Taylor Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless have released their fifth studio album, “Dear God,” following a recording process delayed by their extended tour with rock icons AC/DC. The album, which arrives amid a resurgence of interest in the band, reflects a broad thematic exploration of personal and spiritual struggles.
Momsen, 32, explained that the album’s creation was paused when The Pretty Reckless were invited to join AC/DC on a two-year sold-out tour. “We were in the middle of the best sessions of our lives when AC/DC called us out on the road,” she said. The collaboration provided the band with renewed inspiration and reinforced Momsen’s commitment to a career in rock music. She described watching AC/DC perform nightly while also taking the stage herself as “the two best things put together.”
Produced in collaboration with bandmate Ben Phillips and producer-engineer Jonathan Wyman, “Dear God” comprises 14 tracks that form an introspective narrative. Although the album title might suggest religious connotations, Momsen clarified that the work is not a direct address to any deity in a traditional religious sense. Raised Catholic, she associates the imagery of “God” with a larger, more universal concept. “It’s a plea, a prayer, one giant confession of my life,” Momsen said, emphasizing the album’s emotional breadth.
Several songs delve into themes of longing and vulnerability, particularly highlighted in the track “Love Me,” where Momsen seeks acceptance and questions why her prayers remain unanswered. The singer described a “desperation” running through much of the record, a yearning for connection or salvation that transcends specific religious associations.
Personal history also plays a significant role in the album. Momsen incorporated a childhood home video into the song “Spell on You.” The clip features a two-year-old Momsen declaring herself a “bad witch,” and her voice was sampled directly from the VHS tape for the track. The song’s lyrics invoke imagery of voodoo, though Momsen declined to comment on whether she personally owns a voodoo doll. She joked that she suspects someone may have one of her, citing unexplained injuries and bites sustained while touring.
Momsen’s encounters with animals on the road have been notable: in 2024 she was bitten by a bat during a performance in Spain, and more recently, received a spider bite while touring with AC/DC. Despite these incidents, The Pretty Reckless are set to embark on a 20-date North American tour starting July 10 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and concluding September 28 in Hampton, New Hampshire.