Cover art for Addison Rae’s ‘AR’ EP (Courtesy of Wikipedia and Addison Rae)

This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.

Addison Rae’s new music is spreading the “It Girl Persona” to others. Her music has confidence, glamour, and glimmer. Her lyrics “I’m your dream girl, but you’re not my type” from “Fame is a Gun” and “The world is my oyster, and I’m the only girl” in “Aquamarine” show how Addison has taken defining her own self-worth into her own hands. Addison proved that she could define who she was after facing harsh criticism for her questionable TikTok personality. As a pop star, she can put out whatever music, albums, covers, songs, and lyrics that she wants. As she chose, she decided to put out the “hot” and “sexy” persona, which was taken extremely well by her fanbase and extended outwards to her age range population. It takes skill and craft to make the music that Addison did. The music is catchy, overwhelmingly confident, glamourous and not “cringy.” While her kickoff started with the help of Charli XCX on the pop song “Von Dutch,” it must have taken Addison the focus and concentration on not caring at all what other people thought of her to dive into her vision. She headed towards her vision with full force, succeeding in it overwhelmingly. In my eyes, she spilled over the glass, making wonderful, gleaming songs that cannot be replicated. Let’s dive into a few of her songs, such as “Aquamarine,” which starts with the lyrics “Aquamarine/Honey, dive into me” and later, “The world is my oyster/Baby, come touch the pearl.”

Aquamarine

“Aquamarine” was a song I got into because I love everything about the ocean. Addison took the fascinating, enchanting appeal of the ocean to make a seductive song about her being the Pearl, “dancing in [her] own reflection,” being the “ray of light,” and “transforming and realigning.” The spin that she took on the ocean is incredible to me because it gives more of the 2016 vibes appeal, where everything could be magical or Pinterest board-esque, with a special focus on the ocean. Bringing dancy-pop music to the sea is a one-of-a-kind approach.

In another lyric, she sings, “Swimming in the sea with the salt in my hair/Kissed by the sun, it’s a love affair/Heart of the ocean around my neck.” I love the magic of the ocean that she brings, as if you are on an island vacation, to this one pop song on her latest album, ‘Addison.’ The song has its own mystical single cover art, in addition to being part of the album.

2 die 4

Next up is “2 die 4 (feat. Charlie XCX).” “2 die 4” brings chill, illuminating beats to tempting captivation. The idea for Addison to use the title and mix it with relaxed confidence is genius. Some of her standout lyrics are “I’m that girl that you don’t wanna lose/Cutthroat from my head to my shoes/One look and I’m already your muse.” This song pulls me in through its lustful and confident ambience. I especially like it because my Mimi used to say, “That is to die for!” as the fashion icon she was. Addison brings back the old-fashioned saying to a younger, impressive 2026 light.

Nothing On (But The Radio) – “Nothing On (But The Radio)” is full, upbeat pop that brings the old 2000s vibe back to 2026. The song is charismatic, fun and funny. She is also extremely truthful and unguarded as she says, “I’m calling ‘cause I need you / You know I need you so desperately.” She is honest because even though her music is extremely confident, sometimes everyone has flaws and can be desperate. Addison is relatable, and shifting into the idea that imperfection still goes along with high self-esteem.

Fame is a Gun

“Fame is a Gun” may be the most confident and sexy song on her album, ‘Addison.’ It is also her most popular song. The voice that she uses while singing this is almost quieter and slower, like she does not need to try at all to be favored (she has captivated millions of eyes of attention). It starts off fast-paced and gets slower later during the chorus. The switch-up between paces feels exciting as you get into the beat of it and listen to it when you are getting ready for a night out or feel like you are an “It Girl” on your way to class.

She also describes in this song how “There’s no mystery/I’m gonna make it/Gonna go down in history” and “Don’t ask too many questions/God gave me the permission.” This may be inspiring to those who are trying to achieve goals of fame or self-confidence (can be applied to anything). Thanks for staying relatable, Addison Rae. Now let’s get into her most iconic hit, “Diet Pepsi.”

Diet Pepsi

The wavy synth sound that starts the song before the lyrics and carries throughout the end of the song is addictive to listen to. It brings light and dark vibes, as well as charm to sultry music and sounds. Addison is confident and acts hot on the track as she says, “Say you love, say you love, say you love me.” This song caught the awareness of many for its bold moves and lyrics, which carried it to #54 on Billboard’s Hot 100 (USA), whether it was scrutinized or loved by many.

Contact CU Independent Writer Eva Gravin at eva.gravin@colorado.edu