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. A live version of "Precious" was included on the 1981 EP Extended Play. Village Voice critic Robert Christgau considered the live version even better than the original. Mason also praised the live version. A demo version from 1978 was included on the 2006 album Pirate Radio. Erlewine stated that this demo version was "nearly as tough" as the officially released version. "Precious" was later included on the 2009 compilation album The Best of Pretenders. Reception Author Mike Segretto described "Precious" as being "particularly ferocious." Author Tom Moon called it an "enduring gem." Ultimate Classic Rock critic Matt Wardlaw rated it the Pretenders 6th greatest song, saying that "Chrissie spits out the lyrics with a sexually venomous feel that brings extra punch to what is one of the Pretenders' best barn-burning rockers." Ultimate Classic Rock critic Bryan Wawzenek rated it one of drummer Martin Chambers' top 10 Pretenders songs, saying that "Chambers’ rampant pounding is as strong as Chrissie Hynde’s will and as sharp as her tongue. His restrained power lays down the perfect foundation for Hynde to jackhammer." References 1980 songs 1980 singles The Pretenders songs Songs written by Chrissie Hynde Song recordings produced by Chris Thomas (record producer) Warner Music Group singles