Snow Angel

Snow Angel, the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp, was officially released on August 18, 2023, through Interscope Records. Following the success of her 2022 debut EP Everything to Everyone, this album marks Rapp’s first full-length project and represents a significant evolution in her musical career. The album, which blends elements of pop and pop rock, was recorded over a six-month period from January to June 2023. The process, which Rapp described as feeling like “20 years,” reflects her deep emotional investment and dedication to the project.

The album’s production was overseen by a diverse group of collaborators, including notable names such as Alexander 23, Jon Bellion, Petro, and Isabella Sjöstrand, among others. Each producer contributed their unique style to the project, resulting in a varied and dynamic sound. Rapp’s collaboration with Alexander 23, in particular, was highlighted as a significant moment of growth, helping her gain confidence and trust in her own creative vision. The producers played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sonic landscape, which combines introspective ballads with high-energy pop tracks.

The lead single from the album, “Snow Angel,” was released on June 9, 2023, generating initial buzz and setting the stage for the album’s release. This was followed by “Talk Too Much,” which debuted on July 12, 2023, and further amplified anticipation. The album’s title track, “Pretty Girls,” was also released on the day of the album’s official launch, contributing to the overall promotional strategy. These singles helped establish the album’s thematic and stylistic direction, offering listeners a glimpse into Rapp’s evolving musical identity.

The deluxe version of Snow Angel was released on November 17, 2023, and includes a remix of “Tummy Hurts” featuring singer and actress Coco Jones, along with three additional new songs. This extended edition provides fans with extra content and showcases Rapp’s continued growth and experimentation as an artist.

Rapp’s transition from acting to music brought its own set of challenges. She expressed feelings of panic and self-doubt during the creation of Snow Angel, largely due to concerns about public perception and the weight of expectations. Despite these challenges, Rapp channeled her experiences and emotions into her music, drawing from what she described as “traumatic experiences” and dramatic recording sessions that were often intense and emotional.

Critical reception of Snow Angel has been generally positive. The album holds a Metacritic score of 75, reflecting favorable reviews from critics. Sam Franzini of Line of Best Fit praised the album for its emotional depth and Rapp’s ability to convey her feelings with a blend of exuberance and humor. Alex Ingle from Dork highlighted the album as the “arrival of Reneé Rapp,” noting its resemblance to the work of Panic! at the Disco and Carly Rae Jepsen. Meanwhile, Lucy Fitzgerald provided a more measured review, appreciating the album’s balance of ballads and upbeat pop but noting a lack of standout moments. Poppie Platt from The Telegraph recognized Rapp’s potential to become a significant pop star but also cautioned that she might risk becoming just another successful young actor turned musician without a distinctive edge.

Commercially, Snow Angel achieved notable success. It debuted at number 44 on the US Billboard 200, marking the biggest first-week sales for a debut album by a female artist in 2023. It also made an impressive debut at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart, and at number 42 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, highlighting its international appeal. Following the release of Mean Girls and Rapp’s performance on Saturday Night Live in January 2024, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 at number 114 and the Scottish Albums Chart at number 67, indicating continued interest and engagement from listeners.

Overall, Snow Angel represents a significant milestone in Reneé Rapp’s career, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to blend personal storytelling with catchy pop sensibilities. The album’s success sets a strong foundation for her future endeavors in music.