The album has been met with high critical praise, described by MOJO as "persistently brilliant songwriting … surely how Chrissie Hynde always wanted The Pretenders to sound". The Observer heard “inspiring longevity”, Record Collector applauded “the best Pretenders album in 20 years” in a five star review, and Uncut Magazine labelled the album “the new prime of Chrissie Hynde”. Elsewhere The Times proclaimed, "this is the Pretenders at their rocking best" and the i Newspaper praised "a statement of intent", whilst The Telegraph confirmed "Relentless might just be one of the most thrilling things you’ll hear all year." 

The album went on to be tipped as an Album of the Year by magazines including MOJO, Uncut, Classic Rock and more. 

The Relentless album release was surrounded by the raw power of The Pretenders’ revered live show. 2023 saw the band emphatically fulfil their non-stop touring schedule - the past year alone taking in over 60 gigs across the UK, US and Europe.