When Pitchfork awarded Addison Rae’s self-titled debut album an unexpected 8.0 rating, Twitter exploded. The score, released June 9, compared favorably to albums by heavyweights like Ariana Grande, Tate McRae, and even Billie Eilish, sparking fierce online debates.
Pitchfork’s Bold Call
Pitchfork praised Addison as “the girlypop album of summer,” drawing comparisons to Britney Spears, Madonna, and Lana Del Rey for its blend of nostalgia and moodiness. They noted its cohesive “sensual and occasionally euphoric feeling,” crediting Rae’s artistic gamble.
Twitter Goes Wild
Fans and critics couldn’t hold back:
- “Higher than Ariana and Tate???” shocked one user, sharing side-by-side Pitchfork scores
- Another doubted Pitchfork’s judgement: “Something is going on… or it’s run by a bunch of 17‑year‑old kids”
- Meanwhile, Rae’s supporters fired back with praise: “Queen of pop,” “SHOULD BE 10 BUT I’LL TAKE IT”
The debate centered on whether Rae’s smoother vocals and polished pop deserved higher acclaim than more vocally or stylistically intense peers.
Why This Matters
- New wave pop: Addison signals Rae’s pivot from TikTok to credible pop artist—well-crafted, nostalgic, and confident
- Social media vs. music merit: Critics and fans are split: some see it as a legitimate, smart debut—others dismiss it as hype or witty presentation over vocal strength .
- Cultural moment: The clash highlights how success now balances on both online influence and artistic approval.
Final Thoughts
Pitchfork’s 8.0 rating has done more than validate Addison Rae—it’s sparked heated discussions about pop credibility, social media stardom, and what truly defines a “serious” artist today. Whether this marks a major shift in Rae’s career or just a controversial blip, one thing is clear: Addison has kicked off a new era—and Twitter won’t quit talking about it.
