Addison by Addison Rae? Steven says 4/5

From TikTok dances in 2019 to surpassing Miley Cyrus in debut streaming numbers by 2025, Addison Rae’s rise to pop stardom has been fascinating to watch. When she dropped “Obsessed” in 2023, many initially dismissed it as another influencer cash grab. Yet, even then, there was a hint of genuine potential, suggesting Addison might truly become pop’s next major star.

Initially, Addison’s musical career seemed more like a social media-fueled bit, sparking playful Britney Spears comparisons on Twitter. These jokes gradually gained credibility with the release of her eagerly anticipated AR EP. Addison’s Spotify playlists also hinted at deeper artistic ambitions, featuring unexpected choices like Arca and Sophie, suggesting a broader, more intriguing musical vision.

The turning point arrived with the “Von dutch a. g. cook remix” with Charli XCX. This collaboration clarified that Addison wasn’t interested in simply conforming to the typical pop star formula. Instead, she embraced a fresh, slightly offbeat direction, captivating listeners with her unique musical choices.

At first, Addison’s self-titled debut album might feel slightly disjointed, partly due to many tracks being previously released as singles. However, repeated listens reveal a record that’s nothing short of pop perfection. The album brims with intoxicating production, irresistibly catchy choruses, and unapologetically straightforward songwriting. Standout tracks like “New York,” “In the Rain,” “Fame is a Gun,” “Times Like These,” and “Headphones On” particularly shine. “In the Rain” and “Times Like These” notably evoke an irresistible, nostalgic 2000s Britney Spears vibe.

While the interludes add some artistic flair, they feel somewhat unnecessary within an already compact 12-track album, leaving listeners craving additional pop anthems instead. Additionally, some tracks unfortunately suffer from noticeably poor mixing, a flaw that slightly detracts from an otherwise polished listening experience.

Overall, Addison is a strong debut pop album. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it confidently solidifies Addison Rae’s position as a promising pop talent well worth continued attention.

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