Best known for her role in the TV series "Gossip Girl," Taylor Momsen also formed The Pretty Reckless in 2009, playing alongside Mark Damon (bass), Jamie Perkins (drums) and Ben Phillips (lead guitar, backing vocals). The band play a brand of hard rock influenced by the likes of Nirvana, Joan Jett Hole that is very accessible.
Their debut album "Light Me Up" (released August 27, 2010) achieved moderate success, most notably with the single "Make Me Wanna Die." Following this album release they embarked on an international tour, also featuring as part of the line up for the Vans Warped Tour. Following this success, they were invited to perform as the support act for Marilyn Manson and Evanescence, which helped to establish new fans and grow The Pretty Reckless' popularity.
Their second studio album "Going to Hell" released in 2014 saw the band achieve a new level of success. The singles "Kill Me," "Going to Hell" and "Heaven Knows" were well received, with "Heaven Knows" topping both the UK and US rock charts. The Pretty Reckless achieved a number one spot with two of their first hit singles "Heaven Knows" and "Messed Up World," the first time a female-fronted band has done so. The band also had a song featured on the "Kick-Ass" soundtrack, with the single, "Make Me Wanna Die."
Somebody mixed my medicine.' Guess whose 'in my head again'? Pretty Reckless--the world's greatest American rock band of this generation. These days in the 21st century, rock artists are mixing with soul country or mainstream pop, trying to be something they're not. But Pretty Reckless doesn't swing like that. They allow real, hardcore, bloody rock and roll to live on in their own twisted, addicting ways.
Their 'Light Me Up' album did more than just set my passion on fire for these talented members. Ben Phillips stellar guitar skills ignited my inner rock (I still pretend to do mini guitar solos alone in my bedroom) and Taylor Momsen's raspy, edgy voice sends thrilling chills up my spine that I crave for everyday. You can never forget the heart pumping bass from Mark Damon and the mad drumming from Jamie Perkins. When they work together to create such masterpieces like 'F*cked Up World' and 'Medicine' that are dubbed into my iPod, I fangirl enough to 'Make Me Wanna Die'.
When they had their first chart-topping single, 'Heaven Knows', I would seriously be surprised if heaven DIDN'T know Pretty Reckless. 'Going To Hell', their newest album, is glued on repeat to this day. In the album, the way that the band adds good old rock, blends of heavy metal and even some slower songs that show the ability of Momesen to produce a successful combination that conveys both emotion and adrenaline is mind blowing.
Which is exactly what Pretty Reckless is. Mind blowing.
And to think, what are their concerts like exactly? It makes you feel like you're living the impossible, whether it be a 'Zombie' or breathing 'Under the Water', seeing them live will make you question yourself--can this century still offer REAL rock and roll at a concert? The answer is yes. It's The Pretty Reckless, a badass band that I've fallen hard in love with. Flashing lights, surrounding smoke, rock lovers swarming like a sea around you, the floor shaking with bouncing feet, ears ringing from the smashing beats, and the chills up your arm because of Momsen's voice--the perfect concert.
Now if you still don't believe that The Pretty Reckless is one of the greatest American rock bands of the century, why not give them a shot. Plug in your headphones, lean back, close your eyes and sink into The Pretty Reckless's world of madness. Listen to their lyrics. Feel the beat. Take a minute for the spell to take over. Besides, you have 'Nothing Left To Lose'.