The Pretender reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in 2007, it became one of the Foo Fighters’ most successful songs and their third single to enter the U.S. Hot 100’s top 40.
The song was the first single from Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, the band’s sixth studio album. Dave Grohl initially developed it under the working title “Silver Heart.” During a break in the album sessions, he decided the record needed another fast, forceful song and substantially developed the track before the band recorded it.
Although its Hot 100 peak was number 37, “The Pretender” performed even more strongly on rock and alternative charts. It reached number one on both the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and the Mainstream Rock chart, spending 18 weeks atop the former’s predecessor chart and six weeks at number one on Mainstream Rock.
The song also earned major industry recognition. At the 2008 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rock Song, while winning Best Hard Rock Performance. Its broad rock-radio success is why its Hot 100 position can be easy to overestimate.