REVIEW: The Pretty Reckless - Dear God

Five years can feel like an eternity in the music world, but if Dear God proves anything, it's that THE PRETTY RECKLESS has made every second count. Rather than trying to recreate what made their previous albums successful, the band has delivered a record that feels like the natural next chapter in their journey. It's familiar enough to satisfy longtime fans while still showing growth, maturity, and a willingness to explore new emotions.

From the opening moments of Life Evermore Pt. 2, the tone is set beautifully. There's a rawness to the track that immediately draws the listener in. It doesn't rush into the heavier moments of the album but instead creates an atmosphere that feels reflective, almost haunting, preparing the audience for what's to come. It acts as the perfect introduction to an album that's built as much on emotion as it is on hard-hitting rock.

Without question, one of the album's standout moments is For I Am Death. From the very first listen, it has all the qualities of an instant classic. Every element of the song works together seamlessly, from the powerful guitar work to the thunderous rhythm section, but it's Taylor Momsen's vocal performance that truly elevates it. She moves effortlessly between vulnerability and aggression, delivering every lyric with conviction. It's the kind of song that reminds listeners exactly why THE PRETTY RECKLESS has built such a loyal following over the years. If there's one track that defines this album, it's this one. When I Wake Up serves as an important moment within the record because it bridges the gap between the band's previous material and where they are today. There's a familiarity to it that longtime listeners will immediately recognise, carrying forward the signature sound that has become synonymous with THE PRETTY RECKLESS. At the same time, it never feels repetitive or overly safe. Instead, it demonstrates how the band has evolved without losing the identity that made audiences fall in love with them in the first place.

One of the album's greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Rather than relying purely on heavy riffs or catchy choruses, Dear God allows space for its lyrics and performances to breathe. Love Me is a perfect example, feeling like a song searching for something that's been lost while balancing vulnerability with strength in a way that feels incredibly genuine. The emotion never feels forced, and that's what makes it resonate. The album's title track, Dear God, is another standout and it's easy to understand why it lends its name to the record. The song builds patiently before opening up into something immense, with Taylor Momsen delivering one of her strongest vocal performances to date. Her ability to move seamlessly from softer, intimate passages into soaring, powerful choruses is genuinely captivating. It's emotional without becoming overdramatic and powerful without sacrificing the sincerity that runs throughout the album.

From a lyrical perspective, Spell On You is among the album's finest moments. The songwriting is exceptional, painting vivid emotions while remaining incredibly memorable. Combined with its infectious rhythm and driving beat, it's one of those songs that invites repeated listens, revealing new details with every play and rewarding listeners each time. What impresses most about Dear God is how cohesive it feels. Nothing seems out of place, and every song contributes something meaningful to the overall experience. Rather than feeling like a collection of individual singles, the album unfolds as a complete body of work, rewarding those who experience it from start to finish. That sense of flow has become increasingly rare, and THE PRETTY RECKLESS deserves credit for crafting an album that feels carefully constructed from beginning to end.

There's also a confidence running throughout the record. The band isn't chasing trends or reinventing itself simply for the sake of change. Instead, THE PRETTY RECKLESS doubles down on what it does best while allowing room for creative growth. It's a reminder that some of the strongest albums come from artists who know exactly who they are. For longtime fans, Dear God will feel like a rewarding evolution. For newcomers, it's an excellent introduction to everything that makes THE PRETTY RECKLESS such a compelling band. It's packed with huge moments, heartfelt songwriting, and outstanding performances while never losing sight of the emotion at its core.

After several listens, one thing becomes clear: Dear God isn't just another album in THE PRETTY RECKLESS catalogue. It's one of the band's strongest releases to date and a record that deserves to be experienced in full. It captures everything that has made THE PRETTY RECKLESS so beloved while confidently pushing its sound into the next chapter.

Score: 8/10

Dear God was released on 26th June 2026 via Fearless Records.

Words: Jack Norris

Photos: The Pretty Reckless