Taylor Momsen’s latest release isn’t just a music video — it’s a convergence of past and present.
The Pretty Reckless has dropped the visual for “When I Wake Up,” the second single from their upcoming album Dear God, and it comes with a notable reunion. Momsen brought in former Gossip Girl co-stars Connor Paolo and Jessica Szohr, reconnecting with a chapter of her career that still resonates with audiences.
The casting choice feels intentional, but the tone of the video is anything but nostalgic.
Instead, it leans into something more raw.
“l wanted the video to reflect where the song came from – a time in my life when I was out of control, not caring whether I lived or died. We shot it raw, with no grade, no filter,” Taylor, who co-directed the video with Chris Acosta, shared in a statement. “Reality doesn’t come color-corrected, and I didn’t want to change what we captured. The imperfection is the grade. This is where life can take you when you play too close to the edge, chasing substances, sex, and dopamine highs to escape depression. It led me down a rabbit hole of self-destruction that leaves you emptier than where you began…with all that being said..enjoy.“
That statement anchors the entire project. The video isn’t polished in the traditional sense — it’s intentionally unrefined, built around the idea that honesty doesn’t always look clean.
It also reinforces Momsen’s evolution. Since stepping away from acting, she has fully committed to music, shaping The Pretty Reckless into a project defined by intensity and creative control.
The upcoming album Dear God, set for release on June 26, continues that trajectory. The band is also preparing to take the project on the road, with the Dear God Tour launching in North America in July before extending through the UK later in the year.
The Gossip Girl reunion may catch attention, but it’s not the headline.
The focus remains on the music — and the story behind it.
