Take Me Down

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the raw, soulful track "Take Me Down" by The Pretty Reckless from their 2016 album Who You Selling For for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, which hit number one on the US rock charts, is steeped in bluesy, hard-rock vibes and carries a legendary tale. According to a 2016 interview with Louder Sound, frontwoman Taylor Momsen shared that "Take Me Down" was inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, the blues legend who supposedly sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads for musical prowess. Momsen channeled this story into the song’s narrative, crafting lyrics that wrestle with ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of chasing dreams. The track’s gritty riffs and Momsen’s powerhouse vocals make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist.

Another tidbit from a AXS interview reveals that "Take Me Down" was one of the first songs written for Who You Selling For, setting the tone for the album’s exploration of personal and artistic identity. Momsen described the recording process as intense, with the band pushing to capture a live, raw energy in the studio. On social media, @taylormomsen posted on X in September 2016, hyping the song’s release with, “Pre-order #WhoYouSellingFor and get two songs #TakeMeDown & #OhMyGod instantly,” showing the band’s excitement for its debut. Fans on the The Pretty Reckless Fans Facebook group have echoed this enthusiasm, often citing "Take Me Down" as a standout for its haunting melody and bold storytelling, with some calling it their go-to anthem for late-night drives.

The Pretty Reckless kicked off their journey in New York City in 2009, led by Taylor Momsen, who was already known as an actress from Gossip Girl. According to their bio on Wikipedia, Momsen, craving a creative outlet beyond acting, dove headfirst into music, forming the band originally called The Reckless before a trademark issue forced the name change. The early lineup included Momsen on vocals and rhythm guitar, alongside guitarist John Secolo, bassist Matt Chiarelli, and drummer Nick Carbone. They played their first gig at The Annex in NYC on May 5, 2009, and soon hit the road opening for The Veronicas. Momsen’s vision crystallized when she met producer Kato Khandwala and guitarist Ben Phillips, who became her key songwriting partner. The trio, later joined by bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins, honed a sound blending hard rock, grunge, and blues, influenced by icons like Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and Joan Jett.

The band’s big break came with their debut album, Light Me Up, in 2010, featuring the hit "Make Me Wanna Die." Their relentless touring, including stints with Evanescence and Guns N’ Roses, built a loyal fanbase, evident in communities like the The Pretty Reckless Fan Club. Momsen’s raw, unapologetic stage presence and the band’s tight chemistry propelled them forward, with each album—Going to Hell (2014), Who You Selling For (2016), and Death by Rock and Roll (2021)—pushing their sound deeper into rock’s gritty roots. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. For Zoo Freaks vibing to "Take Me Down," diving into these platforms and fan spaces like the Facebook group is a great way to join the The Pretty Reckless tribe.