Reneé Rapp Proves Herself a Triple Threat With The Impactful 'Everything to Everyone'
Photo: Erica Hernandez
Singer, actress, and performer Reneé Rapp has finally released her emotionally raw debut EP Everything To Everyone, and I am sobbing... but in the best way. The seven-song collection is stacked with soaring ballads and power pop anthems that perfectly highlight The Sex Lives of College Girls star's vocal prowess and versatile talent.
The record opens with the title track, "Everything To Everyone." It's a stripped-back effort that explores the singer's desire to be there for the most important people in her life. However, she feels the pressure build and wrestles with the realization that she "can't be everything to everyone" and that she'll "kill myself tryin' and I'm not scared of dyin.'" Next up is the previously released breakout single "In the Kitchen," which is a powerful contender for best breakup song of the year. The track is a powerful, emotional ballad that reflects on a doomed relationship, with lyrics that showcase Reneé's emotionally-impactful storytelling abilities.
"Colorado" expresses her desire to leave Los Angeles behind and ponders whether or not her life might be better if she lived anywhere else. She shares that she could imagine throwing her phone in a lake and finally having time to work on her mental health. However, as the song builds, she also shares that she knows the idea isn't one she'll ever follow through on. It's the kind of honest anthem that makes the following track, "Don't Tell My Mom," so gut-wrenching. Rapp opens up about her turbulent, tight-knit relationship with her mom. "When I was young, my problems were problems... /Now I don't wanna cause trouble at all," she sings. The multi-hyphenate pulls the vocal trigger on the soaring chorus, "So don't tell my mom, I'm falling apart / She hurts when I hurt, my scars are her scars."
The rest of the EP is not lacking with tracks that effortlessly pull on the heartstrings. "What Can I Do," "Too Well," and "Moon," each showcase a slightly different aspect of Rapp's musical palate. Personal favorite, "What Can I Do," is the first she ever wrote about a woman. She says, "That's the first gay song I ever wrote, which is hilarious because I've been out for like eight years... I love being able to have my gayness and my queerness in such a beautiful song."
Throughout her career, Rapp has shown an undeniable skill for captivating audiences with passionate performances and unbridled energy. Outside of music, she stars in the HBO Max series, from Mindy Kaling, The Sex Lives of College Girls. It's a role that calls for innate comedic timing and breathtaking dramatic prowess, which comes through on this incredible debut EP. Rapp emphasizes the range and depth of her talent, shifting from soaring ballads to high-octane pop anthems without missing a beat.
Listen to Everything To Everyone below:
