Addison Rae has officially released her debut album, simply titled Addison. The album, which arrived on June 6, features 12 tracks and zero guest appearances. All songs were co-written by Rae alongside collaborators Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd. The album marks a major milestone for the TikTok star turned pop artist, who has been building momentum with singles like 'Diet Pepsi' and 'Aquamarine'. The album is being described as both a masterclass in pop music and a deeply personal project, with Rae exploring themes of fame, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
The album's release comes after a year of high-profile performances, including joining Charli XCX and Troye Sivan on stage during their Sweat Tour and performing at Coachella. At Coachella, Rae not only performed with Charli XCX but also with Arca, who remixed 'Aquamarine' into 'Arcamarine'. It was during that performance that Rae revealed the album's release date by writing 'June 6' on her underwear. Now, the moment is here, and the album is already drawing attention for its cohesive sound and honest lyricism.
Interestingly, Rae's website has stated that Addison is 'the first and last album by Addison Rae.' Whether this means the artist is retiring the name or simply closing a chapter, the album stands as a powerful statement. It is a project that feels entirely her own, showcasing a level of vulnerability and confidence that sets her apart in today's pop landscape. Below is a ranking of all 12 tracks from the album, from the least essential to the absolute standout.
12. 'Lost & Found Interlude'
The album's first interlude opens with notes reminiscent of 'Aquamarine,' but the sun-kissed energy is replaced by moody synths. Rae repeats the line 'I lost myself and found myself again,' which echoes over layered production. This interlude is a brief but effective moment of introspection, though it doesn't leave as strong an impression as the full songs.
11. 'Life's No Fun Interlude'
This interlude features a siren-like voice repeating 'Life's no fun through clear waters' over a string section. It directly references a line from 'Headphones On' and serves as a thematic reminder that the album is meant to be fun. While it's a nice touch, it feels more like a bridge than a standalone piece.
10. 'Summer Forever'
A breezy track that perfectly captures the feeling of a lazy summer day. Rae's vocals are light and airy, and the production is minimal yet immersive. Fans of Lana Del Rey's summertime sadness will find something to love here, but it doesn't reach the heights of Rae's more dynamic songs.
9. 'High Fashion'
This was the third single from the album, and it's a thumping ode to couture. Rae sings about dreaming of being seen in magazines and rejecting cheap thrills in favor of high fashion. It's straightforward pop fun, though not as lyrically deep as other tracks.
8. 'In The Rain'
A more subdued track that offers a glimpse into Rae's vulnerable side. Lyrically, it touches on growing up and gaining a new perspective, with lines like 'Young dumb and cute nothing to lose / And now the past is someone that I have to answer for.' It's a poignant moment, though it gets a bit lost among similar-sounding songs.
7. 'Times Like These'
This track feels like an angrier, more honest counterpart to 'In The Rain.' Rae asks, 'Am I too young to be this mad / Am I too old to blame my dad?' It's one of her most tender and emotionally charged songs, proving that her softest moments often hit the hardest.
6. 'Money Is Everything'
Pure bubblegum-pop fun that recalls Rae's earlier EP AR. She name-drops Marilyn Monroe and Madonna, fantasizes about a perfect night out, and declares 'Money loves me!' It's a bouncy, candy-sweet track that will get stuck in your head.
5. 'New York'
The album opener is a love letter to New York City, with Rae moving at a pace that would make any New Yorker proud. It's a dance-floor-ready track that sets the tone for the album: constant motion, no settling. The energy is infectious, and it's a perfect introduction to the world of Addison.
4. 'Aquamarine'
This was the track that many assumed would define Rae's sound: glittering, confident, and dance-floor ready. However, in the context of the album, it stands out as an outlier. Rae sings about being free, but much of the album deals with the opposite feeling. It's still a standout, but it reveals that Rae has more range than expected.
3. 'Fame Is A Gun'
Rae is consistently honest about her desire for fame throughout the album, and this track is the clearest example. She sings, 'Nothing makes me feel as good as being loved by you,' and later declares, 'I'm gonna make it, gonna go down in history.' It's a bold, empowering track that shows Rae knows exactly what she wants.
2. 'Headphones On'
The closing track is an ode to music as an escape. It features self-referential lines like 'life's no fun through clear waters' (which gets its own interlude) and 'soaking up the rain' (a nod to 'In The Rain'). It's a brilliant end to the album, accepting pain while celebrating the power of music. Rae proves she is more self-aware than she gets credit for.
1. 'Diet Pepsi'
Nine months after its release, 'Diet Pepsi' remains as refreshing as ever. It's a perfectly crafted pop song with a hook that wraps around your brain and a wink that says Rae is in on the joke. The track proves she can create radio-ready earworms while also showing nuance on the rest of the album. 'Diet Pepsi' is the undeniable highlight of Addison, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News