The Pretty Reckless – My God
Review: G. Rossington
There are rock albums that entertain, and then there are albums that remind you why you fell in love with rock music in the first place. Dear God is firmly in the latter category. The Pretty Reckless have never been afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, but this record feels like the band at their most mature, confident and creatively fearless. Every song has purpose, every riff has weight, and every lyric feels lived-in rather than manufactured.
One of the album’s greatest strengths is its guitar work. Ben Phillips delivers some of the finest playing of his career, effortlessly shifting between bruising, Sabbath-inspired riffs, blues-soaked leads and soaring melodic hooks. The guitars aren’t simply there to provide heaviness—they’re woven into the emotional fabric of every song. Whether it’s a slow-burning ballad or a full-throttle rocker, the guitar tone is rich, expressive and absolutely massive, giving the album a timeless hard rock sound.
Taylor Momsen, meanwhile, continues to prove why she’s one of the most compelling voices in modern rock. Her vocals are astonishing throughout—capable of moving from an intimate whisper to a raw, soul-shaking roar without ever sounding forced. There’s grit, vulnerability and conviction in every performance, making each lyric feel intensely personal. Few singers today can command both power and emotion quite like Momsen, and Dear God showcases every facet of her remarkable voice.
Just as impressive is Momsen’s songwriting. She has a rare ability to write lyrics that are deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. Themes of faith, loss, hope, anger and redemption run throughout the album, but they’re never presented as clichés. Instead, they’re delivered with honesty and intelligence, creating songs that reveal something new with every listen. It’s the kind of songwriting that rewards repeated plays and cements Dear God as far more than just another hard rock record.
A special mention also has to go to the band’s intimate release shows in Kingston upon Thames. Playing two small performances to celebrate the album’s arrival gave fans a rare opportunity to experience these songs up close before they reached larger stages. The atmosphere at those shows perfectly reflected the spirit of the record itself—raw, passionate and built around a genuine connection between band and audience. It was a wonderful gesture and a reminder that, despite playing arenas and festivals around the world, The Pretty Reckless still understand the magic of an intimate gig.
Overall, Dear God is a triumph. It’s heavy without becoming repetitive, melodic without losing its edge, and emotional without ever drifting into sentimentality. With Ben Phillips’ exceptional guitar work, Taylor Momsen’s career-best vocal performances and some of the strongest songwriting The Pretty Reckless have ever produced, this is an album that deserves to be remembered as one of the finest rock releases of the year. It’s not simply a return to form—it’s the sound of a band reaching an entirely new peak.
