There’s a real sense of confidence running through “Bittersweet”, the second album from Cassidy Paris. Not the forced, try-hard kind either—but the sound of an artist who knows exactly where she fits and is happy leaning into it
Opener “Butterfly” sets the tone perfectly. A soaring chorus lifts the song sky-high as Paris sings “be a butterfly”, though there’s an edge beneath the gloss—who’s going to do the cocooning while she’s out there flying? It’s polished, emotional hard rock done right.
Things take a heavier turn with “Nothing Left To Lose”, chunkier and more muscular than you might expect, before “Finish What We Started” brings things back toward classic melodic hard rock, exquisitely put together and effortlessly catchy. “Wannabe” bursts with energy, the kind of infectious chorus that lodges itself in your head after a single listen.
There’s a knowing nod to the past on “Getting Better”—rock like they used to make, absolutely—but crucially it never feels dated. The production keeps everything firmly in the now. “Give Me Your Love” slides into bluesier territory, double-sassy and swaggering, while “Can’t Let Go” delivers the expected power ballad moment, flirting unapologetically with Bon Jovi-style melodrama.
Interestingly, it’s the harder-edged tracks that seem to suit Paris best. “Undecided” and “Sucker For Your Love” have bite, groove, and attitude, and when she sings about going deeper, it feels like this is exactly what she means. “Brand New Day”, meanwhile, earns instant bonus points by kicking off with a solo—because yes, that still matters.
By the time “Is Anybody Out There” and “Turn Around And Kiss Me” roll around, it’s clear just how slick this record is. Polished hard rock doesn’t get much more polished than this, with hooks clearly designed for radio. You do wonder, though, in a world where MTV is long gone, whether Paris was born a little too late for this sound—or perhaps just in time to revive it.
It also helps that Paris has been mentored by Paul Laine, who was a member of Danger Danger, and you can hear that lineage throughout—big choruses, melodic punch, and an unshakeable belief in the power of a great hard rock song. Laine’s influence shows not in imitation, but in confidence: this is an artist being encouraged to trust hooks, heart, and melody above all else.
The bonus track “Stronger” fits seamlessly, rounding out an album that rarely puts a foot wrong.
“Bittersweet” is glossy, confident, and packed with hooks—a modern hard rock album that wears its influences proudly while still sounding entirely its own.
Rating 8/10
