For August, we are asked to highlight music from artists whose names start with ‘O or ‘P’. My selection today is an American rock band, fronted by a former child star, touched by tragedy.
Front woman Taylor Momsen has not had an easy life. Forced into show business at two years old, then later in life, dealing with the death of two people close to her! The video explains:
“Death by Rock and Roll” is a song written by Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Philips, released in May (digital) and June (rock radio) 2020, as the lead single from The Pretty Reckless’ fourth studio album of the same name. It is the band’s first single for Fearless Records.
The song serves as a tribute to late producer Kato Khandwala, who worked on the group’s first three albums. It was produced by Jonathan Wyman, making it their first song with someone else at the helm.
In July 2020, “Death by Rock and Roll” became The Pretty Reckless’ fifth number-one single on the Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, setting a record for female-fronted rock groups. The song remained atop the chart for three consecutive weeks. It also topped Billboard‘s Canada Rock, marking their first number one on the chart.
A PRETTY RECKLESS SAMPLER:
‘Heaven Knows’, released 2013, peak position #1
‘Take Me Down’, released 2016, peak position #1
’25’, promotional single from the ‘Death By Rock and Roll’ album, 2021.
‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’. released 2021, peak position #1
The Pretty Reckless has released four studio albums, one compilation, two extended plays, 14 singles, four promotional singles, and 16 music videos.
As of May 2023, the band has sold over 1,090,000 album copies in their home country.
Other ‘Mixed Music Bag’ posts this week will be added here as they become available.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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I remember watching the Grinch and thinking little Cindi Lou’s voice was so pretty. Later, Tom shared The Pretty Reckless and I was shocked to learn the female front singer is the same sweet little child from the movie. Vocally, she’s still quite good but there’s so much sadness in her music. My heart aches for her. I hope she can find happiness.
“25” has a similar vibe as “Skyfall” to me. My favorite of these might be “Only Love Can Save Me”. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, Taylor could already sing well as a child and I love her voice now! 🙂 Writing, whether it be music or prose, is usually cathartic. Some of the greatest songs were crafted from tragedy. Interesting that you mention ‘Skyfall’! Many people think ’25’ was a song for a James Bond movie that never came about.
I know this isn’t your kind of music, Thomas. 🙂 Tell me what you like, and maybe I can do a feature for you. I did one last year for another blogging friend based on soul music. Yes, the videos are well done.
I’d only heard the song “Heaven Knows”, so this was interesting to know a little more about her and the other songs. I’m sorry she feels like her life has been hard, but she is successful and I do like her voice and music. 🙂
Losing two close friends in one year must have been a terrible blow. Money doesn’t buy happiness, as they say, but Taylor has definitely triumphed. She has the perfect voice for rock music! 👌
So enjoyable. I did know Taylor Momsen had been a child star – nothing she went through surprises me, after having read a memoir by another child star, Jennette McCurdy I never realized the Pretty Reckless have been around since 2009 or that Heaven Knows dated from 2013. I knew about half the songs and loved them all. So did my spouse!
’25’, promotional single reminded me of Led Zeppelin, the melody goes a bit same way as well as guitars and the way it has been produced. Led Zeppelin has inspired very many artists and bands… very good song.
This rock girl has had a tough life, but she can rock very well, full of energy. You have very good videos of her and this band here. I especially liked the first video Real Life Story, good to know a bit background too, of course the music videos are very good too. Very interesting post Debbie!!
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20 thoughts on “MIXED MUSIC BAG: 🎼 MOURNING DEATH, CELEBRATING LIFE ☯️”
I am not familiar with this group, Debbie, and I am glad you introduced them to me. I enjoyed the music and the videos. Rock on!
I’m happy you like The Pretty Reckless, Eugi! 😃 Hard rock is still alive and well, thank goodness. 🤘
Very nice picks.
I remember watching the Grinch and thinking little Cindi Lou’s voice was so pretty. Later, Tom shared The Pretty Reckless and I was shocked to learn the female front singer is the same sweet little child from the movie. Vocally, she’s still quite good but there’s so much sadness in her music. My heart aches for her. I hope she can find happiness.
“25” has a similar vibe as “Skyfall” to me. My favorite of these might be “Only Love Can Save Me”. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, Taylor could already sing well as a child and I love her voice now! 🙂 Writing, whether it be music or prose, is usually cathartic. Some of the greatest songs were crafted from tragedy. Interesting that you mention ‘Skyfall’! Many people think ’25’ was a song for a James Bond movie that never came about.
I have to admit I did not know who Taylor Momsen was until now. I am not following the music very well. They are pretty cool music videos.
I know this isn’t your kind of music, Thomas. 🙂 Tell me what you like, and maybe I can do a feature for you. I did one last year for another blogging friend based on soul music. Yes, the videos are well done.
That is very kind of you but it is not necessary. It is very thoughtful of you. I like what you post but may not be very familiar with it that is all.
I’d only heard the song “Heaven Knows”, so this was interesting to know a little more about her and the other songs. I’m sorry she feels like her life has been hard, but she is successful and I do like her voice and music. 🙂
Losing two close friends in one year must have been a terrible blow. Money doesn’t buy happiness, as they say, but Taylor has definitely triumphed. She has the perfect voice for rock music! 👌
So enjoyable. I did know Taylor Momsen had been a child star – nothing she went through surprises me, after having read a memoir by another child star, Jennette McCurdy I never realized the Pretty Reckless have been around since 2009 or that Heaven Knows dated from 2013. I knew about half the songs and loved them all. So did my spouse!
I’m glad you and your husband like them as much as I do! 🙂 Taylor’s story is a good example of triumph over adversity.
One band I’m not very familiar with. Shame on me 🙂
They’ve been touring Europe with AC/DC this year, but are probably better known here in North America.
Hi Debbie – she obviously had a troubled life … despite being very musical – thanks for the introduction … cheers Hilary
I think Taylor’s story is a good example of triumph over adversity. 🙂 Thanks for coming by, Hilary.
’25’, promotional single reminded me of Led Zeppelin, the melody goes a bit same way as well as guitars and the way it has been produced. Led Zeppelin has inspired very many artists and bands… very good song.
Yes, I love it too! 🙂 Taylor wrote it for her 25th birthday. Led Zeppelin has absolutely been a significant influence for many other musicians.
This rock girl has had a tough life, but she can rock very well, full of energy. You have very good videos of her and this band here. I especially liked the first video Real Life Story, good to know a bit background too, of course the music videos are very good too. Very interesting post Debbie!!
Thank you, Jean. Taylor Momsen’s story is a good example of triumph over adversity. I love her voice!