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One of the benefits of having a well-known actress as your frontwoman is that it will bring plenty of people to the musical party. But the party won’t last long if the music isn’t good, and with their second album Going To Hell, hard rockers The Pretty Reckless make a statement that their party is an all-night rager.

Singer Taylor Momsen is all swagger and sexuality, full of rebellious energy. The vibe is sort of like Lzzy Hale’s younger sister who spent some time in juvie.


That attitude propels many of the songs on the album, like the title track, “F--ked Up World” and “Why’d You Bring A Shotgun To The Party.”

But Momsen shows a few other sides as well. Her delivery is more subdued and nuanced on the ballad “House On A Hill.” On “Sweet Things” there’s everything from mellow crooning to Banshee-like screaming, plus there are male vocals to add a change of pace. She channels Sheryl Crow on the twangy “Waiting For A Friend.”

Momsen wrote or co-wrote with guitarist Ben Phillips all the songs on Going To Hell. The songwriting has improved significantly since their 2010 debut Light Me Up. That album did reasonably well, debuting at No. 65 and having some radio success. This time around the lead single “Heaven Knows” has already topped the rock chart and there are more hit singles to come.

Going To Hell is (pardon the pun),Taylor made for the masses. Catchy choruses, polished production and monster hooks make it an extremely accessible album, but there’s enough grit and attitude that rock fans will feel comfortable cranking it up.

If you’re looking for something extreme, this isn’t it, but if you like mainstream hard rock, this will hit the spot.

(released March 18, 2014 on Razor & Tie)