Irreverent & Wintry: Snow Angel by Reneé Rapp

Overall Rating: 8.3/10

The album Snow Angel by Renee Rapp is a raw and vulnerable exploration of heartbreak, trauma, and self-discovery. With Snow Angel, Rapp delves into deeply personal experiences with unflinching honesty, exploring themes of betrayal, insecurity, and the struggle to heal. Some songs showcase her anger and frustration, while others reveal a deep sense of sadness and longing. But Snow Angel isn’t just about pain; it’s also about resilience and growth. Rapp finds moments of empowerment and self-love amidst the turmoil, as well as confronts her anxieties and insecurities head-on, ultimately embracing her imperfections and finding strength in vulnerability. With its blend of introspective lyrics, powerful vocals, and diverse musical influences, Snow Angel is a compelling portrait of a young woman navigating the complexities of life and love. It’s an album that resonates with emotional honesty and invites listeners to connect with their own experiences of heartbreak, healing, and self-acceptance.

Track 1: Talk Too Much 8.4/10

Such a fun way to kick off the album. Extremely relatable, especially the talking portion “Are you mad at me? ‘Cause it’s cool if you are, like I don’t care. But like if you are, then I’m gonna resent you…Do you still love me?” I love her scream at the end as well, it really adds to the bratty, hot n’ cold mood of the song. 

Track 2: I Hate Boston 9.1/10

A slow-down from Talk Too Much but sooo good. This song is when you realize, “Wow. Renee can REALLY sing.” She has so much control and her range and tone are otherworldly. The lyrics are also so gripping and a unique perspective.  

Track 3: Poison Poison 9.2/10

This one brings back the irreverence of Talk Too Much in the BEST way. There are so many overused tropes in songs, but singing about how much you absolutely hate someone’s guts is not one of them. So fresh and original. The music is also just so catchy and Renee’s riffs in this song are unmatched. 

Track 4: Gemini Moon 9/10

This song resonates sooo much with me as someone with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), often I feel like someone is God and the next day I want nothing to do with them. Renee expresses this whiplash of emotions so well with this song and uses several effective and eloquent metaphors. Also, the melody of the chorus is so heavenly. 

Track 5: Snow Angel 9.8/10

Favorite track of the album!! Feels like pure winter in your ears and some of the best singing I’ve heard from Renee Rapp. The contrast between the soft, delicate parts and the crashing percussive parts is so absorbing. The build up to the climax literally makes you stop and close your eyes. 

“I loved back then what I hate today” 

Track 6: So What Now 7.8/10

Not a huuge fan of this song, mostly just because of the high “If I’m missing calls I’m gonna cry” parts. I still love Renee’s voice and the vibe of the song–contradictory and cheeky. 

Track 7: The Wedding Song 7.7/10

This song can get a little cheesy at times in my opinion, but it’s still lovely and heart-wrenching. Especially her last “I’m gonna love you til my heart retires”. I also find myself constantly singing “Why’d you have to mess it all up? Why’d you have to burn it all down?” because it’s so catchy. 

Track 8: Pretty Girls 8.1/10

I love this track but the pacing and choppy tone isn’t my favorite. But it’s a fire bisexual anthem. 

Track 9: Tummy Hurts 9.1/10

This is the song that got me into Renee Rapp! Definitely one of my favorites on the album. A much needed pace change after Pretty Girls and feels very smooth and R&B. I also love how direct and cutting Renee is with her insults lol. 

“For what it’s worth, they’d make beautiful babies

And raise ’em up to be a couple of fuckin monsters 

like their mother and their father”

Track 10: I Wish 7.4/10

This track is probably one of my least favorites on the album, it’s a little too slow and depressing for my taste and the melody doesn’t grab me enough. Still beautiful though!   

Track 11: Willow 6/10

My least favorite track. Just personally do not vibe with the repetitive/round nature of it at all. 

Track 12: 23 8/10

I love this one. Especially because I turn 23 next year and I deeply resonate with the existential crisis of time passing. I also love the birthday and aging imagery.

Read my vibe check of Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party as well!