Released on June 6, 2025, “Addison” marks a confident leap from TikTok fame to a full pop artist Critics celebrate its blend of 90s/00s nostalgia—echoes of Madonna, Britney, Lana, Gaga but also praise its modern, fragrant energy.
Production & Cohesion
Working exclusively with Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser gives the album a tight, consistent sonic feel Tracks like “High Fashion,” “Diet Pepsi,” and “Summer Forever” showcase this album’s emotional and stylistic range—from hypnotic trip-hop to euphoric club beats.
Standout Tracks
“Diet Pepsi”: A key turning point—mature, stylized, compared to Lana Del Rey with irony and restraint
“Fame Is a Gun”: Bold and club-ready, blending Grimes, early Marina, and Britney with addictive energy
“Times Like These”: A reflective, trip‑hop closer, showing emotional depth behind the pop gloss
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Cohesive sound across tracks, thanks to consistent production
- Nostalgic styles with fresh modern twists, drawing from 90s R&B, 00s dance, and indie electronics
- Balanced mix of irony and sincerity, playful lyrics with genuine emotion
Weaknesses
- Some critics feel the vocals lack passion or distinctiveness
- The album leans heavily into pastiche, with little that feels completely original .
- A few feel it doesn’t demand repeated listening—pleasant but not unforgettable .
Final Thoughts
“Addison” is a hypnotic, polished debut. A nostalgic yet fresh collection that positions Rae as a modern pop artist. It’s confident and cohesive, with standout singles that highlight her artistic direction. But it stops short of reinvention, often relying on homage rather than innovation. If you’re drawn to dreamy, Y2K-flavored pop with a stylish sheen, Addison Rae delivers. But listeners craving raw vocals or bold creativity might find it just… delightful background music.
