Taylor Momsen Opens Up About ‘Tapping Into the Darkest Corners’ for The Pretty Reckless’ ‘Dear God’

Taylor Momsen reveals the raw, emotional depth behind The Pretty Reckless' vulnerable new album ‘Dear God’ and how it rekindled the band's fire.

When a band like The Pretty Reckless drops a new album, especially one as raw and revealing as Dear God, you can bet your last vinyl it’s going to grab your soul. Taylor Momsen, the band’s enigmatic frontwoman, recently peeled back the layers on this newest record, describing it as “extremely vulnerable” and a journey into the “innermost, darkest corners” of her mind. For long-time fans like me, this album feels like a powerful reawakening of the fierce intensity and honesty that first captivated us back in their early days.

Released on June 26, Dear God marks the fifth studio album for the New York rock veterans, following the 2021 hit Death By Rock And Roll. Fans and critics alike are buzzing about its impact—with the album racing toward the top five on the UK charts. In a candid Zoom chat, Taylor shared how this record might just be their most emotionally charged work yet.

A Journey Through Grief, Depression, and Clarity

If you’ve followed Taylor’s path, you know she’s never shied away from the tough stuff. From the haunting losses of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell in 2017 to the tragic death of her friend and producer Kato Khandwala a year later, Momsen’s journey through grief and depression has deeply influenced her songwriting. Dear God reflects this hard-earned wisdom, confronting pain head-on while also embracing acceptance.

Across its 14 songs, Momsen doesn’t just revisit her struggles; she processes them with a newfound clarity. It’s as if she’s stepping into the light after a long, dark tunnel, understanding that healing requires fully acknowledging the scars. This is a record where honesty reigns supreme.

“There’s an extremely vulnerable and emotional side to this record, but also it’s incredibly heavy and aggressive at the same time,” Momsen explained. “It has done all the things that I wanted it to do, simply by tapping into the innermost, darkest corners of my mind.”

Songs That Feel Like Diary Entries

One track that Momsen points to with particular pride is “Love Me,” which emerged early in the album’s writing process. She describes it as a brutally honest slice of her life—stripped of any metaphor or artifice.

“It was so blunt and direct, there was nothing drenched in metaphor. It’s one that is so deeply personal, and it touches upon something in a way we haven’t really done before.” – Taylor Momsen

This level of rawness makes you feel like you’re reading directly from her diary, and it’s a bold move that fans have responded to with open arms.

Songwriting as Therapy

Taylor’s openness extends beyond the album’s themes. She revealed that songwriting has been her lifelong refuge since childhood.

“I picked up writing when I was five-years-old,” she shared, “and I feel very fortunate that I figured out early that it was this tool that allowed me to be purely and utterly free. Writing is how I process myself and the world around me. It’s like therapy. Without it, I don’t know who I’d be or where I’d be.”

Her honesty about mental health resonates strongly, especially as she acknowledges how grief has shaped her identity rather than broken it.

Dancing on the Edge: ‘When I Wake Up’

The album is not without its darker moments. Take “When I Wake Up,” a track Momsen describes as a nightmare disguised as a dream. It’s catchy and fun on the surface, but beneath lies a story of spiraling out of control, of chasing escape in all the wrong places.

“I was very out of control, trying to use things outside myself to escape my own brain and circumstances. I chose the unhealthy way to go about things for a while.” – Taylor Momsen

This candid reflection adds a chilling contrast to the album’s heavier themes, reminding us of the fine line between thrill and tragedy.

Listen to When I Wake Up here:

A New Chapter Full of Fire

Despite the heaviness, Dear God pulses with a spirit of perseverance and renewal. Momsen likens this album to the band’s early days—not necessarily musically, but in the way it captures a fresh fire and intent that felt almost lost.

“It feels like a new band. There’s a fire in all of us that I don’t want to say ever died, but it has been relit and is burning with all the gasoline right now. This is us in our truest form.”

Honoring Chris Cornell and Soundgarden

A standout moment in the interview is Momsen’s heartfelt tribute to the late Chris Cornell and her experience touring with Soundgarden. Her admiration for Cornell runs deep, and she describes his music as something that connects with listeners on a profound level, revealing new layers with every listen.

“There is just this connection, and it’s like it is speaking to you on a level so deep it feels a part of you… It’s coming from a place so deep and powerful that it touches your soul.” – Taylor Momsen

Though she stays quiet about the rumored unreleased Soundgarden album featuring Cornell’s vocals, her excitement and pride in the band’s future are clear.

Current Rock Scene and Emerging Artists

Momsen admits she’s a creature of habit, often sticking to the records she’s loved for years. Still, she’s recently found inspiration in artists like Courtney Barnett and Die Antwoord, praising their creativity and uniqueness.

When asked about the state of rock and metal today, she’s optimistic. Despite the recurring “rock is dead” narrative, Momsen believes the genre’s primal energy and authenticity will always find a way.

“People are craving authenticity and want to hear a human point of view that is truthful, raw, aggressive, and honest… not made by a computer. Because of that, we’re in a very exciting time for rock music.”

The Power of Music in Turbulent Times

Reflecting on today’s political unrest and social turmoil, Momsen comments, “Music mirrors the human condition in a lot of ways, and people gravitate towards what they’re feeling.” It’s no surprise that when society is shaken, the public turns to music that reflects raw emotion and truth.

Role Model or Just Human?

As a trailblazing female figure in modern rock, Taylor has a complicated relationship with the role model label. Early in her career, she resisted it fiercely, not wanting the pressure. But today, she embraces the idea that inspiring others to pick up an instrument or express themselves authentically is a gift.

“If I inspire anyone to be the truest version of themselves… that is fantastic and I’m happy to take on that role.” – Taylor Momsen

Touring with Primal Energy

The Pretty Reckless are gearing up to hit the road in 2026, and Momsen can barely contain her excitement. The band’s rehearsals, especially with the new material, have ignited a “primal energy” that promises high-octane, no-frills rock shows.

“We’re very basic. No click track, just four of us on stage cranking amps and playing songs in a very organic and loud, real way. Every night is its own world, and it will be un-imitable.”

Dear God is available now, with The Pretty Reckless launching their US tour on July 10, followed by dates across the UK and Europe later in the year.

Mental Health Support Resources

• CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
• Help Musicians UK – 24/7 Mental Health Support
• Music Support Org – Help for Addiction and Mental Health
• Young Minds – Youth Mental Health Advocacy
• Time To Change – Ending Mental Health Discrimination
• The Samaritans – Confidential 24 Hour Support

FAQ

• What themes does The Pretty Reckless’ album Dear God explore?
  It dives deep into grief, depression, acceptance, and emotional vulnerability, blending heavy rock energy with personal storytelling.
• How does Taylor Momsen describe the songwriting process?
  She calls it a form of therapy that has helped her process life since childhood, providing freedom to express and heal.
• What inspired the song ‘When I Wake Up’?
  It reflects a dark period in Momsen’s life when outward fun masked internal struggles with control and addiction.
• How does The Pretty Reckless approach their live shows?
  Their shows feature raw, organic rock performances with no click tracks or gimmicks—just pure, primal energy.
• Why does Taylor Momsen admire Chris Cornell so deeply?
  She feels his music connects on a soul-stirring level, combining depth, aggression, sensitivity, and complexity that reveal new layers with every listen.

If you’re inspired by the powerful emotion and raw energy of Dear God, why not bring that vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and support your passion at Architeg Prints. It’s a great way to keep the music close and the inspiration alive.