In a candid conversation with Walt of Chicago’s rock radio station Rock 95.5, Taylor Momsen, the formidable frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless, unveiled significant details regarding the band’s forthcoming fifth studio album, titled "Dear God." Scheduled for a June 26 release through Fearless Records, the announcement marks a pivotal moment for the band and their dedicated fanbase, signaling the dawn of a new creative era.
A Mix of Anticipation and Release: Momsen Reflects on the Album’s Imminent Arrival
Momsen articulated a profound sense of anticipation and a unique emotional duality as the album’s details begin to surface. "It’s always a bizarre feeling," she confessed. "’Cause it’s not out yet, so it’s not fully not mine yet, if that makes sense. But I know that I’m about to be giving it away, so it’s always a very bizarre feeling, but it’s mostly just incredible excitement." This sentiment underscores the deeply personal investment artists have in their work, a feeling amplified when the creative output is on the cusp of public consumption. The anticipation is palpable, not just for the fans but for the artist herself, who has nurtured these songs in private.
"I’m so proud of this album and I’m so happy that people know it’s coming now," Momsen continued, her voice conveying a sense of relief and shared excitement. "‘Cause that’s been a secret that I’ve been holding on to, so it feels nice to let that go. Because I know all the inner workings of everything, but the world doesn’t, so it feels great that it is finally out in the world and there’s an definitive date where you guys can all listen to it." This statement highlights the often-unseen labor and emotional journey involved in bringing an album to fruition, from conception to its public unveiling. The impending release signifies the culmination of this process, a moment of profound satisfaction for the artist and a tangible promise for the audience.
The Lyrical Depths of "When I Wake Up": A Glimpse into the Band’s Artistic Evolution
The conversation also delved into the lyrical inspiration behind "When I Wake Up," The Pretty Reckless’s latest single, released on Friday, March 13. Momsen offered a nuanced interpretation of the song’s themes, suggesting a universal resonance within its narrative. "‘When I Wake Up’ is kind of… I think we all know the story, right? Don’t we all know the story of what ‘When I Wake Up’ is trying to say here?" she posed, hinting at experiences that transcend individual circumstance. "I have no idea where I was last night. And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you haven’t lived it."
This introspective approach to songwriting suggests a willingness to explore the darker, more chaotic aspects of human experience. Momsen elaborated on the song’s exploration of blurred lines and moments of disorientation, stating, "It’s a song that kind of goes through a series of nights and time of kind of waking up and not knowing exactly what happened." She further contextualized this within a broader artistic spectrum: "And I think it’s a lot of fun, on a grander, deeper scale. It’s kind of telling I may or may not have lived this life at some point. Sometimes it can get glamorized, but it also can be quite dark at times. And sometimes it’s a good time, sometimes not so much. And I think that’s kind of what this is saying. It’s trying to escape by using something, something outside of yourself that not necessarily is — it maybe isn’t the greatest decision." This candid admission points to themes of escapism, the allure of potentially destructive coping mechanisms, and the often-painful consequences that follow. The song, therefore, serves as both a confessional and a cautionary tale, delivered with the band’s signature raw intensity.
A New Creative Chapter and the Road Ahead: "Dear God" Tour and Past Triumphs
The upcoming album, "Dear God," is positioned as the commencement of a new creative chapter for The Pretty Reckless. Described as embracing "vulnerability, intensity and artistic freedom," the record promises to be one of the band’s most "raw and uncompromising" offerings to date. The band’s commitment to "raw diaristic songwriting" suggests an album deeply rooted in personal experience and unfiltered expression. The high-octane single "When I Wake Up" exemplifies this, blending a punk-driven sound with the band’s established signature of explosive guitars and Momsen’s "unmistakable powerhouse vocal."
Furthermore, "Dear God" will feature the band’s chart-topping single "For I Am Death," which achieved the coveted No. 1 position on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in November. This marked The Pretty Reckless’s fourth consecutive No. 1 hit, a testament to their consistent ability to resonate with rock radio audiences and solidify their place among rock music’s elite. This achievement also marks the second instance the band has attained this impressive streak, underscoring their sustained popularity and impact.
Momsen’s excitement about performing new material live was palpable. "I’m really psyched on it, and I can’t wait to start playing it live," she shared. "It’s very exciting releasing new music, especially when you’ve had it in your pocket for so long. We’ve been out with AC/DC for a long time now and continually playing old material, which I love and it’s fantastic. But when you have all these new songs that are living inside my own head, you just wanna get ’em out. And so it’s very exciting that we can finally start adding new stuff to the set." This anticipation for live performance is a common thread among artists, especially after extended periods of touring older material. The prospect of introducing fresh sounds and lyrics to their live repertoire is a significant motivator.
In support of "Dear God," The Pretty Reckless is set to embark on an all-new headlining "Dear God" tour. The tour will commence in North America, with anticipated stops in major cities such as New Orleans and Dallas, before culminating in Europe. This ambitious tour follows an extensive and highly successful two-year global trek alongside rock titans AC/DC on their "Power Up" tour. The experience of performing on such a massive scale, sharing stages with legendary artists, undoubtedly provided invaluable insights and a renewed energy for their own artistic endeavors.
Ticket Information and VIP Experiences: A Closer Look at Fan Engagement
Details regarding ticket sales for the "Dear God" tour have been meticulously laid out. An artist presale is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. local time, offering dedicated fans an early opportunity to secure their seats. Simultaneously, VIP packages will become available to the public on the same date and time. The band has partnered with Sound Rink to curate exclusive VIP package experiences. These include the "Early Entry VIP Package," which encompasses a concert ticket, a pre-signed foil poster, early venue access, crowd-free merchandise shopping, exclusive merchandise, and a commemorative VIP laminate.
For those seeking the ultimate fan experience, a limited number of "Ultimate VIP Packages" will be available in each market. These premium packages will include all the benefits of the Early Entry VIP Package, augmented by a signed Fender Squier guitar and a signed setlist, offering a truly unparalleled connection to the band. General public ticket sales will commence on Friday, March 20, at 10 a.m. local time, ensuring broad accessibility for concertgoers.
A Year of Milestones: The Pretty Reckless’s Recent Accolades and Legacy
The announcement of "Dear God" arrives on the heels of a remarkably successful 12-month period for The Pretty Reckless. This period has been marked by significant artistic achievements and high-profile performances that have further cemented their status in the music industry. A notable highlight was their acclaimed performance at the prestigious 2026 MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala. During this event, Taylor Momsen paid tribute to the legendary Mariah Carey, sharing the stage with esteemed artists like the Foo Fighters. This performance underscored Momsen’s versatility and her ability to connect with a wide spectrum of musical genres and artists.
Adding another significant feather to their cap, The Pretty Reckless delivered a memorable performance at the 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. During this event, Momsen collaborated with the iconic Soundgarden, performing alongside them for their induction. Such collaborations with legendary bands not only showcase the respect The Pretty Reckless commands within the industry but also highlight their deep roots and appreciation for rock music’s rich history.
The band also released their holiday EP, "Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas," which featured a revamped rendition of the beloved classic "Where Are You Christmas?" The lead single from this EP achieved No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, a remarkable feat that reignited widespread fan engagement and nostalgia, spanning over two decades of global fandom. This success demonstrates the band’s ability to connect with their audience across different musical styles and thematic content, proving their enduring appeal.
"Dear God" Track Listing: A Comprehensive Look at the Album’s Content
The full track listing for "Dear God" has been revealed, offering fans a detailed preview of the album’s sonic journey:
- Life Evermore Pt. 2
- For I Am Death
- When I Wake Up
- Love Me
- Dragonfire
- Dear God
- Life Evermore Pt. 3
- About You
- Spell On You
- Rollercoaster Of Life
- Eye Of The Storm
- Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)
- Dark Days
- Life Evermore Pt. 1
The inclusion of "For I Am Death" and "When I Wake Up" as prominent tracks suggests that the album will likely build upon the powerful rock sound and introspective lyrical themes that have defined The Pretty Reckless’s recent work. The sequencing, particularly with the "Life Evermore" interludes, hints at a narrative arc or conceptual framework that may tie the album’s songs together. The inclusion of "Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)" suggests a potential personal dedication or narrative within the album, adding another layer of emotional depth. The diverse titles suggest a range of moods and subject matter, from the potentially aggressive ("Dragonfire") to the more introspective ("About You," "Dark Days").
The release of "Dear God" is poised to be a significant event in the rock music landscape, offering fans a potent blend of raw emotion, powerful musicianship, and Taylor Momsen’s signature vocal prowess. The album’s themes, coupled with the band’s recent successes and upcoming tour, signal a band at the zenith of their creative powers, ready to embark on yet another impactful chapter in their distinguished career. The anticipation for June 26 is palpable, marking the date when "Dear God" will officially join the pantheon of The Pretty Reckless’s compelling body of work.