From TikTok Star to Pop Sensation, Addison Rae has been making a splash in the music industry recently, set to release her debut album, ‘Addison’ on June 6, 2025.
Rae, started off her music career in 2021 with her first single ‘Obsessed’, which was not taken seriously, as the single was not received well by critics. While today there are now a mix of reviews on the song, it is generally accepted that Rae’s first single lacked in the lyrical department.
After criticism for Rae’s first single, she ended up stepping back from music for a while. Fans were confused, as she had teased more music after the release of ‘Obsessed’. Her music career remained untouched for two years, until on August 18, 2023, when she released her first EP titled ‘AR’. She described it as “lost media” from what would have been her first album. The EP included five songs in total with the titles being: “I got it bad,” “2 Die 4 (featuring Charli XCX),” “Nothing On (But The Radio),” “it could’ve been u,” and “Obsessed.”
Fans were surprised by Rae’s music comeback after a lukewarm start in 2021, especially with the notable feature of Charli XCX on one of the tracks. Critics, who had previously been unimpressed, were pleasantly surprised, generally praising Rae’s EP for its Y2K vibe and nostalgic nods to 2000s pop..
With her EP’s success, Rae started building a music-driven fanbase, shedding her influencer image and emerging as a rising pop star. She continued to pursue her music career, collaborating with Charli XCX and A.G. Cook on the “Von Dutch” remix, released on March 22, 2024. The song became a club hit, thanks to its electronic beats and Rae’s signature scream in the bridge.
Following the success of the “Von Dutch” remix, Rae shifted her focus to releasing solo singles for her fans. On August 9, 2024, she dropped her first single of the year, “Diet Pepsi,” which instantly resonated with fans. The song is a catchy, well-crafted pop anthem that highlights Rae’s artistic growth and confident, girl-boss persona, showcasing her potential.
The song’s chorus is infectious and has garnered praise from listeners, with many appreciating its polished production and Rae’s melodic ear. Overall, “Diet Pepsi” was a great step forward in Rae’s music career, blending indie rock and electronic elements with a memorable sound. Rae’s ethereal, breathy vocals and nostalgic Americana references, such as “ripped blue jeans” and the iconic drink “Diet Pepsi,” itself evoke comparisons to Lana Del Rey’s dreamy style, while others might see her as a modern-day Britney Spears, embodying a similar blend of innocence and pop sensibility.
“Diet Pepsi” marked Rae’s breakthrough hit, reaching No. 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also achieved significant international success, reaching the top 10 in Ireland, Singapore, and the UK and the top 20 in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Riding off the success of “Diet Pepsi,” Rae continued to create music for her fans, teasing that there was more to come. On October 25, 2024, she released the second single for her upcoming debut called ‘Aquamarine’. Similar to her previous work, “Aquamarine” received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The song’s unique sound features lyrics that explore themes of self-discovery, resonating with listeners and showcasing Rae’s artistry.
“Aquamarine” is a captivating pop track that showcases Rae’s distinctive sound. The song’s ethereal tone is defined by soaring backing vocals and otherworldly synths, evoking the style of Madonna’s “Music” era and 2000s dance-pop. Rae’s vocals are soft and alluring, sitting perfectly in the mix to complement the instrumentals. While her performance may not showcase technical virtuosity, it’s pleasant and subtle. The filter effect on her voice in the second verse adds a welcome layer of variety.
The lyrics, although not groundbreaking, effectively enhance the song’s atmospheric vibe, with an oceanic theme that fits the track’s sound perfectly. The production is a standout, with a pulsing drum beat, prominent bass synth, and skillfully layered final chorus. Overall, “Aquamarine” is a solid, expertly produced pop track that marks a logical step forward in Rae’s musical journey.
Rae’s transformation from a forgotten social media sensation to emerging pop star is a gradual, nuanced process, with each new release revealing more depth to her artistry. Like a pearl forming within an oyster, Rae’s talent has been slowly maturing, and as it emerges, its brilliance is becoming impossible to ignore.
Rae has effortlessly captivated audiences, her movements seemingly natural and uncalculated. However, after a brief hiatus from music, fans were left wondering about her next move. The surprise came on this year’s Valentine’s Day, when Rae teased her studio comeback with her third single, “High Fashion,” set for release on the same day. While the 15-second teaser sparked anticipation, the actual song feels somewhat uneventful, its subtlety a deliberate choice. The track’s understated elements, like finger-snap percussion and synth modulation, showcase Rae’s polished production, making it seem effortless despite the clear craftsmanship behind it.
While ‘High Fashion’ may not have been the standout chart-topper among Rae’s singles, it still resonated with fans and critics, who eagerly anticipated her next move. Rae, knowing the shoes she had to fill, delivered once again on April 18, 2025 with her fourth and final single “Headphones On”.
Rae released a snippet of “Headphones On” before the release, shocking fans with a new direction for the artist. Departing from her previous style, Rae introduces an R&B-infused sound, featuring pitch-shifted vocals and atmospheric chimes. The track’s breathy, luxurious vibe recalls Janet Jackson, with Rae’s lyrics exploring music as an escape from emotional turmoil. From self-comparisons to family struggles, “Headphones On” adds a vulnerable layer to Rae’s signature sound, making her music feel like a soothing refuge from the world.
The song became a fan favorite upon its release, and that didn’t stop Rae from dropping surprises. Rae made a surprise appearance at Arca’s Coachella 2025 set on April 12, 2025, performing their collaboration “Arcamarine.” During the show, she teased her album’s release date by flashing her clothing with “June 6” written on them. Later, on April 23, Rae revealed the album’s title and artwork, confirming it would feature twelve tracks.
Her debut album titled ‘Addison’ is set to release on June 6, 2025, featuring all four of her singles: “Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine,” “High Fashion,” and “Headphones On.” Ahead of its release, numerous publications referred to the album as one of the highest anticipated musical projects of 2025.
Addison Rae has swiftly emerged as a multifaceted rising star of Gen Z, blending influences from past and present pop icons. She’s a savvy nostalgia merchant and creative collaborator. Rae’s rose-tinted electronic pop resonates in today’s uncertain times, offering a welcome escape from daily life’s mundanity. Even skeptics have been won over by her quirky singles, which pay homage to legends like Britney and Madonna while showcasing Rae’s unique obsessions. Welcome to the Addison Rae era.
