When you think of famous rock stars that have graced the musical world, you would think of artists who are over the age of 21, right? Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and others began their musical careers early. It’s unheard of to hear of a front man, or should I say woman, in the music business becoming famous at the age of 16. Who is this young girl, you ask? Taylor Momsen, front woman for the band, The Pretty Reckless.
“Hit Me Like A Man,” is the band’s new EP, which sums up fans’ enjoyment of their last album, “Light Me Up.” The EP features the live version of the song “Make Me Wanna Die.” The song sent the grunge band into stardom by making it to No. 1 on the UK charts.
The New York natives consists of Momsen on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ben Philips on lead guitar and backing vocals, Mark Damon on bass and Jamie Perkins on drums. Momsen worked with several producers before she met her current producer, Kato Khandwala. The band went through a number of changes including people leaving and going like a bad one night stand. But the group has withstood the many one night stands and found some long-time relationships with music.
Signed to Interscope Records, The Pretty Reckless have had many triumphs along their rein of grunginess. “Light Me Up” reached the No. 4 spot on the iTunes charts. Also, in 2010, the band was nominated the Virgin Media Music Award in the best newcomer and best group categories.
“Hit me like a man, love me like a woman,” is what Momsen cries to her fans in the chorus of the song by the same name. It’s no surprise that the lead singer has put such a controversial lyric in a song since she’s known for attention-getting style. The downright filthy lyrics are delivered by a raspy, bad-girl rocker who just sounded like she was in the midst of a week-long booze binge. The chorus goes, “So hit me like a man and love me like a woman. Buried and sad, look me in the eyes, I want it. One will give you hell, one will give you heaven. Hit me like a man, love me like a woman. Love me like a woman.”
The song “Under the Water” illustrates a tune with dynamics that make The Pretty Reckless shine. The lyrics go, “Lay my head, under the water. Lay my head, under the sea. Excuse me sir, am I your daughter? Won’t you take me back, take me back and see?”
Even though the album only offers five songs including two lives songs, the album is a lasting taste of what The Pretty Reckless brings to the table. The rawness and roughness that Momsen brings makes the band thrive.
