http://www.myspace.com/theprettyreckless
Your eyes, your eyes, I can see it in your eyes. This is hook for the single off of the first EP for Taylor Momsens punk rock band The Pretty Reckless. If you don't know Taylor for being Cindy Lou Who in the film, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, where if you remember she did sing in that movie [YouTube video is down below], then you without a doubt know Taylor for being the now most hated 16 year old on the Upper East Side. The Gossip Girl regular cast member is taking a small break from television and is going across country on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour. Although there have only been three dates on the tour so far Taylor is generating a positive response from almost everyone. The only negative response I've seen is from Perez Hilton but he has a grudge against her and only commented on her outfit, not her singing.
Although only sixteen years old Taylor sings like a 20-30 year old woman. I normally don't like female singers but I really have to make an exception for The Pretty Reckless. And that really is saying something because I really have developed a dislike for her character Jenny over the past season of Gossip Girl.
The EP released last week and only features four songs, all of which are reflecting the new sharp edgy image Momsen has taken on. Here's the breakdown.
Make Me Wanna Die-Probably my favorite because it is in fact the single and has had the most effort put into it. The only problem I have with this song, and the EP in general, is that it makes me wonder where all this raw angst is coming from. I obviously don't know Taylor personally but from what I do know I never would of expected to to have any of these feelings. This whole dark image she's had seems to have formed as a result of her character turning darker on her show. Either way the song is enjoyable, but maybe she's trying too hard?
My Medicine-To be perfectly honest it doesn't even matter what this song is about, it could be about unicorns and I'd enjoy it because of how strong her voice is on this track. Even if they did some work on the vocals she still sounds great and from the videos of her Warped Tour live performances she's not doing too badly without the editing.
Goin' Down-"I'm just 16 if you know what I mean do you mind if I take off my dress?" Oh my. Taylor, please keep your clothes on. This is the most upbeat track on the EP and I'm sure it's one that gets a crowd jumping instead of just banging their heads around. It makes me excited to see her live in about a month. This song makes me think she actually could make it on Warped Tour and fit in instead of just playing a dark club.
Zombie-I do enjoy this song, but I enjoy the acoustic version better, the version can be found on YouTube but there were some technical difficulties when trying to embed the video. I really do admire Taylor's voice as a whole, she sounds better than anyone her age. From her voice to her style it really is hard to forget that she is only 16.
As a whole I'm a fan of Taylor and The Pretty Reckless but I still have to ask if she is trying too hard? Decide for yourself by buying their EP now on iTunes and in other online stores.
I was really surprised by how much I liked it. Everyone goes through an angsty phase, but I think Taylor Momsen has proved by now that she has exceptional talent. I think she could become a respected musician if she were just a little more self-aware. And I agree, the acoustic version of zombie is much better.