Reviews

"Razor-sharp, yet full of grace, Rapp’s tunes...reside miles above others in her genre. Her unhindered sense of self shines through on Sweet Revenge with no regrets, although it offers a simultaneous glimpse of hovering fragility which allows the listener an instant connection with Rapp. This San Franciscan knows her boundaries and crosses them unopposed, filling every ounce of the Fiona Apple comparisons. ...While attitude surely can make someone, Rapp’s voice could make anyone. Grassroots laid-back, with a tinge of Natalie Merchant, Rapp could relieve anyone of their woes. Better than chocolate, she comes to the rescue with a honeyed resonance..."
-Genevieve Will, Indie-music.com, November 2004

"Melissa has a depth of emotion that is uncommon in most new artists. She understands economy of melody and never oversings and that is the sign of great control and confidence. Look out Bonnie Raitt, there's a new voice in town!"
-Scott Mathews, Grammy Award winning Producer, November 2004

“…a compelling voice and a keen sense of songwriting. 'Let’s Run Away'…is sweet magic. 'Fighter'’s chorus is both epic and strong. Multi-instrumented 'Come Dream With Me' is easily the best song on the record.”
-ExoDuster.com, September 2004

“Soulful renditions...reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan, but Melissa displays her own edgy style in her vocals. 'Fragile' stands out in the track list with a breathy tenderness that touches the soul.”
–Musical Discoveries, August 2004

"...strong, lively songs...a solid record. 'Waimanalo Night' is a sweet, reflective song. 'Fighter' is funky and tough--Rapp seems to be at home with that style too. 'The One You Remembered' has a great groove...piano ballad 'Fragile' is another standout track."
–Ectophiles’ Guide to Good Music, 2004

"Which is best? A woman who sings beautifully, a woman who writes beautiful songs, or a woman who looks beautiful? Melissa is the rare combination of all three. If you love the way Paul McCartney sings during the outro of "Hey Jude" then you should check out one of Melissa's shows. The band is tight and she wins over a room like few artists I have ever seen."
–Chris Cary, January 2004

“…excellent stage presence, she glowed throughout her entire set…”
–The Frozen Fringe, October 2003

“Don’t let the name fool you. Melissa Rapp won’t beat box, curse, or threaten your property. While the songs she writes and performs run the gamut from love ballads to angry diatribes, Rapp music is not rap music. She looks and sounds more like Sheryl Crow than Missy Elliot, but her version of pop is as personal and arresting as hip-hop while offering the catchy rhythms and danceable quality of rock. She ranges in style from the album’s light, bouncy title track 'Sweet Revenge' to slamming guitar on gritty vocals on 'Fighter', and back to soft, slow piano with 'Turn To'. Yet it’s her powerful vocal presence that ties the album together and gives her the freedom to experiment with many types of sound.”

–Elisabeth Andrews, August 2003

“...a sweet voice, and a warm lyrical sensibility.”
–Scot Hacker, July 2003

Radio

• KUSC (91.5-FM) Los Angeles, CA • WUMB (91.9-FM), Boston, MA • WUGA 91.7/97.9 FM, Athens, Georgia • KDAQ (89.9-FM), Shreveport, Louisiana • KLSA (90.7-FM), Alexandria, Louisiana • KLDN (88.9-FM), Lufkin, Texas • KBSA (90.9-FM), El Dorado, Arkansas • Translator K214CE (90.7-FM), Grambling, Louisiana • KUNI-FM (90.9-FM) Cedar Falls, IA • KCCK-FM (83.3-FM), Cedar Rapids, IA • WEOS (89.7-FM) Geneva, New York • WNTI (91.9-FM), Hackettstown, New Jersey • WOJB (88.9-FM), Hayward, Wisconsin • WLNZ-FM (89.7-FM) Lansing, Michigan • WVRU (89.9-FM), Radford, Virginia.