On June 6, 2025, Addison Rae unveiled her highly anticipated studio album, Addison, through Columbia Records. This self-titled project marks a pivotal moment in Rae’s evolution from TikTok sensation to legitimate pop star, a transition that has captivated fans and critics alike. With 12 tracks, all co-written and produced by Rae alongside Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, Addison is a shimmering blend of dance-pop, synth-pop, and nostalgic Y2K influences, drawing comparisons to icons like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue. The album’s release, preceded by a string of infectious singles, cements Rae’s place in the music industry as an artist unafraid to experiment while staying true to her dance-rooted, pop-loving core.
The album’s rollout was a masterclass in viral marketing, blending Rae’s social media savvy with bold artistic statements. She first teased the June 6 release date during a surprise appearance at Arca’s Coachella 2025 set, where she performed their collaboration “Arcamarine” and cheekily flashed pink Victoria’s Secret underwear emblazoned with “June 6.” This moment, equal parts playful and performative, sent fans into a frenzy. Rae followed up with a global billboard campaign, revealing track titles in cities like London, Tokyo, and Austin. The album’s vibrant, early 2000s-inspired cover art, shot by Ethan James Green with makeup by Dame Pat McGrath, further amplified the buzz, evoking Britney Spears’ iconic aesthetic while asserting Rae’s unique identity.
Addison is anchored by five pre-release singles that showcased Rae’s versatility. “Diet Pepsi,” released in August 2024, was a sultry, dreamy pop anthem that became her first Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at number 54. “Aquamarine” followed, with its Madonna-esque motifs and a remix by Arca titled “Arcamarine.” “High Fashion,” dropped in February 2025, explored empowerment through style, while “Headphones On,” released in April, blended 1994 new jack swing with Lana Del Rey-coded lyrics. The fifth single, “Fame Is a Gun,” arrived just before the album, earning acclaim for its Grimes and Lady Gaga-inspired edge. The album’s final single, “Times Like These,” coincided with the release, its music video offering a cinematic close to the rollout. Each track reflects Rae’s dance background, designed to move the body as much as the heart.
Rae’s collaborators played a significant role in shaping Addison. Beyond Kloser and Anderfjärd, who provided production and songwriting, the album’s visuals were elevated by fashion and beauty heavyweights like Pat McGrath and Mel Ottenberg. Rae’s connection with Charli XCX, who mentored her since AR, also looms large, with Charli praising Rae’s work ethic and songwriting eloquence. The album’s recording process, spanning 58 sessions starting in February 2024, was a labor of love, with Rae noting in an Elle interview that her dance background informed the music’s physicality. The result is an album that feels alive, pulsating with energy and emotion, as Rae navigates the highs and lows of her newfound pop identity.
The album’s release is particularly poignant as it’s billed as “the first and last album by Addison Rae.” Rae has signaled a rebrand, dropping her surname to simply “Addison” for future projects, suggesting a shift in her artistic identity. This decision, noted on her online store and in interviews, reflects her desire to move beyond her TikTok roots and establish herself as a multifaceted artist. With over 88 million TikTok followers and a growing acting career—starring in films like Thanksgiving and the upcoming Animal Friends—Rae’s pivot to music feels like a natural progression.
As Addison reverberates through the pop landscape, it’s clear Rae has arrived as more than a social media star. The album is a testament to her determination, creative control, and willingness to take risks. From its hypnotic production to its fashion-forward visuals, Addison is a bold statement of self-discovery and artistic ambition. As Rae told Apple Music, “It’s about arrival—arrival to who I feel like I’ve become.” With critics hailing her as a pop trailblazer and fans eagerly awaiting live performances, Addison is not just a debut—it’s a declaration that Addison Rae, or simply Addison, is here to stay.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
