ALBUM REVIEW: The Pretty Reckless – Other Worlds

Century Media Records

Released: 04.11.22

The Pretty Reckless are an interesting band. With all of the musical ability you could want in a rock band, from frontwoman Taylor Momsen’s smoky vocals, to their excellent riffs.

And yet, they are a frustrating group, something that extends to this most recent album of acoustic renditions of previous singles and covers featuring special guests. The band have often felt like a vehicle for Momsen’s various obsessions with musical icons; on this album for instance, is a cover of Soundgarden’s Loud Love and David Bowie’s Quicksand, among others. They sound very good and are enjoyable in their own right, but for a band who have never been known for originality, releasing a collection of covers and acoustic versions of their old hits hardly does that reputation any favours.

If you can set that aside, however, the album is genuinely fun. Got So High is an excellent Mazzy Star-esque number, and the acoustic rendition of 25 is every bit as anthemic and cinematic as the original. Just don’t go into this expecting originality.