Taylor Momsen is looking back on Christmases past.
The singer-actress, 32, reflected on her time recording Christmas hits as a child star, telling Us Weekly exclusively that “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” brings back vivid childhood memories.
“After I did [How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000], I sang that [song] on a compilation record,” Momsen shared in the new issue of Us Weekly. “[Rudolph] brings back the memory of going into a recording studio as a child. I was so excited!”
Momsen, who became a Christmas sensation when she starred as Cindy Lou Who in The Grinch, leans into her holiday roots with the release of her band’s new EP, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas. The project features a reimagined version of “Where Are You Christmas?” from the film and four original tracks, including “I Wanna Be Your Christmas Tree.”
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“I wrote [“I Wanna Be Your Christmas Tree”] to harken back to the days of enjoying being around the tree and the fireplace on Christmas Eve,” the singer told Us. “It captures that heartwarming feel and is the perfect song for it.”
Pretty Reckless Christmas began as just one song, Momsen shared, but when the band began recording in the studio, the project “took on a life of its own.”
“There was so much emotion, nostalgia and chaos wrapped up in it that it didn’t feel right to leave it standing alone,” the singer said about the EP, which is streaming now and will be available on CD and vinyl Friday, November 14. “To really honor it, I needed to build a whole world around it.”
Fresh off the release of Pretty Reckless Christmas, we asked Momsen to Make Us a Mixtape of some of her favorite holiday songs. Keep reading to see the tracks that get her into the holiday spirit.
Song That Captures the Meaning of the Season
I have to say “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. It doesn’t get more classic than that. His voice alone just delivers you straight into the Christmas spirit.
Song That Conjures Up a Holiday Memory
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” After I did [How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000], I sang that on a compilation record, and it brings back the memory of going into a recording studio as a child. I was so excited!
Song About Snow
“White Christmas” again, but this time Eric Clapton’s bluesy version. I just love how he reimagined it.
Holiday Song by 1 of Your Idols
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. By far my favorite Christmas song. It’s so honest and real.
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Music for Your Dinner Soundtrack
The theme to A Charlie Brown Christmas [by Vince Guaraldi Trio]. It’s warm and jazzy and sets a nice mood to chat and eat over.
Song to Accompany Trimming the Tree
“I Wanna Be Your Christmas Tree” by the Pretty Reckless. I wrote this song to harken back to the days of enjoying being around the tree and the fireplace on Christmas Eve. It captures that heartwarming feel and is the perfect song for it!
Song to Get the Whole Room Singing
“Jingle Bells.” Everyone knows it, everyone sings it. It will never go away.
Song for Lounging by the Fireplace
“Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” We recorded this song to create that feel of sitting by the tree at night with all the accoutrements of Christmas.
