Review THE PRETTY RECKLESS ‘Other Worlds’

The Pretty Reckless have with ‘Other Worlds ‘ a new album in the starting blocks. After the band released with ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ a regular full-length studio album last year, it is this time a somewhat different output of the four Americans.

‘Other Worlds’ is a release with well-known songs, be it newly arranged acoustic songs of the band or cover versions. Due to very positive feedback from fans on the band’s acoustic shows, The Pretty Reckless had now taken the step to put these kinds of songs on an album as well.

The first song to be tackled is Elvis Castello’s (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding’. The tune is emotive and showcases the soulful and bluesy voice of Taylor Momsen. Also acoustic but with a different expression, is ‘Halfway There’ by Soundgarden that comes out of the speakers. Supported by Matt Cameron, the song carries the spirit of the grunge icons and at the same time gets a new expression. Speaking of Soundgarden, Chris Cornell’s ‘The Keeper’ has also been newly interpreted by The Pretty Reckless, without moving too far away from the original.

Besides the cover versions, The Pretty Reckless have also rearranged some of their own songs and stripped them down to a minimum. The album’s opener is one such track. ‘Got So High (Remix)’ from the last album got a new look and gains depth. The tune stays with you and if you close your eyes, you’ll be floating in a thoroughly pleasant fever dream. ’25’ became an energetic piano ballad with a gloomy vibe and the melancholic ‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’ was reduced to the bare essentials. Momsen’s unique voice takes center stage here and shows what the singer is capable of vocally.

‘Other Worlds’ shows The Pretty Reckless from a slightly different perspective, without questioning the foundations of the band. Cover versions and newly arranged own songs from the ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ album unfold a new fascination that is very difficult to resist, if that should be possible at all.