After years of collaboration with seasoned professionals, Addison Rae stepped into her spotlight in early 2024 with the release of her debut album, Addison. This project marks a significant evolution in her career, reflecting a journey taken with young songwriters and producers Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, who are both integral to the creative process and signed to the esteemed MXM Studios, known for its association with pop titan Max Martin.
The creative trio wrote nearly the entire album themselves, with Kloser and Anderfjärd serving as the sole producers. The overarching theme of Addison isn’t confined to a distinct genre, but rather encapsulates a sensory experience that is often described as sensual and heady. The music evokes private intensity, swinging from moments of euphoric energy to introspective pieces that plunge into whimsical nostalgia. The soundscape, characterized by the warm chords of the Korg M1 keyboard, harkens back to the nostalgic ’90s house era, creating a rich backdrop that serves as more than just catchy hooks and beats.
If Addison has a narrative, it revolves around the classic tale of a budding star navigating the thrilling, chaotic world of fame. Rae’s charm shines through as she successfully merges camp with sincerity in tracks highlighting her personal journey. In “Fame is a Gun,” she delivers a cheeky yet desperate reminder of the trials of fame: “You’ve got a front row seat, and I’ve got a taste of the glamorous life.” This line not only echoes iconic pop themes but also showcases Rae’s unique twist on the complexities of celebrity culture.
Exploring financial independence in “Money is Everything,” Rae adopts a playful tone, opening with a faux-naive stage whisper that captures a blend of playful jest and earnestness regarding material wealth. However, she also poses a critical question about the values of life: “But money’s not coming with me to heaven—and I have a lot of it! So can’t a girl just have fun?” Here, Rae invites listeners to ponder the balance between enjoying life’s luxuries and staying grounded. With playful choruses reminiscent of wild summer nights, the track reflects a vibrant sense of joy layered with realistic reflections on wealth.
As the album unfolds, Rae’s lyrical references to icons like Madonna, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga become apparent. Her enthusiasm is evident as she requests a DJ booth to spin tracks by these inspirations. Rae openly wears her influences, which is a charming aspect of her artistic identity. While her previous EP, AR, drew heavier inspiration from Gaga, Addison does show moments where comparisons to Lana become unavoidable, particularly in tracks like “Summer Forever.” Here, the lyricism, laden with poetic reflections, creates a dreamy and almost bittersweet ambiance that resonates with Rae’s general disposition—much sunnier than that of her counterparts, yet equally passionate about portraying life as art.
In an insightful cover story this year, Rae’s evolution is highlighted by her mentor and friend Charli XCX. Charli remarked, “Everything she does relates back to her art,” emphasizing how Rae diligently builds her artistic world through every choice she makes. Initially, this notion of a constant performance may seem overwhelming. Still, it also reflects an interesting lens through which Rae views life—transforming mundanity into something glamorously vibrant. Her fearless venture into the world of entertainment leaves listeners wondering how far she can go.
In crafting Addison, Rae has developed a narrative that resonates with many—whether they dream of fame or simply seek fulfillment in their lives. Through her music, she invites listeners to come along on her whimsically chaotic journey as she navigates the highs and lows of her emerging stardom. Songs like “Times Like These” encapsulate this duality perfectly, where she contemplates her place in the world while echoing questions about self-discovery and ambition.
The deep, lush melodies and Rae’s heartfelt vocals drive the album, creating an experience filled with rich imagery and a touch of nostalgia. Her explorations of love, fame, and identity provide layers that invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and ambitions.
Rae’s commitment not just to her music but also to a brand of art that reflects her ideals offers an authentic glimpse into her life—a life that most only dream of. With Addison, Rae stands as an inspirational figure for aspiring artists and everyday dreamers alike, reminding us all that we have the power to define our stories.
As listeners immerse themselves in the sounds of Addison, they’re offered a chance to join Rae in constructing a narrative that celebrates the highs of aspirations while acknowledging the tumultuous journey that often comes with them. The sincerity within Rae’s music leads to an engaging exploration of personal themes that transcend the average pop album, allowing her artistry to resonate widely.
As the final notes of Addison play out, Rae’s voice lingers in the air—a reminder that life is not just about the destination but the experiences we collect along the way. Perhaps we should all take a cue from Addison Rae: to approach life as a work of art, cultivating each moment into something worthy of our hearts.
