The Pretty Reckless Lit Me Up!

Before lead singer Taylor Momsen was rocking out festivals across the US, she was playing roles on Gossip Girl and as little Cindy Lou Hou in The Grinch. She's gone through quite the transformation. After forming the band in early 2009, they released their debut album, Light Me Up in 2010. Without expecting much, I took my first listen and immediately fell under the influence of Taylor's vocals and the hooks they have in their songs. It automatically made its way into the best albums I have ever heard. Every song is very different and offers something different to the listener.

My Medicine

As the first track on the album, it has very high standards. It exceeded any standards I made at all for them. The guitar riff that repeats throughout the entire song is so addictive. As the song progresses, they add more and more to the sound until it is a perfect masterpiece at the end of the song. Granted, the lyrics are pretty basic and meaningless such as "Somebody mixed my medicine, I don't know what I'm on." I think starting the album off with a very intricate song would have turned some people away. Just a nice, addicting rock song is the perfect way to draw in audiences like myself.

10/10

Since You're Gone

A pretty hard rock song, Since You're Gone is definitely not a highlight on the album, but it is still a very good song. It takes a while to reach the hook of the song, but once you're there, the song is great. Taylor's voice is very raspy on this song, which I like. You can feel the fury and emotion in her tone. This is a great song to listen to when you're in a FTW mood. Pretty good song, but it gets outshone by some of the other songs on this album.

8.5/10

Make Me Wanna Die

As the lead single for the album, it definitely gets the message across that this band is AMAZING. I could listen to this song for a week straight and it still wouldn't get old. It's fun to jam to and sing along to. "I had everything, opportunity for eternity. I would belong to the night," these lyrics are amazing and are one of the best on the album. This was a very smart choice for the lead single because it is definitely a highlight on the album.

10/10

Light Me Up

This is probably my favorite song on the entire album. The lyrics are so adorable and she sounds very sweet and innocent on this track, which is polar opposite to how she sound son other songs. This song isn't very hard; it's just fun and cute. I still find ways to jam in my room to it though. "I don't think I can be anything other than me," sums up the entire album in just one lyric. This song is very simple, but it doesn't need to be complex to get the word across.

10/10

Zombie

This is probably the darkest song on the album. The lyrics are pretty depressing and explain what a lot of people are feeling, not just her. This song is pretty heavy and fits perfectly between two softer sounding songs. Not a standout, but very close to it.

9/10

Just Tonight

I consider this the first ballad on the album. It's definitely a rock ballad and is packed-full of emotion. Her voice sound sgreat on this song and the lyrics are heartbreaking. "I'm too numb to feel right now," I really think these lyrics dig deep into her heart and it shows. This song manages to slow things down without making things drowsy. Another great song.

8.5/10

Miss Nothing

This is definitely the best song on the album for headbanging. It's very fast-paced and rocky. The pre-chorus gets very light and is very cool while the chorus brings in church bells and great lyrics. It's another fun song that's just fun to jam to. An absolute standout on the album.

10/10

Goin' Down

A pretty naughty song about how Taylor wants to act much differently than people want her to. Another fast-paced rock song. The drummer really puts his heart into this song in particular and really stands out in the chorus. Again, the pre-chorus slows things down before the chorus kicks back into full gear.

9.5/10

Nothing Left to Lose

A bit of a drowsy song about being in the club scene. This has country vibes and refers to Elvis, Jesus, and of course, sex, drugs, and rock and roll! This is one of the weakest songs on the album. I feel like something else could have been done with this song. The lyrics are deep and the band sounds great, but it's missing that killer hook that all the other tracks have.

8/10

You

You is very heart-wrenching song about a relationship falling apart. Taylor honestly sounds like she's holding back tears on this song. It's an acoustic song, but still keeps the signature Pretty Reckless vibe. She's practically begging her boyfriend to stay with her in this song - "I need you in my life." You just want to give her a hug and punch whoever is making her feel this way - "You can't feel me, no, like I feel you." An amazingly sung ballad, kudos to Taylor for the vocals. I also love the strings used at the end of the song.

9.5/10

Factory Girl

This is the definition of contemporary rock and roll. Her voice is raspy, the drums are still heard along with the guitar. This is the perfect song to jam to! Sure, the lyrics don't mean anything, but who cares!? This song is amazing and a perfect album closer. I bet this song is incredible live in concert. She even has the guys singing backup with her. I can't find one single flaw in this song, I wouldn't change one thing about it.

10/10

This is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a while. Each song has a different vibe and is memorable in its own way. I can't wait to see what The Pretty Reckless has in store for us with their new album. It'll have to be jaw-dropping to top this musical masterpiece. One of the best albums ever!