Who could’ve predicted that those viral dance moves would lead to one of 2024’s most surprising musical transformations? Addison Rae’s evolution from TikTok phenomenon to legitimate pop artist has left industry veterans scratching their heads – and reaching for their headphones.
The numbers are staggering: 88.4 million TikTok followers. But numbers don’t make music, and Rae’s self-titled debut album “Addison” proves she’s got more than just social stats up her sleeve. After the lukewarm reception of her 2021 single “Obsessed,” skeptics had written her off as just another influencer trying their hand at music. Well, about that…
Working with Swedish production duo Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser (fresh off their Grammy nomination for Best Producer), Rae has crafted something that defies easy categorization. Take “Fame Is a Gun” – it’s the kind of track that somehow manages to sound both completely current and oddly timeless. There’s a bit of Gwen Stefani’s pop punch mixed with experimental elements that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Laurie Anderson record. Strange combination? Sure. But it works.
“There’s no mystery. I’m gonna make it, gonna go down in history,” Rae declares. Coming from anyone else, it might sound cocky. But there’s something refreshingly honest about her delivery – like she’s simply stating a fact rather than making a promise.
The album’s production deserves special attention. The opening track “New York” plays with an interesting juxtaposition – “Kick drum, chew gum” becomes more than just clever wordplay against that Jersey beat backdrop. It’s the kind of detail that rewards repeated listens, especially through decent headphones (trust me on this one).
Let’s talk about her voice. No, Rae won’t be challenging Adele to a vocal battle anytime soon, but that’s not really the point. She’s found her sweet spot in that breathy, ASMR-adjacent delivery that’s dominated streaming playlists lately. Think early Billie Eilish, but with a twist – Rae uses intimacy as a stylistic choice rather than a defining characteristic.
Sure, there are moments where the seams show. “Summer Forever” occasionally feels like it’s trying too hard to recreate someone else’s sound, and some vocal passages could use a bit more oomph. But these feel less like deal-breakers and more like the natural growing pains of an artist finding their footing.
What’s particularly fascinating is how tracks like “Diet Pepsi” and “Aquamarine” manage to be both radio-friendly and genuinely interesting from a production standpoint. When Rae sings “The world is my oyster, and I’m the only girl” on “Aquamarine,” it’s delivered with just enough self-awareness to make you smile rather than roll your eyes.
As we head into 2025, the line between content creator and artist keeps getting blurrier. But Rae’s transition feels different – more organic, less forced. Maybe it’s because she’s spent years understanding what makes people connect with content, or maybe it’s because she’s actually got something to say.
The result? An album that feels perfectly timed for right now while hinting at something more lasting. In an industry that often seems to value algorithms over artistry, Rae hasn’t just exceeded expectations – she’s completely rewritten the rulebook. Not bad for someone who started out doing dance videos in her bedroom.
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