ALBUM REVIEW: Other Worlds – The Pretty Reckless

Over the last nearly 15 years together, American rockers THE PRETTY RECKLESS have taken over the charts and the scene with their own contemporary take on rock and roll. And now it’s just gotten softer, quieter, and more exciting than ever. It’s time to explore Other Worlds.

This new compilation is full of reimagined hits from the band’s past collection of records. For the first time, the band have brought their very occasional acoustic renditions to the studio and released them to the world. The standout acoustic track is Death By Rock And Roll; keeping to its original badass beats and allowing frontwoman Taylor Momsen to bring the empowerment once again works in its favour. Momsen‘s vocals in fact shine brighter than ever due to the stripped-back nature of the recording. It proves that being a heavy guitar band doesn’t mean there’s no way to tone it down and let the lyrics speak for themselves. There is always a space to have a voice and a guitar. Especially when the voice is Momsen‘s.

Along with acoustic tracks, the group managed to lay down some cover versions while in the studio. This includes the ELVIS COSTELLO release (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding, originally covered in a livestream during lockdown; SOUNDGARDEN hit Halfway There, with their very own drummer Matt Cameron; and DAVID BOWIE‘s own Quicksand, with assistance from the artist’s pianist Mike Garson. From where it stands, there is a lot of high-profile support for the rock and roll four-piece. This has worked in their favour many times throughout their years together, and is still working as effectively now.

One of the most beautiful tracks to appear on the 11-track listing is the cover of CHRIS CORNELL‘s The Keeper. It’s a stunning tribute from Momsen to the late frontman, with friend and artist Alain Johannes accompanying on guitar. Her voice works well with the smooth and bittersweet words, breathing every line to life just as Cornell once did in his living days. It’s a calming cover, and one that stands out among the others following on in the record. No doubt it would make the late vocalist proud, looking down from wherever his eternal rest has led him as his emotions and experiences flow through a new vocal vessel.

This is what music is about. It’s about exploring new avenues, trekking down unknown paths, and doing what many could label impossible. Nothing is impossible in music, and nothing seems to be impossible for THE PRETTY RECKLESS. Keep the eyes and mind open, reach out, and touch the Other Worlds.

Rating: 8/10

Other Worlds is out now via Century Media Records.

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