Addison Rae Has Given Us The Pop Revival We’ve All Been Waiting For

By Izzy Hollyhead

After a string of five well-received singles, her self titled debut album Addison is finally here. The collection of songs holds a strong resemblance to the pop music that topped the charts 20 years ago, giving listeners a very different vibe compared to the other music that has been released recently within the same genre.

The opening song, ‘New York’, immediately sets the 2000s pop-girl tone for what’s to come. The distorted vocals and use of autotune may take inspiration from hit album BRAT by Charli XCX, along with the carefree, party-girl vibe it radiates. References to the American dream with lyrics like ‘The Big Apple’ build up the rich and famous persona Addison is seemingly creating for herself through this body of work.

The first single to release in the lead up to the album was ‘Diet Pepsi’, which became a massive hit on TikTok and gave listeners an early taste of the pop revival that was about to bless our ears. It earned Addison a wide audience, with plenty of radio play -- appealing not just to teens and young adults through its whimsical vocals and daring lyrics, but to people of all ages.

‘Money Is Everything’ begins with a short monologue that feels very Lana Del Rey-inspired, even referencing her name alongside Madonna and Lady Gaga. The electronic elements add a modern twist to classic upbeat pop, pushing the boundaries of boxing music and artists to just one genre. Addison begins to show more of her vulnerability here, with lyrics like “The girl i used to be is still inside me”, proving the haters wrong  — the fame hasn’t changed her, and she is still just as authentic as she was when she first began dancing on TikTok in 2020. Ethereal vocals shine on ‘Aquamarine’ -- an electric pop song with smooth vocals. The experimental vocal effects show that Addison doesn’t shy away from creativity or from pushing boundaries, all while creating catchy lyrics and melodies that make the song unforgettable.

The reflective interlude ‘Lost & Found’ strenghtens with the storytelling element of the album, repeating raw lines like "I lost and found myself again", showing that the rich pop-girl persona that Addison portrays  wasn’t always easy for her. The penultimate song, ‘Life’s No Fun Through Clear Waters’, features a violin which deepens the emotion on an album that, on surface level, can seem very upbeat, girly and fun. One of the most well received singles released before the album was the easy-going ‘High Fashion’, with its catchy lyrics and nostalgic music video packed with bright colours, glitter and gems -- and, of course, wired headphones.

‘Summer Forever’ could easily become summer's 2025 anthem. It's the perfect late-night drive love song, with graceful and elegant backing vocals. Addison's vulnerability cuts through on an album that might seem all about the idea of being rich and carefree, with lyrics like “want this to last” and “I love you so bad.”

‘In The Rain’ is an experimental, intriguing electronic pop song that echoes Madonna's influence. Near the end of the album, her vulnerability really shows through lyrics such as “Keeping a smile on my face for protection” and “I cry only in the rain.” The track is very repetitive, yet never tiring, and the romanticisation of such strong emotions is very relatable to the younger generation who often fear opening up.

'Fame Is A Gun’ is my personal favourite, as well as my song of the summer — its upbeat, fun and empowering lyrics really cement the expectations of the 2000spop revival at a time when pop so often lacks creativity and individuality. The well-thought music video proves Addison is dedicated to her music career, and is not a TikTok star on a side quest.

'Times Like These’ is the moment we all dream of as kids — sitting in the back seat, music blaring, staring out the window. Telling fans how conflicting fame can be, Addison drops the rich, untouchable persona and reminds us she's just a normal person like the rest of us — which is very refreshing in an era where the rich and poor feel significantly divided.

The closing track, ‘Headphones On’, leaves a lasting impression. Its unforgettable lyrics stick in your mind, persuading you to replay the album over and over again. Its deeply relatable too, with lyrics such as “wish my mom and dad could’ve been in love” and “i compare my life to the new it girl”, bringing Addison closer to her listeners than ever before — stripping away the famous persona Addison created, leaving us with a more humble, relatable version of herself.

About the artist

​Addison Rae is a multi-talented entertainer who rose to global fame as one of TikTok’s biggest breakout stars, captivating millions with her dance videos and magnetic personality. Building on her social media success, Addison has expanded her career into music, acting, and business, proving herself as more than just an online sensation. Her debut single “Obsessed” showcased her as a rising pop artist, and she continues to experiment with a sound that mixes catchy hooks with confident, playful energy.

Beyond music, Addison has starred in film and TV projects like He’s All That and launched her own beauty line, ITEM Beauty, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit. With a growing presence in the entertainment industry, she’s carving out a space as an artist who’s unafraid to evolve, blending pop culture influence with genuine ambition and creative drive.