Complete List Of The Pretty Reckless Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: Craig Noce, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Pretty Reckless formed in New York City in 2009, fronted by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Taylor Momsen, who transitioned from a successful acting career to pursue her passion for music. Momsen, known for her roles in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gossip Girl, founded the group alongside guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins. The band quickly began shaping their identity around a hard rock and post-grunge sound, blending brooding themes with heavy instrumentation. Their first public performances included opening slots on the Warped Tour and headline shows in the U.K., paving the way for their debut release.

Their first studio album, Light Me Up, dropped in August 2010 and introduced audiences to their dark-edged, riff-heavy style. Anchored by singles like “Make Me Wanna Die,” “Miss Nothing,” and “Just Tonight,” the album built a strong international following, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number six. The band followed with the Hit Me Like a Man EP in 2012, keeping momentum alive while writing new material. By this point, The Pretty Reckless had firmly established their gritty aesthetic and earned a reputation for raw, high-energy performances.

In March 2014, the band released their second studio album, Going to Hell, which marked a commercial breakthrough in the U.S. and abroad. Singles “Heaven Knows,” “Messed Up World,” and “Follow Me Down” all reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, a rare feat for a female-fronted rock band. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, and the band supported the release with extensive touring, including headline runs and major festival appearances. Going to Hell cemented their presence on modern rock radio and broadened their fan base across North America and Europe.

The momentum continued with the release of their third album, Who You Selling For, in October 2016 via Razor & Tie. The album showcased a broader sonic palette, incorporating blues-rock and soul influences. The lead single “Take Me Down” gave the band their fourth number one on the Mainstream Rock chart, reinforcing their streak of radio dominance. Critics praised the record for its ambition and Momsen’s evolving vocal performance. Tours with Soundgarden and other major acts followed, underscoring the band’s growing stature in the hard rock circuit.

Tragedy struck in 2017 when Chris Cornell, with whom the band had been touring, died by suicide. That event, along with the death of longtime producer Kato Khandwala in a motorcycle accident in 2018, profoundly affected the band. They took time off to regroup and channel their grief into music, eventually returning with Death by Rock and Roll, released in February 2021. The title track earned their fifth number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, followed by two more chart-topping singles: “And So It Went” featuring Tom Morello, and “Only Love Can Save Me Now,” featuring members of Soundgarden. With those hits, The Pretty Reckless became the first female-fronted band to score seven number one singles on that chart.

Throughout their career, the band has earned accolades not only for their commercial success but also for Momsen’s unique role as a female leader in a male-dominated genre. They’ve been nominated for and won multiple awards, including iHeartRadio Music Awards and Loudwire Music Awards. Their uncompromising attitude, commanding live shows, and strong visual identity have made them a fixture in modern rock.

Outside of music, Momsen has continued to draw attention for her fashion influence, often collaborating with major style publications and brands. She’s also been candid about the mental health struggles that shaped the band’s songwriting, using her platform to discuss grief, identity, and resilience. The Pretty Reckless continues to tour and record, maintaining their position as one of the most consistently successful hard rock acts of the 2010s and 2020s.