Who knew a Gossip Girl star could rock

Brittany Goldfield-Rodrigues
Editorial Intern
From Gossip Girl’s little Jenny Humphrey to hard-rocker-chic vocalist of The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen surprises everyone with her band’s 2010 album, Light Me Up.
I decided to further my Gossip Girl craziness by diving into the music of its stars. Upon learning the band’s first major hit was titled “Make me Wanna Die”, I thought it was highly unlikely I would be impressed or moved by The Pretty Reckless. It was a pleasant surprise for me to find that this album is an enticing reflection of love, loss, sex, drugs and all other things rocker chic.
The music featured on this album is new, and original, a quality rare in the mind-numbing music industry of today.
It features 10 heartfelt and emotional tracks — “My Medicine,” “Since You’re Gone,” “Make Me Wanna Die,” “Light Me Up,” “Just Tonight,” “Miss Nothing,” “Goin’ Down,” “Nothing Left To Lose,” “Factory Girl” and “You.”
Momsen wrote the song in collaboration with Ben Phillips and producer Kato Khandwala. The  lyrics are full of Momsen’s raw emotion. I didn’t need a Google search to tell me that Taylor Momsen does her own writing because the lyrics depicted such raw emotion and truth. I was moved and inspired when I realized just how much talent the young 17-year-old has, and how addictive and compelling her band’s music truly is.
I found much enjoyment in listening to the raunchy, raspy unique sound of Taylor Momsen’s voice and became drawn to the loud harsh rock beats of the songs.
For days the catchy tune “Miss Nothing” was stuck on repeat on my iPod.  I eventually replaced it with  “Goin’ Down,”  a truthful tune I felt reflected Momsen’s real life experiences.
Her “loud” and unique way of dressing has gained much criticism in the past. After listening to the music I came to respect Taylor and understand her need to grow up and be taken serious as a rock artist. Her aspiration is something difficult to achieve for a 17-year-old singer, songwriter and actress who is best known for a television show revolving around the Manhattan Elite.
From this day on, I consider myself a die-hard The Pretty Reckless fan.
Light Me Up was truly one of the biggest surprises I have ever received. I was astonished to hear the maturity in the lyrics and was captivated by the unfairly catchy and addictive rock beats.
Taylor Momsen shows her true colors and wows all with this album. I applaud her and her band for releasing such an honest album that reflects her, and curse her since her lyrics refuse to leave my head.