From Influencer to Artist: How Addison Rae’s Addison Shatters Expectations
- ed2010pennstateuni
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Chasalee Romero
No One Saw It Coming When Addison Rae first teased new music, no one was expecting a game-changer. We’ve seen plenty of influencers try their hand at music, and while some releases are decent, most fade into the background just as quickly as they appeared. But Addison—her self-titled debut album, released June 6—is a different story entirely. From start to finish, it’s clear this isn’t someone playing dress-up in pop stardom. This is an artist fully stepping into her own.
The Internet’s Verdict If you’ve been anywhere near the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the same phrase everywhere: her rebrand is insane. And honestly? It really is. From dreamy visuals to stunning music videos, the entire album rollout had the kind of polish you’d expect from a seasoned artist, not someone dropping their first full-length project.
Social media has been in a collective swoon. Instagram feeds and X timelines have been buzzing with excitement. And the second the album dropped? She was trending everywhere. Fans and casual listeners alike were struck by how seamlessly everything fit. This wasn’t just an album release; it was the creation of an entire vibe, soft, sparkly, nostalgic and totally self-aware.
The Music Speaks for Itself Of course, none of that would matter if the music didn’t deliver. The good news? It absolutely does. These aren’t just catchy pop bangers. The record is textured, moody and clearly crafted with care. There’s a strong Y2K influence, but it never drifts into imitation. Instead, those early-2000s sounds are reimagined through an emotional, modern lens. You can hear echoes of Madonna’s Ray of Light in the way these tracks shimmer with layered soul. It’s pop with real depth.
And here’s another reason it hits: the production team was entirely female, led by Swedish duo Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser. They keep the sound cohesive without ever feeling repetitive. Every track flows like a new chapter, or maybe a different hour on one of those unforgettable nights. “Headphones On” is pure escape, that feeling of getting lost in the music on a packed dance floor. “Aquamarine” drifts like a memory you can’t quite let go of. And “Fame Is a Gun” blends self-reflection with razor-sharp pop commentary, effortlessly cool all the way through.
The Critics Are Listening—and Loving It The album hasn’t just won over fans; critics have been stunned, too. Pitchfork gave it an 8.0, calling it “the girly-pop album of the summer,” not a title they hand out lightly. The Guardian praised its bold simplicity and the way it embraces pop’s playful side without feeling hollow. AP News labeled her a “pop powerhouse,” driving home just how unexpectedly strong this debut truly is.
Even Demi Lovato used “Summer Forever” as the audio for her honeymoon dump on Instagram, along with plenty of other artists. When names like that start tuning in, you know something’s working.
The Art of the Rebrand What truly sets this project apart isn’t just the music, although the tracks are stellar. It’s how smart the entire rollout was. Rather than stick to cookie-cutter formulas, she chose a path with more edge and more heart. She stepped out of the spotlight just enough, crafted her image with intention and teamed up with collaborators who brought that moody, synth-pop energy to life.
What’s especially refreshing is the confidence behind it all. The album doesn’t beg for approval, it doesn’t need to. It simply shows she belongs in the pop conversation. And she’s not going anywhere.
A Personal Note: I Found My Song of the SummerEveryone’s searching for that one song this summer. The track that captures long drives, late nights and that feeling of something unforgettable just out of reach. And while the debate about the official “song of the summer” rages on, I think I’ve already found mine.
It’s “Headphones On,” the closing track on Addison. There’s something cinematic and achingly nostalgic about it, like the last golden hour of a day you don’t want to end. It wraps up the album with a soft ache, like stepping out of a dream but not quite ready to wake up. It’s beautiful, a little bittersweet, and exactly the kind of song I’ll have on repeat all season long.
The Final Word
If you haven’t tuned in yet, now’s the time. Addison is one of those albums that catches you off guard in the best way. It’s smart, stylish and full of moments that stick with you long after the music fades. Whether you’re in it for the glittery pop, the mood or just curious what all the buzz is about, do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
Sources:
Commentaires