A vibrant, dynamic blend of introspective pop crafted by a reimagined viral sensation.
In just one year, Addison Rae has transformed herself. Previously known as a bubbly TikTok personality who danced on Jimmy Fallon’s show and met President Trump, she has now ingrained herself within the circle of influential figures like Charli XCX and Lorde, while also drawing inspiration from artists such as Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and Björk. Her series of successful singles, coupled with their often artistic and serious videos, has reestablished her as a sharp observer of pop culture—a lively artist who displays her influences openly and excels at creating superb songs. If you maintain an esoteric facade long enough, that could very well become your identity.
Her eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Addison’, is co-produced by Rae along with her two collaborators, Luka Kloser and ELVIRA. This talented duo weaves together Rae’s diverse influences, which span multiple eras. ‘Addison’ feels refreshingly unique, even when it channels trip-hop in ‘Headphones On’ or captures the ‘Ray Of Light’-era Madonna vibe in ‘Aquamarine’. When they’re not mimicking styles, they deliver polished pop tracks filled with clever touches, such as a Radiohead-esque melody that opens ‘Times Like These’ or the playful synths leading into the final chorus of ‘High Fashion’, which echoes the alien, cool beats produced by FKA Twigs or BANKS in the mid-2010s.
It’s notable that ‘Addison’ reveals its best elements too soon—the pre-release singles overshadow the album tracks to such an extent that experiencing the entire record feels less like an exploration of new material and more like uncovering various facets of her persona. Imagine if ‘Headphones On’ was kept under wraps, the captivating, string-infused closer that unveils Rae’s depth in the album's later stages. Fame can be a double-edged sword; it's a sprint but ultimately a marathon.
Overall, ‘Addison’ is an enjoyable, exhilarating journey that captures the essence of a film in which a small-town girl strikes it rich and revels in the excitement of New York City. The alluring chorus of ‘Diet Pepsi’ is bound to be remembered, much like the radiant spoken-word segment in ‘Aquamarine’: “Heart of the Ocean around my neck,” she breathes, immersed in opulence. The exuberance she channels in the trap-inspired ‘Money is Everything’ is tangible: “I’m the richest girl in the world!” she exclaims at the conclusion, sounding both credible and enthusiastic. Her sugary voice combines elements of early 2000s Kylie, Fergie, and Britney in ‘Fame is a Gun’, where she sings, “I got a taste of the glamorous life”; the repeated line “love New York / feel so free” conveys a sincere, heartfelt enthusiasm, reminiscent of an eager puppy wagging its tail at every passerby.
Despite its playful moments, ‘Addison’ also delves into deeper emotions. ‘Fame is a Gun’ employs a lighthearted metaphor to address its themes, while ‘In The Rain’ frequently serves as a means to mask sorrow; nevertheless, Rae’s sadness is evident in the dreamlike ‘Times Like These’, where she vocalizes her confusion and ponders, “Am I too young to be this mad? Am I too old to blame my dad?” This poignant track reflects on the fast-paced nature of fame, but she concludes its chorus with the vague line, “In times like these, it’s… it’s how it has to be,” which feels like stumbling at the finish of a powerful speech. However, its emotional distance and acceptance resonate with her resignation (“It’s not my fate in the end”), a sentiment she reiterates in ‘Headphones On’.
At a brisk thirty minutes with a somewhat uneven composition, ‘Addison’ emphasizes what Rae enjoys over who she truly is. Yet, who can fault her for seizing the opportunity to blend all of her influences into a vibrant representation of her upbringing? 'Addison' is an exceptional pop album that emanates authenticity, and there are few like it at present.
8/10
Words: Sam Franzini
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In merely a year, Addison Rae has transformed herself. Previously seen as a bubbly TikTok sensation performing for Jimmy Fallon and meeting President Trump, she has become part of