Take Me Down

The Zoo Crew is spinning The Pretty Reckless's hard-hitting track "Take Me Down" for all the Zoo Freaks out there, and this song carries some intriguing stories. Released on July 14, 2016, as the lead single from the band’s third album, Who You Selling For, "Take Me Down" draws inspiration from the legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. In a SiriusXM "Reverse The Verse" feature, frontwoman Taylor Momsen shared that the song reflects the myth of Johnson selling his soul at the crossroads for musical talent, a concept she felt echoed her own dedication to rock and roll. She described giving her life to music, not literally making a deal with the devil, but pouring everything into her craft. The track’s raw energy and soulful bluesy undertones, produced by longtime collaborator Kato Khandwala, helped it climb to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2016, marking the band’s fourth chart-topping single.

Another cool tidbit about "Take Me Down" is its unique lyric video, which was a fan-driven project. The band invited fans to submit images inspired by the song’s lyrics via Instagram, and the resulting collage of fan art became the official lyric video, released on August 16, 2016. The Pretty Reckless expressed their gratitude on social media, celebrating the creativity of their fans. This collaborative spirit highlights the band’s strong connection with their audience, who often share their love for the song’s gritty vibe and Momsen’s powerhouse vocals on platforms like X. The song’s themes of sacrifice and ambition resonate deeply, making it a fan favorite at live shows, where the band’s intense performances bring the crossroads legend to life.

The Pretty Reckless was formed in New York City in 2009, led by Taylor Momsen, who transitioned from a successful acting career to fronting the rock band. Born on July 26, 1993, in St. Louis, Missouri, Momsen started in entertainment early, signing with Ford Models at age two and appearing in a Shake n Bake commercial by three. Her breakout acting role came at seven as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas alongside Jim Carrey, an experience she later said inspired her artistic drive. Momsen also gained fame as Jenny Humphrey on the TV series Gossip Girl, but music was her true passion. In 2009, she left acting to focus on music, forming The Pretty Reckless with guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins. Momsen’s collaboration with producer Kato Khandwala and Phillips shaped the band’s gritty sound, blending hard rock, grunge, and blues influences like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin.

The band’s early days were marked by determination and evolution. Initially called The Reckless, they changed their name due to trademark issues and played their first gig on May 5, 2009, at The Annex in New York. With an original lineup that included John Secolo, Matt Chiarelli, and Nick Carbone, they recorded demos and opened for The Veronicas on tour. After meeting Khandwala, Momsen found the rock-driven production she craved, and the current lineup solidified. Their debut album, Light Me Up, released in 2010, went Gold and hit #1 in the UK, launching them into the rock scene. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and tour news. Dedicated fan communities, like the The Pretty Reckless Fans Facebook group, offer spaces for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss the band’s music, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like "Take Me Down."