The Pretty Reckless burst onto the scene last year, releasing their debut Light Me Up. For some reason, which escapes me right about now, this didn’t make my list of top albums of the year, nor even get a mention in the “notable mention” section. That is not to say it is not a solid album, or that it was a release that I didn’t enjoy massively last year. I genuinely think that I just kind of forgot about it when compiling my list. That is my mistake! This definitely would have got a mention somewhere I am sure.
Realising my error, I gave this another listen today, to remind of why I liked it in the first place. The big hit singles aside, this has some great moments on it. The fact that it is only ten tracks long, coupled with the realisation that it spawned three well received hit singles out of that, as well as other shining moments, is impressive.
Light Me Up was a solid and spectacular debut from the unlikeliest of acts.
The Pretty Reckless were viewed with caution at the outset. The gorgeous lead singer Taylor Momsen, had just finished her tenure in the hit American teen show Gossip Girl (a hit with the ladies I understand) and nobody was sure whether we could really take this project that seriously. She got some hired hands to form a band and they embarked on making their mark with their debut.
The transformation that took place was startling.
Taylor started to appear doused in the rock star imagery you would expect from a female icon of the scene. The more people got to know the songs, the more they began to appreciate what it was, and start to take them more seriously.
Taylor, although still only 17, has a hell of a voice on her. She will never be able to compete with the range on show by the likes of Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, but that is not a concern. Taylor sings in an entirely different manner altogether. Her tones evoke whiskey soaked, cigarette smoking images of icons from yesteryear, and with her raspy American rock voice, she lights up (no pun intended) the tracks on the debut.
We have not heard a female rock vocal like this in quite some time, and to get one now is an exciting prospect, especially from a girl who has cut her teeth from a young age in the Hollywood acting scene - for her put that aside and concentrate on her musical ability is exciting, and she will undoubtedly make a big mark with this latest venture.
Reminiscent of a young Courtney Love in terms of style (minus the crazy drug taking), Taylor shines throughout the debut and refreshingly fronts a rock beast worthy of the big leagues. They have such a unique style, and The Pretty Reckless arguably have no comtempories doing the same thing. They are in a field of one, and that will certainly work in their favour. Most bands that have stunning female lead singers tend to be of the pop-punk-rock persuasion, so to see one display her talent in a grunge rock/alt rock manner is great.
Her backing band are pretty tight too, and all in all, they are an exciting proposition.
Light Me Up has some real high points as well. The singles Make Me Wanna Die and Miss Nothing sound huge, and Just Tonight shows a more reflective side, becoming my personal highlight on the album in the process. It is such a great song, and although not a hard rocking number, Taylor drips the chorus with pure emotion, and her raspy tones excel throughout.
There are other great tracks across the album, including Light Me Up, You, Goin Down and Factory Girl showing a plethora of styles, and all sounding essential. Another standout comes towards the end of the record with Nothing Left To Lose, one of the most emotive tracks on offer, but which cajoles you from the very start to get your lighter our and hold it high. It was surely written to be played in a live setting, and would sound epic I am sure. In all honesty, there are clear standouts, but each track is enjoyable in its own right.
The Pretty Reckless should have a great future, and can only get better.
With a debut this solid, they have a brilliant foundation on which to build. Sure the album may be short by some standards, only clocking in at 10 tracks, and the opener may be a bit weaker in comparison to other songs, but all in all, this is a sterling album.
I don’t know how I forgot to include this in my run down, but it definitely would have featured somewhere. It would probably have made the top 25.
Either way, they are ones to watch. Festival slots and a pretty much nailed on headline run later in the year (surely) will only enhance their reputation. I am looking forward to seeing how they fare live, because they could be one of the most exciting bands around if they can tick all the boxes where it matters the most.
Incredible
9/10
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