The Pretty Reckless - Dear God (2026)
I enjoy listening to this more than I admire it. The Pretty Reckless know exactly what kind of band they are, and they deliver that sound with confidence. The riffs are dependable, Taylor Momsen carries the songs with genuine conviction, and the darker atmosphere gives the album enough character to avoid feeling anonymous.
What ultimately limits the record is how comfortable it becomes within its own formula. Most songs arrive, develop and resolve in ways I can predict, so even when they're well written, they don't generate much anticipation. The album keeps a steady level of quality, but it also settles into a rhythm that rarely produces moments of genuine lift or surprise.
The emotional themes are sincere, yet the songwriting doesn't always translate them into memorable musical peaks. I appreciate the consistency, but I rarely feel the kind of escalation that makes individual tracks stand out long after they've finished. By the second half, the distinction between songs starts to blur despite the band's undeniable professionalism.
In the end, I hear a capable hard rock album with a clear identity and enough quality to remain engaging throughout. It succeeds because of its craftsmanship and conviction rather than its ambition, but it never quite reaches the level where the songs become truly unforgettable.
pros
- Taylor Momsen's vocal performance gives the album conviction and emotional presence.
- The riffs are solid and the hard rock foundation remains consistently enjoyable.
- The band maintains a cohesive identity without drifting into generic radio rock.
cons
- The songwriting follows familiar patterns and rarely creates genuine surprise.
- Too many songs share a similar energy level, reducing the sense of progression across the album.
- Several choruses are effective in the moment but don't leave a lasting melodic impression.
Genre: Hard Rock
Country: US
Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 126th / 511
Highlight: Dear God
Made me think of:
Halestorm
Lita Ford
Dorothy
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