Heroes often rise from the most unlikely places. They aren’t born into their role; they are forged in fire. But who could have ever predicted that the fearsome twenty-something who baptized her soul in rock and longed for the sweet rewards that only the crossroads could offer would become the champion of Christmas?

Yes, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas is somewhat of a surprise, but it’s the good kind. It’s also a spotlight that shines brightly, revealing Momsen’s blistering talent. She sings with a feral passion, unleashing a deep and resonant battle cry that blazes from her heart. Taylor’s classic, “Where Are You Christmas,” is no longer a gentle plea sung sweetly by an innocent child; it’s a demand for accountability: “Where is the joy the season promised?!” It’s savage. It’s beautiful. It’s what we need to hear. And how we need to hear it. Taylor Momsen is the only person who could save Christmas by kicking its butt!

“Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas started as just one song, but the moment we got into the studio, it took on a life of its own,” Taylor recalled. “There was so much emotion, nostalgia and chaos wrapped up in it that it didn’t feel right to leave it standing alone. To really honor it, I needed to build a whole world around it. That’s how this project became a full body of work. Something bigger, deeper and far more personal than I ever expected.”

This little EP is an overstuffed stocking of assorted sonic treats. Taylor rips through a nostalgic ’90s-styled power pop rendition of her iconic Grinch tune and has some fun with a Barry-Louis-Polisar-meets-The-Andrews-Sisters track before diving headlong into a pop punk holiday anthem. She then cranks up the heat with a sizzling bluesy scorcher that will leave your soul in embers. She finishes by scooping up the ashes, gently kissing them goodbye, and letting the wind carry them away for a phoenix-like rebirth. There’s a good chance you’ll be awash in happy tears by the end and feel more than a little bit of that holiday magic.

Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas tracklist:

1. “Where Are You Christmas?”
2. “I Wanna Be Your Christmas Tree”
3. “Christmas Is Killing Me”
4. “Blues on Christmas”
5. “When We Were Young”
6. “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You”

Taylor links:
Website • Instagram • TikTok •  X • Bandcamp