Superb post-grunge; an album of hits
The Pretty Reckless show off their diverse talent on their debut album, "Light Me Up". Opening with a sweet, light line, vocalist Taylor Momsen doesn't wait long before unleashing her full, deep, throaty voice.
Harking back to the days of strong female led post grunge, and with her long blonde hair, comparisons of Momsen to the likes of Courtney Love are inevitable and fairly apt; but The Pretty Reckless are more than a copycat band.
Amongst an album of hits, 'Since Your Gone' manages to stand out; Mark Damon showing off his funky bass beats and Momsen's lyrics such as "now that you're gone my life is moving on" get you grooving. This is followed by debut single 'Make Me Wanna Die'. With it's darker sound and use of strings we hear a smoother side to Momsens vocals.
'Light Me Up' has a lighter sound and soaring choruses verging on being a ballad and speaks volumes in it's refrain of "I don't think I could be anything other than me". The true ballads are 'Just Tonight' with it's softer, muted verses and soaring choruses that are filled with emotion; and 'Nothing Left To Lose' which brings in a bluesy country sound.
They return to up beat fun and a slightly poppier rock sound with second single 'Miss Nothing' and 'Goin down'; with Ben Phillips' upbeat guitars, fast paced drums and angsty story. Acoustic track 'You' is sweet and simple. Showing Momsen's range, her voice is smooth and melodic, full bodied and sweet. Winding down in both tone and volume it closes the album leaving you satisfied.
Don't let the fact that Momsen is still in her teens and an actress put you off. The talent on this album is unmistakable. Each song on "Light Me Up" is strong in it's own right and the album is superbly crafted.
Momsen's voice leads the music for The Pretty Reckless and is the envy of many. There are few singers with that natural deep throaty sound that manage to find the perfect band who, between them, have the talent to write strong appealing rock songs with the slightest hint of pop that nails the post grunge sound. The Pretty Reckless have done it.