Blondie: Still Reinventing the Future of Rock

A New Chapter for an Iconic Band

Nearly three decades ago, Debbie Harry confidently sang, “Here comes the 21st Century… it’s gonna be so much better for a girl like me.” Today, that prediction feels spot‑on. Blondie—led by singer‑songwriter Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, and powerhouse drummer Clem Burke—remains one of the most influential and enduring bands in modern music. Their sound is as fresh, fearless, and genre‑blending as it was when they first topped charts in the late ’70s.

Their album Pollinator captures that spirit perfectly. Instead of looking back, Blondie invited a new generation of artists to contribute songs—creators who grew up inspired by the band’s trailblazing legacy. The lineup is impressive: Sia, Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Charli XCX, Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio), Nick Valensi (The Strokes), Johnny Marr (The Smiths), and more. Even Joan Jett and comedian‑singer John Roberts lend their voices.

Debbie Harry describes the project as a full‑circle moment: “We put the word out and asked people for songs… it feels like we’ve come full circle, pulling it all back in.”

A Unified Sound With Classic Blondie Energy

Despite the diverse contributors, Pollinator feels unmistakably Blondie. The band recorded quickly to keep the raw, live energy intact, working with Grammy‑winning producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Franz Ferdinand, David Byrne). His goal wasn’t to recreate the past—it was to capture what Blondie sounds like now.

The result is a record filled with:

• Fast, fun arrangements
• Romantic, playful lyrics
• Synth‑driven hooks
• A nod to the band’s groundbreaking Parallel Lines era

Tracks like “Doom or Destiny” (featuring Joan Jett) tap into Blondie’s punk roots, while “Long Time” (written by Dev Hynes) echoes the disco shimmer of Heart of Glass. Sia’s “Best Day Ever” and Charli XCX’s “Gravity” bring modern pop edge, and Dave Sitek’s “Fun” channels Studio 54 energy.

Blondie’s own songwriting shines too, especially on the anthemic “Doom or Destiny” and the carnival‑tinged “Love Level,” featuring the What Cheer? Brigade.

Blondie’s Legacy: Always Forward, Never Nostalgic

Debbie Harry and Chris Stein have never been interested in nostalgia. Their creativity has always been rooted in the present—absorbing culture, pushing boundaries, and reinventing themselves without losing their identity.

Their influence is everywhere:

• Dance clubs still spin Call Me and Heart of Glass
• Hip‑hop historians credit Debbie for helping bring rap to mainstream audiences
• Pop icons from Madonna to Lady Gaga to Katy Perry cite Blondie as inspiration
• Their genre‑blending style continues to shape modern rock and pop

With over 40 million albums sold, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and decades of cultural impact, Blondie remains a vital force in music.

Still Disrupting, Still Creating

In recent years, Blondie has continued to appear at major cultural events—from David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption to environmental benefit concerts. Debbie Harry still commands attention, whether on stage or on the red carpet, and Chris Stein’s photography continues to document the evolution of music and art.

The band’s lineup—Harry, Stein, Burke, Leigh Foxx, Tommy Kessler, and Matt Katz‑Bohen—keeps Blondie’s sound sharp, modern, and unmistakably their own.

Debbie sums up the creative journey best: “You have to be obsessed or even completely crazy to be an artist… I’m not always positive about who I am or what I’m doing, but god forbid anybody says different—I’ll fight forever.”

Blondie isn’t just back. They never left. And they’re still leading the charge.

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