Honestly, most people still think of Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl. It's been over fifteen years since she walked away from the CW, but that "actress-turned-singer" label is sticky. It’s also totally wrong. If you actually look at the Pretty Reckless discography, what you see isn't a vanity project. It's a relentless, chart-topping machine that has outlasted almost every other rock band from the early 2010s.
They just hit their eighth number-one single on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with "For I Am Death." That broke a tie with Halestorm. They are officially the most successful female-fronted band in that chart’s history. You don't get there by accident. You get there by writing songs that sound like they were dragged through the mud and baptized in whiskey.
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The Rough Start: Light Me Up (2010)
When Light Me Up dropped, critics were skeptical. "Generic," said Rolling Stone. They weren't exactly kind. But the fans? The fans didn't care. The album was basically a middle finger to the polished pop-rock of the era. It felt dirty. Songs like "Make Me Wanna Die" and "Miss Nothing" were massive in the UK long before America caught on.
Momsen was only 16 or 17 when she recorded most of this. You can hear the raw, teenage angst, but it’s backed by Ben Phillips’ heavy, blues-influenced guitar work. It wasn't just bubblegum punk; it had a surprising amount of weight. The UK went gold. The US was slower to the party, but the groundwork was laid. They weren't going away.
The Hurricane: Going to Hell (2014)
Everything changed with Going to Hell. It’s the record that proved they were "real." It’s also the record that almost didn't happen because of Hurricane Sandy.
The band was recording at Water Music in Hoboken when the storm hit. The studio was destroyed. They lost equipment. They lost recordings. They had to start over. Instead of quitting, they leaned into the darkness. The title track "Going to Hell" is a direct response to that chaos.
- Heaven Knows: This is the big one. It’s their only Platinum-certified single. That stomp-clap beat? It’s iconic.
- Messed Up World: Originally titled "F**ked Up World," they cleaned it up for radio, and it still rocked.
- Follow Me Down: A heavy-hitter that helped them become the first female-fronted band to score two #1 hits in a row since The Pretenders.
This album peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200. It wasn't a fluke anymore. It was a takeover.
The Evolution: Who You Selling For (2016)
By 2016, the band was tired. Relentless touring will do that to you. Who You Selling For feels more mature, less about the shock value and more about the craft. It’s soulful. It’s bluesy.
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"Take Me Down" was the lead single and—shocker—it went to number one. That made them the first act ever to send their first four entries to the top of the Mainstream Rock chart. The album is slower in places. "The Walls Are Closing In" and "Oh My God" show a band that was deeply influenced by Soundgarden and Motörhead. It’s an album for people who actually like albums, not just singles.
The Grief and the Glory: Death by Rock and Roll (2021)
This is the most important part of the Pretty Reckless discography. It’s the record born from tragedy.
First, Chris Cornell died. The band was opening for Soundgarden on that final tour. It hit them hard. Then, their long-time producer and "fifth member," Kato Khandwala, died in a motorcycle accident. The band almost broke up. Momsen has been open about how she fell into a dark place during this time.
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But they funneled it all into Death by Rock and Roll. The title is Kato’s catchphrase.
- And So It Went: Features Tom Morello. It’s a political, loud-as-hell anthem.
- Only Love Can Save Me Now: Features Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron of Soundgarden. It’s basically a grunge dream.
- 25: A haunting, Bond-theme-esque track about growing up too fast.
The album debuted at #1 on the Top Album Sales chart. It was their first time hitting the top spot for pure sales.
The Modern Era: 2022 to 2026
Since 2021, they haven't slowed down. They released Other Worlds in 2022, which was a collection of acoustic versions and covers—including a killer version of David Bowie’s "Quicksand." It showed a softer side, proving Momsen’s voice doesn't need a wall of distortion to be powerful.
Then came the surprise. In 2025, they dropped Taylor Momsen's Pretty Reckless Christmas. Yes, a holiday album. But it wasn't carols. It included a rock version of "Where Are You Christmas?"—the song Momsen sang as Cindy Lou Who 25 years prior. It was a full-circle moment that most people didn't see coming.
Now, in early 2026, we have "For I Am Death." It’s the lead single from their upcoming fifth studio album. It’s darker, heavier, and clearly shows they aren't interested in chasing pop trends. They are the last of a dying breed: a pure, unadulterated rock band.
How to Dive In
If you're new to the band, don't just shuffle. Start with Going to Hell to understand the energy. Then go to Death by Rock and Roll to feel the soul. Save Who You Selling For for a rainy day when you want to hear some serious guitar work.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Track the Charts: Follow the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. They are currently defending their record for the most #1s by a female-led act.
- Physical Media: Their vinyl pressings are notoriously high quality. Death by Rock and Roll had a massive vinyl debut (over 5,000 copies in week one), and they often release limited color variants.
- Live Shows: They are festival staples for a reason. Check the 2026 summer circuit for Rock am Ring or Download Festival dates, as they are rumored to be headlining smaller stages this year.
The Pretty Reckless isn't just a band with a famous singer. They are a blueprint for how to survive the music industry without selling your soul. They’ve done it their way for 15 years, and honestly, they’re just getting started.