The Pretty Reckless: 7 hits that made Taylor Momsen’s band history

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• Major 2025 moments: chart wins, honors and a parade set
• Seven songs that built The Pretty Reckless’ reputation
  • ‘Heaven Knows’ — the breakthrough platinum single
  • ‘Messed Up World (F’d Up World)’ — garage-rock with an edge
  • ‘Follow Me Down’ — gritty grunge influences surface
  • ‘Take Me Down’ — a dirtier, Southern-tinged single
  • ‘Death By Rock And Roll’ — a blues-tinged rallying cry
  • ‘And So It Went’ — political urgency with Tom Morello
  • ‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’ — an homage to Soundgarden
• Seasonal release: holiday EP and a surprise track

Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Reckless closed out another electric year by bringing hard rock to a very public stage: Momsen performed during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a rare moment of grit on a family-focused broadcast. The appearance capped a 2025 packed with career landmarks and new music that kept the band squarely in rock headlines.

Major 2025 moments: chart wins, honors and a parade set

Earlier in the year, The Pretty Reckless secured a major chart distinction when their song “For I Am Death” became the band’s eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s rock chart. That streak reinforced their place in modern rock radio.

Momsen also joined Soundgarden onstage during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, a high-profile tribute that tied the band to one of grunge’s defining legacies.

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Momsen delivered a live rock performance to a massive television audience.
• Billboard recognition: A milestone eighth No. 1 rock single for the band.
• Rock Hall participation: A collaborative moment with Soundgarden members during an induction tribute.

Seven songs that built The Pretty Reckless’ reputation

Below are seven tracks that shaped the band’s sound and career arc. Each entry highlights the song’s impact, style, and why it resonates with fans.

‘Heaven Knows’ — the breakthrough platinum single

“Heaven Knows” was the track that opened doors on a larger scale. It became the band’s only RIAA Platinum-certified single and remains a fan favorite.

• Album: Going To Hell
• Impact: Broadened their audience and boosted radio play.
• Legacy: Often cited as the band’s defining commercial moment.

‘Messed Up World (F’d Up World)’ — garage-rock with an edge

Originally titled with stronger language, the song was edited for mainstream release but kept its raw California garage energy.

• Tone: Fast, confrontational, and catchy.
• Audience: Helped cement their radio-friendly rock persona.

‘Follow Me Down’ — gritty grunge influences surface

This track highlights The Pretty Reckless’ affection for early grunge. Momsen’s gritty voice pairs with chugging guitars that nod to the genre’s heavy, roiling sound.

• Style: Grunge-inspired riffs and dark atmospherics.
• Connection: Shows clear musical ties to bands like Soundgarden.

‘Take Me Down’ — a dirtier, Southern-tinged single

As the lead single from their third record, this song leans into a grittier, swampier rock feel. The production and riffing hinted at the band’s increasingly diverse influences.

• Album: Who You Selling For
• Vibe: Raw, swampy, and heavy.

‘Death By Rock And Roll’ — a blues-tinged rallying cry

Marking a new era, the title track embraced blues-rock elements from their early days and served as a statement of resilience.

• Purpose: Reintroduce a classic rock spirit in modern form.
• Reception: Praised as a powerful return-to-roots moment.

‘And So It Went’ — political urgency with Tom Morello

The band brought a charged edge to their catalog by collaborating with Tom Morello. The guitarist’s presence added overt activism and sonic bite.

• Feature: Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine
• Message: Clear political undertones and sharp guitar work.

‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’ — an homage to Soundgarden

Featuring contributions from Soundgarden members, this song doubled as a tribute and a bridge between generations of rock. It helped lead to Momsen’s later appearance at the Rock Hall ceremony.

• Guests: Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron of Soundgarden
• Significance: A heartfelt nod to grunge legends and a moment of musical kinship.

Seasonal release: holiday EP and a surprise track

Momsen also surprised listeners with a holiday release. Her EP includes a fresh take on a well-known seasonal song and a bonus track that taps into her past and personal journey.

• EP title: Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas
• Notable cover: A rendition of “Where Are You, Christmas?”
• Bonus track: “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” — a reflective nod to Momsen’s evolution from child actor to rock frontwoman.