HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: Going To Hell – The Pretty Reckless
Ten years ago, the sun rose on THE PRETTY RECKLESS’ second album Going To Hell. It was an album that received mixed reviews at the time, while it explored strict religious conformity and indulgence in female sexuality. Nevertheless, the album’s success was undeniable. Its peak position in the UK was number 1 in the Rock and Metal charts and US Top Hard Rock albums. Critics may have disliked it, but there was no stopping its infectious, grunge-filled existence.
The album begins with Follow Me Down where Jenna Haze, an actress and friend of Taylor Momsen (vocals), moans at the start. Such scandalisation was removed from the radio edit, most likely to conform to vast public listening. An impressive guitar riff follows, joined by Momsen’s instantly recognisable vocal style. The track joined notable singles Heaven Knows and Fucked Up World. The former is a testament to living the way you want despite the looming fear of God. Meanwhile, the latter criticises our world and focuses on shaking off compliance.
Through this album, Momsen proved she is no longer the world’s innocent Cindy Lou Who. We thank her for it: after all, change with age is fundamental. The singer was in a transformative stage of life, shy of nineteen when Going To Hell was in production. She was even younger during The Pretty Reckless’ debut Light Me Up (2010), aged seventeen at its release. Her age was no hindrance when demonstrating creativity with the rest of the band.
Going To Hell turns the idyllic picture of the religion on its head, and may not be suitable for those who remain devout. A majority of the album is centred around living in the shadow of religious trauma. In an interview with Digital Spy, the band commented the basic idea involved finding a new way to present heaven and hell. Perhaps that was the key to its success amongst old and new fans. While Light Me Up put them on the map, this album sold more copies in the first week. As a result, 26,000 more copies sold compared to its debut.
Many of Going to Hell’s themes can be surmised through lyrics found in Fucked Up World: “sex and love and guns”. But it is much more than that. In an interview with Loudwire, Momsen said songs reflect on sinful individuals – herself included, and the human race. Therefore, it is autobiographical as much as it is reflective. Through a mixture of grunge and blues, they tied this album up in a ribbon with frayed edges. It was raw and new.
In short, Going To Hell exceeded expectations for an album the band were forced to re-record. The destruction of Hurricane Sandy meant it nearly missed coming to fruition. It entered this world against all odds. On social media four years after its release, Momsen said “We didn’t know what would become of this record, but it became the soundtrack to our lives”. The album triumphed, again proving that Momsen is a powerful beacon in the actress-turned-musician pipeline.
Going To Hell was originally released on March 12, 2014 via Razor & Tie.
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