Addison Rae Delves into Luxury and Excess with “High Fashion” - Atwood Magazine

      Fun, cheeky, and at times delightfully surprising, Addison Rae's "High Fashion" presents a unified perspective on her artistic 'rebrand' with lyrics centered around luxury.

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      Addison Rae began her journey from social media influencer to pop star in 2021 with her debut single, "Obsessed." Two years later, she released her first EP, AR—a collection of tracks that, while enjoyable, is somewhat forgettable, featuring a collaboration with Charli XCX. Although her EP didn’t capture widespread attention, her appearance on Charli XCX’s deluxe version of Brat and two singles from 2024 ("Diet Pepsi" and "Aquamarine") amassed nearly 400 million streams on Spotify, solidifying her presence in the pop scene.

      High Fashion – Addison Rae

      Rae is not the first artist to transition from influencer to musician. Artists like Troye Sivan and Shawn Mendes have successfully made this shift, despite the backlash from a public that might doubt the seriousness of influencers entering the music realm. Rae's transformation from TikTok star to sultry pop artist has been propelled by "Diet Pepsi" and "Aquamarine," thanks to their irresistibly catchy choruses, production that balances both modern and nostalgic elements, and a vibe that is equally ethereal and playful. With the release of her latest single, "High Fashion," Rae appears to be preparing listeners for a larger project this year, even if this new track lacks the catchiness and allure of her earlier singles.

      Have you ever dreamed of being in the spotlight? Ah-ah

      Not just by someone, more like in a magazine

      Could it be something more than just a hit? Ah-ah

      Nothing else makes me feel like this

      In terms of lyrics, Rae dives into themes of glamour, wealth, and luxury in this song, tapping into a hedonistic trend in pop music that is resurging, reminiscent of the late 2000s and early 2010s. The lyrics are playful and at times delightfully provocative (for example, "With a cigarette pursed between my tits / You know I’m not an easy fuck / But when it comes to shoes, I’ll be a slut").

      On "High Fashion," Addison Rae chooses Hermes over hedonism:: THIS JUST IN ::

      The track falls short compared to her recent releases regarding production. While it isn't unlistenable, it is definitely less engaging and lively than the layered melodies of "Aquamarine" or the diverse sounds found in "Diet Pepsi." With a mid-tempo beat and low synths fluctuating throughout, "High Fashion" leaves something to be desired in terms of energy. Not every pop song needs to be filled with the kind of vigor that excites and energizes, but Rae's admittedly limited discography has set a certain expectation.

      Where Rae continues to shine in her rebranding is through her visuals. The "High Fashion" music video has all the elements you might expect: Y2K imagery, Rae exploring a luxury closet, dancing in fields ablaze, contrasting the recklessness that modern pop music often embraces. While the video for "Aquamarine" enhanced an already fantastic song, the video for "High Fashion" seems to overshadow the song itself, leaving a stronger impact.

      I know I’m drunk, but

      I don’t need your drugs

      I’d rather get, rather get high fashion

      I don’t want cheap love (love)

      I’d rather get high fashion

      While "High Fashion" may not be Rae's strongest offering, both fans and new listeners should keep an eye on her in 2025. If this track is intended as a slower moment within an album of more energetic pieces, then Rae is likely to secure her position among the pop artists reshaping the genre.

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