Death by Rock and Roll
The Pretty Reckless · 2021
50 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of grunge-infused rock and emotional balladry that channels both vulnerability and defiance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Death by Rock and Roll — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of embracing life's chaos and uncertainties, combining powerful instrumentation with relatable lyrics about risking everything for passion.
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Only Love Can Save Me Now — This track features a haunting duet with Tom Morello, highlighting themes of redemption and support amidst despair, making it a standout moment of collaboration on the album.
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Witches Burn — An anthem of empowerment, this song employs metaphorical language to confront societal judgments while delivering a catchy chorus that resonates with listeners seeking strength.
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25 — Reflecting on the passage of time and personal growth, this poignant track showcases Taylor Momsen's vocal range and emotional delivery, marking a significant introspective moment within the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends grunge and rock effectively, showcasing strong songwriting and production while maintaining emotional resonance.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, establishing a high-energy opening that contrasts with the more subdued ballads that follow.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, which enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo cathartic release
- emotional ballads for reflection
- resilient anthems for empowerment
- full-album journey of healing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek upbeat party music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 12, 2021, 'Death by Rock and Roll' is The Pretty Reckless' fourth studio album, following the tragic death of guitarist Chris Cornell in 2017, which deeply influenced the writing process. The album marks a significant moment in their evolution, as they explore themes of loss and resilience while solidifying their place in the modern rock landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Halestorm· Paramore· Evanescence
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Death by Rock and Roll 3:54
- 2 Only Love Can Save Me Now 5:12
- 3 And So It Went 4:30
- 4 25 5:27
- 5 My Bones 4:47
- 6 Got So High 3:20
- 7 Broomsticks 0:39
- 8 Witches Burn 4:54
- 9 Standing at the Wall 3:58
- 10 Turning Gold 4:10
- 11 Rock and Roll Heaven 5:12
- 12 Harley Darling 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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