The Pretty Reckless has made a bold move in the music scene by taking their rendition of the classic track "Where Are You Christmas?" to the top spot on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the band, as it is their first No. 1 on this particular chart.
During the tracking period of December 19-25, the song garnered impressive numbers, with 2.7 million official U.S. streams, a substantial 68% increase from the previous week, along with 326,000 radio audience impressions and 1,000 sold copies, according to data from Luminate.
Originally co-written by the legendary Mariah Carey, alongside James Horner and Will Jennings, "Where Are You Christmas?" was featured in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas. While Faith Hill recorded the soundtrack version, it was The Pretty Reckless' frontwoman, Taylor Momsen, who lent her voice to the character Cindy Lou Who in the movie.
The band's version of this beloved holiday song resonates with listeners as Momsen's youthful voice sets the stage before seamlessly transitioning into the band's rock-infused interpretation.
Toppling their previous No. 3 achievement with "Death by Rock and Roll," The Pretty Reckless' climb to the top spot on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart is a testament to their evolving style and growing fan base. The success of "Where Are You Christmas?" is not limited to this chart, as it also made waves on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales and Hard Rock Streaming Songs charts, further solidifying the band's impact in the rock music landscape.
Moreover, the track's performance on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs tally at No. 11 marks a significant high for The Pretty Reckless, surpassing their previous hit "Heaven Knows."
The song is part of the band's holiday EP, "Taylor Momsen's Pretty Reckless Christmas," released on October 31. This collection of festive tunes has garnered 21,000 equivalent album units to date and spent two weeks on the Top Holiday Albums chart, peaking at No. 19.
Reflecting on the journey to recording "Where Are You Christmas?" Momsen shared her initial reluctance to revisit the song. Over the years, fans had requested a rock version, but she had dismissed the idea until the COVID lockdown in 2020 prompted her to experiment with her bandmates. The result was a transformative experience that led to the creation of the EP, providing a fresh perspective on holiday classics through a rock lens.
As The Pretty Reckless continues to make waves with their unique sound and artistic vision, "Where Are You Christmas?" stands as a testament to their ability to reinvent classics and connect with audiences in new and exciting ways. This accomplishment underscores the band's creative prowess and solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary rock scene.