Music Critic Eve Hutchinson reviews Reneé Rapp’s ‘Leave Me Alone’, the lead single off her upcoming album, Bite Me
Content warning: strong language and mild sexual references
The 21st of May marked a new musical era for Reneé Rapp (an up-and-coming 25-year-old American singer and actress), who released the bold, playful first single, ‘Leave Me Alone’ for her highly anticipated upcoming second album, Bite Me. Rapp, best known for playing Regina George in the 2024 Mean Girls: The Musical remake, firmly establishes herself in the pop-rock sphere with this new single, shifting away from soprano, vulnerable balladry and leaning into the sharp, acidic vein of songs from her debut album Snow Angel such as ‘Poison Poison’ and ‘Pretty Girls’.
[Reneé Rapp] firmly establishes herself in the pop-rock sphere with this new single
‘Leave Me Alone’ is an outspoken, playful celebration of hedonistic fun and owning your authentic self. The song begins with a snappy, rock-inspired drum beat and builds with guitar riffs as Rapp confidently states “I’m a real bad girl, but a real good kisser,” embodying a refreshingly tongue in cheek, self-aware interpretation of the rebellious female persona. Rapp’s spoken word list of reckless, often sexually provocative behaviour is counteracted by the refrain, “Leave me alone, b***h, I wanna have fun,” which acts as a catchy rebuttal to the external pressures of her career and fame. The chorus invites us further into Rapp’s pleasure-seeking mindset, proudly pursuing youthful excitement and cannonballing through life the way she wants to.
The second verse directly addresses the stress of navigating the complexities of celebrity while trying to stay truthful to yourself. Rapp responds to criticism of her unfiltered interview responses: “sign a hundred NDAs but I still say something,” showing an embrace internet backlash and taking agency by telling her side of things. Rapp shows off this unabashed attitude by proclaiming, “I took my sex life with me now the show ain’t f***ing,” seemingly referencing her time spent starring as Leighton Murray in HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. Rapp has been candid about her difficulties during filming the teen comedy series as she navigated her coming out journey and has acknowledged her role in the show’s success and recent cancellation after her departure in its third season. Rapp has shut the door on her past and is solely looking towards the future as a singer.
‘Leave Me Alone’ is an outspoken, playful celebration of hedonistic fun and owning your authentic self.
The song’s final verse and outro showcases Rapp’s storytelling and vivid lyricism. The singer turns an awkward encounter of bumping into a pair of her exes at a Beverly Hills party into a daring, humorous double entendre which is sure to become an iconic, memorable lyric from the album. ‘Leave Me Alone’ is a strong, impressive pop single with a clear, well-executed message and pop-rock production that allows Rapp to bring in a new dimension to her musical portfolio. Following Chappell Roan’s monumental success in 2024, I hope Rapp experiences the level of recognition she deserves as a queer pop musician in 2025. I am excited to see if the rest of Bite Me takes a similar direction and to listen to the singles to come.
Reneé Rapp’s second album, Bite Me, is out on the 1st of August 2025.
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