Summary:The fourth full-length release for the rock band led by Taylor Momsen features guest appearances from Matt Cameron, Tom Morello and Kim Thayil.
Their most confident collection yet, full of persuasive rock songs in which Taylor, her voice punchily prominent in the mix, holds court on a variety of important topics.
It’s a challenge to come away from ‘Death By Rock And Roll’ with much of a sense of who The Pretty Reckless really are. A pastiche of their epic rock ambitions? Something deeper? It’s that tension that frustrates and fascinates.
It's been quite a while since a modern rock album made me this excited and thrilled. I can't pinpoint a single reason why I am in love withIt's been quite a while since a modern rock album made me this excited and thrilled. I can't pinpoint a single reason why I am in love with this record so much. Perhaps it is the love letter to rock music and the celebration of rockers who passed away in "Rock and Roll Heaven". Perhaps it is the 1960s-inspired tender somberness of "Got So High". Perhaps it is the powerful anthem of reclaiming a chaotic world accompanied by Tom Morello's epic riff in "And So It Went". Perhaps it is the introspective contemplation of life and death of "25", a track worthy to be the next Bond song. Perhaps it is the delicacy and vulnerability of the beautiful acoustic "Standing At the Wall". Perhaps it is the blockbuster collaboration with Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil and drummer Matt Cameron. You get the point.
From start to finish, it has been an immaculate rollercoaster of emotions and a mesmerizing listening experience. Taylor Momsen continues to demonstrate her incredible vocal prowess while other band members deliver thrilling guitar riffs and powerful drumming. Musically, from adrenalized hard rock tracks to slow ballads and stripped-down country songs, the overall sound manages to keep itself coherent and imaginative. Lyrically, each song offers the listeners insights into the grief and hope and the sorrowness and joy of life as the band contemplated the death of their longtime producer Kato Khandwala and their idol Chris Cornell. In the end, the overall uplifting sound of the record shows that regardless of how depressing and cruel life can be, everything will sort itself out eventually. I cannot recommend this album highly enough and I have the audacity to proclaim that this album will be one of the best 2021 records.
Sidenote: Prepare to handle the tears after listening to the poignant album closer "Harley Darling"
Highlights: Only Love Can Save Me Now, 25, My Bones, Standing At The Wall, Rock and Roll Heaven (actually please check out every song because they are all bloody brilliant)
Rating: 9.5/10…Expand
AMAZING!!!!! It feels like it’s own entity, definitely a different sound from their other projects but not too different that they lost whatAMAZING!!!!! It feels like it’s own entity, definitely a different sound from their other projects but not too different that they lost what made them special. I love the emotion and the energy of the whole album. It feels very authentic and honest. They did it again!!!! I’ve been waiting so long.. hopefully they’ll release more often…Expand
Going into the review I have never really listened to this band outside of singles as, let me be honest, they were sort of bland when theyGoing into the review I have never really listened to this band outside of singles as, let me be honest, they were sort of bland when they started out.
But this album I feel shows their mature growth toward doing what they wanted (i'd assume) from the get-go.
Some songs on the record stood out more than others, "Rock 'n Roll Heaven" being one. Fantastic guitar playing and mesmerizing vocal range nail this one as probably the best song on the album.
"Harley Darling" ends the album, but it's probably my second favorite. I know I've picked two "ballads" as my top two choices, but they are just so good.
"And So It Went" and " Only Love Can Save Me Now" are probably my other two favorites.
There's quite a few tracks that didn't click with me and felt odd on the album. "Broomsticks" was unnecessary for the album. "Witches Burn" was meh as well. "Standing At The Wall" And "Turning Gold" did very little for me as well.…Expand
