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‘AR’ By Addison Rae: Album Review

Tabitha Wilson

Tabitha Wilson

Social media starlet Addison Rae has released her long-awaited debut EP, AR.

Rae found popularity on TikTok at the start of the pandemic. Her collaborations with various other teen influencers and her viral dance videos catapulted her to international stardom.

In the years following, the Southern belle has defriended celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, made her acting debut in the Netflix original He’s All That, and launched her own cosmetics line, Item Beauty.

After becoming the focus of Kid Laroi’s hit track Addison Rae, the influencer started making music of her own. The initial release of her debut single Obsessed didn’t go too well. The singer received ridicule online for what critics deemed a poor vocal performance, a mediocre music video, and an uninspiring song.

“Rae reclaims the narrative and presents 5 irresistibly catchy pop tunes for listeners to enjoy.”

However, leaked tracks, such as 2 die 4, quickly garnered a cult following online, with many fans begging the artist to release them. On AR, referred to as the ‘lost album’ by fans due to the leaks, Rae reclaims the narrative and presents 5 irresistibly catchy pop tunes for listeners to enjoy.

A Y2K nostalgia filled record

“This summery slice of pop perfection is tastefully nostalgic”

The first song on the record, I Got It Bad, is perhaps the strongest of Rae’s work so far. The summery slice of pop perfection is tastefully nostalgic, with it being reminiscent of the early work of musical legend Britney Spears.

2 die 4, featuring the iconic Charli XCX, was arguably the most highly anticipated track from the project – and it doesn’t disappoint. The sexy, syncopated melodies intertwine perfectly with the fun, flirty lyricism, and the song is incredibly well-produced.

https://twitter.com/whoisaddison/status/1692386308252188713

The third track Nothing On (But The Radio), opens with a growling guitar instrumental, laced with Rae’s sultry, seductive vocals – which are further heard on the self-assured, whispery it could’ve been u.

The final tune, previously heard Obsessed, has aged exceedingly well, with Rae’s vocals being comparable to Selena Gomez’s. It’s shiny, unapologetic, and fun – none of the tracks need to have a deeper meaning. That’s what makes them so unironically good.

New music, new beginning?

The tide has turned for Addison Rae. Gone are the days when she would be mocked online for her ‘failing’ music career – her blingy, sickly sweet bubble-gum pop anthems have turned out to be, as TikTok users are saying, a ‘slay’.

“it looks like Addison Rae is the next pop princess we’ve all been waiting for.”

With a flawless debut, the future is bright for this social media superstar. She has the looks, the talent, and an infectious personality. It looks like Addison Rae is the next pop princess we’ve all been waiting for.

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Featured image courtesy of Wendy Wei on Pexels. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here. 

Tabitha is currently a reporter for Newsquest, and was previously an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University. She has worked as a maritime journalist in the past, and studied politics at Durham University. She enjoys writing about music, culture, and travel.

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