Oh boy, are you guys ready for some serious angst and emotional depth? 🤯 Because Taylor Momsen, the queen of darkness and frontwoman of THE PRETTY RECKLESS, just spilled her heart out in a new interview with the JJO Discover New Music Podcast. I mean, I’m not crying or anything, but I might need a few minutes to process all the feelings she’s about to unleash upon us. 🙃
So, it turns out that Taylor’s been working on the band’s fifth studio album, “Dear God”, which was released last month via Fearless Records. And let me tell you, this album is like a diary entry come to life – it’s all about Taylor’s personal struggles, emotions, and experiences. She said: “We’ve never made music for the label. We’ve been on indie labels, and we always have done it our own way. I think the reality is I’m just older, and I’ve lived a lot of life at this point, and I’ve kind of come into my own in a way where I’m accepting of all aspects of my life.” Wow, deep.
But wait, it gets even better. Taylor went on to say that tapping into “a more honest, more raw version” of herself and her band on “Dear God” “came really naturally, and I think that that’s why it’s so special. It wasn’t something that I calculatedly turned on or off. This record is very much almost… It’s ripped almost directly from my diary.” Um, is it just me, or is this album going to be like a therapy session for Taylor? 🤷♀️
The Production Process
Taylor also talked about the decision to once again produce “Dear God” herself with Jonathan Wyman and THE PRETTY RECKLESS guitarist Ben Phillips. Because, you know, who needs a fancy producer when you’ve got talent and a vision? 🙄 She said: “Well, I think we’ve always done that. We have a very tight-knit unit in THE PRETTY RECKLESS world. And the first few albums were all done with [late THE PRETTY RECKLESS producer] Kato [Khandwala]. And he was essentially the fifth member of the band; he just didn’t tour with us.” Okay, got it, they’re like a big happy family… except when they’re not. 🤷♀️
But seriously, it’s cool that they’re keeping it in the family and working with people they trust. I mean, who needs outside input when you’ve got a clear vision for your music? 🎸 Taylor said: “We know what we wanna sound like. The songs dictate what the songs should sound like. So it’s just simply about trying to get into a room and have what I hear in my head come out the other end of the speakers so everyone else can too.” Fair enough, I guess.
The Music
So, what can we expect from “Dear God”? Well, if the singles are any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride. The band released “Love Me” back in April, which is all about intensity, grit, and edge. And let’s not forget “When I Wake Up”, which entered at No. 10 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart. Oh, and the album’s lead single, “For I Am Death”, became THE PRETTY RECKLESS’s eighth Mainstream Rock Radio No. 1. Because, you know, they’re just casually breaking records and stuff. 🙃
But what’s next for THE PRETTY RECKLESS? Well, they’re bringing their stage performance to fans across the world with the all-new headlining “Dear God” tour. Because, you know, they’re not busy enough already. 🤣 This trek follows their two-year-long run of shows the globe alongside AC/DC on the “Power Up” tour. I mean, can you even handle that much rock in one place? 🤯
And if that’s not enough, THE PRETTY RECKLESS performed at the prestigious 2026 MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala, where Taylor honored the legendary Mariah Carey alongside the FOO FIGHTERS. Because, you know, they’re just casually hanging out with legends now. 🙄 They also played at the 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, where Taylor performed with SOUNDGARDEN for their induction. Okay, I think I need a moment to process all this greatness. 🤯
In conclusion, THE PRETTY RECKLESS is back and better than ever, with a new album that’s all about emotional depth and personal struggles. So, if you’re ready to have your heart ripped out and put back together again, then “Dear God” is the album for you. 🤯 Just kidding, it’s going to be amazing, and you should totally check it out. 🎸
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
