(Artist Update

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

Sometimes a rock album comes along that isn't just about loud guitars or songs that catch on. Sometimes it's about asking the big questions in life; questions about love, loss, faith, fear, and what it means to keep going when life gets tough. That's exactly what The Pretty Reckless set out to do with their fifth studio album, Dear God, released on June 26, 2026.

If you've followed the band over the years, you'll notice that this album feels like the next chapter in their story. Instead of trying to sound like someone else or follow the latest music trends, The Pretty Reckless stayed true to who they are. They made an honest, emotional rock album that mixes heavy guitars with thoughtful lyrics and some of Taylor Momsen's strongest singing to date.

Right from the beginning, it's clear this isn't an album built around partying or showing off. It's about real life. Taylor Momsen sings about struggling with doubt, dealing with heartbreak, facing death, finding hope, and trying to understand why difficult things happen. The title, Dear God, hints at those themes from the very start. Rather than giving easy answers, the songs ask honest questions that many people have asked at one time or another.

Musically, the band sounds better than ever. Guitarist Ben Phillips delivers plenty of heavy riffs along with softer acoustic moments that give the songs room to breathe. Bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins provide a strong foundation, keeping everything tight whether the music is slow and emotional or loud and aggressive. Taylor Momsen's voice is one of the biggest highlights of the album. She knows when to sing softly and let emotion shine through, and she also knows when to unleash the powerful rock vocals fans have come to expect. That balance gives the album a lot of heart.

Several songs were released before the album arrived. "For I Am Death" quickly grabbed fans' attention with its heavy sound and dark lyrics about mortality. "When I Wake Up" tells the story of dreams that slowly turn into nightmares, showing how things that seem exciting at first can eventually fall apart. Then there's the title track, "Dear God," which serves as the emotional center of the album. It's a heartfelt song about searching for answers during life's hardest moments and wondering if anyone is listening.

One of the album's most touching songs is "Devil In Disguise (Michelle's Song)." Taylor Momsen wrote it as a tribute inspired by the memory of actress Michelle Trachtenberg. Instead of focusing only on sadness, the song reflects on friendship, memories, and the lasting impact people leave behind after they're gone. It's one of the album's most personal and emotional moments.

Throughout Dear God, several themes keep showing up. Faith is one of the biggest. The songs explore belief, doubt, prayer, and the search for meaning without trying to preach or tell listeners what to think. Death and loss also play an important role, reminding us that everyone experiences grief at some point. At the same time, the album never loses sight of hope. Even during its darkest moments, it suggests that people can heal, grow, and find strength after hardship.

The music itself combines modern hard rock with classic rock influences. You'll hear powerful guitar riffs, blues inspired solos, emotional ballads, and big choruses that stay with you long after the songs end. Even when the lyrics become heavy, the music remains exciting and full of energy.

Critics have responded positively to Dear God. Many praised Taylor Momsen's songwriting, her vocal performance, and the band's musicianship. Reviewers also appreciated that the album feels complete from beginning to end rather than simply being a collection of singles. While some critics felt the band could have experimented a little more with their sound, most agreed that Dear God is one of the strongest hard rock releases of 2026.

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Written By: Ginny Gaines

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