Review THE PRETTY RECKLESS “Dear God”

The Pretty Reckless are back with a brand-new album. Titled “Dear God”, the band’s latest studio effort features 14 tracks and further cements their place among the leading names in modern hard rock.

Founded in 2009 by singer Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless quickly established a distinctive identity built on powerful songwriting, dark atmospheres, and Momsen’s unmistakable voice. Alongside guitarist Ben Phillips, who has been her creative partner since the band’s inception, Momsen has led a remarkably stable lineup since 2010. Together with bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins, the quartet first made waves with their impressive debut album, “Light Me Up”.

Since then, The Pretty Reckless have released four successful studio albums, and following the acclaimed “Death by Rock and Roll”, the band now returns with “Dear God”.

The album opens with “Life Evermore Pt. 2,” a track that serves as both an introduction and a song in its own right. The recurring “Life Evermore” motif appears twice more throughout the record, with “Pt. 3” and the closing “Pt. 1” providing a conceptual framework for an album overflowing with energy and emotion.

The lead single “For I Am Death” immediately sets the tone. Dark and intense, the song bursts with raw energy, while Momsen’s husky vocals elevate an outstanding chorus. The momentum continues with “When I Wake Up,” a rebellious rock anthem that feels like a passionate tribute to the spirit of rock music itself.

“Love Me” comes across as a desperate cry for attention, its emotional urgency resonating throughout the chorus. A sense of dark melancholy runs through the song and remains present on the album’s title track. “Dear God” opens with haunting vocals and pounding guitars, creating a powerful alternative rock atmosphere filled with despair, longing, and vulnerability. Momsen’s performance and the band’s instrumentation blend seamlessly, making “Dear God” a perfectly chosen centerpiece for the album.

The straightforward rocker “About You” celebrates the pure joy of rock music. Packed with energy, it feels like sonic caffeine. A more restrained moment arrives with “Rollercoaster of Life,” a soulful, rhythm-driven track that delivers genuine emotional depth. It is followed by “Eye of the Storm,” which continues the calmer mood. While chaos may rage all around, the song embodies the peaceful stillness found at the center of a storm. In many ways, it serves as the album’s emotional refuge, surrounded by explosive rock songs fueled by relentless energy.

“Devil in Disguise (Michelle’s Song)” offers an acoustic ballad rich in depth and sincerity before the album moves toward its conclusion with “Dark Days.” As its title suggests, the track explores the darker side of life’s emotional ups and downs, delivering one of the album’s most somber and reflective moments.

“Dear God” showcases the full spectrum of contemporary rock music. It balances rebellious outbursts with heartfelt emotion and melancholic darkness, creating a record that reflects life in all its complexity. The Pretty Reckless continue to evolve with each release, and “Dear God” stands as further proof that the band is stronger than ever.