Taylor Momsen has opened up about the deeply personal approach behind The Pretty Reckless’ latest album, Dear God, revealing the record is the most honest collection of songs she has ever released.
Speaking on the JJO Discover New Music Podcast, Momsen explained that the band has never chased trends or written music to satisfy record labels, instead choosing to stay true to its own creative vision throughout its career.
“We’ve never made music for the label. We’ve been on indie labels, and we always have done it our own way,” Momsen said (per Blabbermouth).
The singer believes years of personal growth have shaped the writing process on Dear God, allowing her to embrace every aspect of her life rather than hide from it. That openness, she says, made the album feel more authentic than anything the band has previously released.
Momsen admitted the songs are so personal they are “almost directly from my diary”, adding she only realised just how vulnerable the record was shortly before it arrived.
“‘Cause I make music and write songs for me,” she said. “It’s been this tool and this thing that I’ve done my whole life that allows me to kind of process my life and who I am and how I see the world and see myself and all those things.”
Internal production
The Pretty Reckless once again handled production internally, with Momsen, guitarist Ben Phillips and longtime collaborator Jonathan Wyman overseeing the album. Following the passing of producer Kato Khandwala before Death By Rock And Roll, the trio has continued building a close creative partnership rather than bringing in outside producers.
Momsen said the band prefers consistency over constantly changing producers, comparing the relationship to The Beatles’ longstanding collaboration with George Martin.
The album has already delivered impressive results. Lead single For I Am Death became the band’s eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, while When I Wake Up and Love Me have continued building momentum across rock radio.
The release also arrives as The Pretty Reckless embarks on its global Dear God Tour, following an extensive two-year run supporting AC/DC on the legendary Power Up Tour.
With more than a decade of chart success behind them, Momsen says the band’s focus remains unchanged, creating music that feels genuine, regardless of expectations. Judging by the response to Dear God, that honesty continues to resonate with rock fans worldwide.
The Pretty Reckless ‘Dear God’ Track list:
- Life Evermore Pt. 2
- For I Am Death
- When I Wake Up
- Love Me
- Dragonfire
- Dear God
- Life Evermore Pt. 3
- About You
- Spell On You
- Rollercoaster of Life
- Eye of the Storm
- Devil in Disguise (Michelle’s Song)
- Dark Days
- Life Evermore Pt. 1
Pick up your copy/stream here.
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