Reneé Rapp's ‘Bite Me’ Is a Wild, Pop-Punk Middle Finger to Expectations

Reneé Rapp is done playing it safe. On Bite Me, her new album out today via Interscope, the 25-year-old dives headfirst into a world of unruly pop-punk and glammy chaos.

Over 12 tracks, she flips the script on industry pressure, public perception, and her own inner monologue — leaving behind any trace of vulnerability in favor of brash honesty, biting humor, and unfiltered attitude.

Lead single Leave Me Alone is a standout — all sharp guitar lines and deadpan delivery, with lyrics that poke fun at Rapp’s reputation and the relentless commentary that’s followed her career. She’s clearly been listening — and now she’s responding, with a smirk and a middle finger.

The album brings a distinctly queer perspective as well. On At Least I’m Hot, a disco-tinged detour, we hear Rapp’s real-life partner, Towa Bird. It’s cheeky, flirty, and fun — a playful moment of levity among the wreckage.

In an interview with Zane Lowe, Rapp mentioned that every single song on the album carries a layer of sarcasm. She wanted to say something without actually saying it. Every track also touches on how to cope with real emotional pain. She said:

“This album to me feels like ripping all of your clothes off, stripping naked, and running down a street naked after you’ve just been violently crying…”

The new album marks a bold new chapter for the rising pop star. With lead track Leave Me Alone already having crossed 29 million streams since its release, the rest of the album is poised for success and wider critical acclaim.

Bite Me arrives ahead of her tour of the same name, kicking off at Red Rocks in September before hitting Madison Square Garden and headlining the All Things Go Festival in Toronto. A European leg is scheduled for March.