Album Review: Reneé Rapp – BITE ME
2 min read
Reneé Rapp has taken a bold, audacious step with BITE ME thus far in her music career. Swapping the theatre stage for the pop arena, Rapp opens with the explosive Leave Me Alone, a punchy pop-rock track full of bratty defiance and snarky vocals that channel early 2000s angst. Setting the tone, Rapp isn’t here to be sweet or subtle, she’s here to deliver attitude with every note.
BITE ME brings with it plenty of emotional volatility which is what gives this record its teeth. Mad erupts like a confession at 3AM, all fury and confusion, while Why Is She Still Here? simmers with post-breakup chaos, burning with jealousy, resentment, and brutal honesty. Rapp really leans into messy feelings with flair on these two tracks.
Tucked between the albums loudest moments you will find Sometimes, I Can’t Have You Around Me Anymore, I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone and That’s So Funny that trade sass for softness, peeling back layers of emotional fatigue and heartbreak. Kiss It Kiss It and At Least I’m Hot add in a sense of drama, snazzy wit and chaotic charm while Shy brings with it a thoroughly addictive chorus and some more of that early 2000s pop-rock angst that opened the album. This element is without a doubt what I enjoyed most while listening top to bottom of BITE ME’s track-list.
BITE ME has melodies that feel familiar and does slip more often than not into conventional pop territory, relying on structure more than risk. It’s not a perfect album, but it’s a thrilling, confessional ride from a fearless voice that’s only just beginning to roar. BITE ME may not rewrite the pop rulebook, but it bites hard enough to leave a mark.
