Addison Rae, a social media star turned entrepreneur, currently has 85.4 million followers on TikTok, a Netflix film, viral makeup line, and even a fashion doll line under her belt. But she officially dropped her debut self-titled EP, “AR,” on August 18, though this is not her first try at music.
Her first release, “Obsessed” (which is included on the digital version of the EP), was given the typical reaction when social media stars dip their toes in the music pool. Although Rae’s vision for the song seemed to have been an empowering #Girlboss type of message, to most it seemed like a social media star had tapped into the music industry just to cash in on an already oversaturated market, dropping a soulless, generic pop song about being obsessed with herself.
Due to the poor reception of said song, her music project was scrapped all together.
TikTok changed this. One by one, these scrapped songs leaked online and started making rounds onto the platform. This time, however, people actually seemed to enjoy the unreleased tracks.
Over thirty different mixes and demos leaked in the year. The anticipation for official releases for these tracks was no joke with some even referring to her as a “future pop princess” online.
“AR” starts with a track titled “I got it bad.” The song opens with siren-like, echoing vocals that lead into a punchy delivery of lyrics that speak of falling for a bad boy.
The songs production is reminiscent of a modernized 2000’s Britney Spears track, and the idea of the bridge of the song is nice but the execution of it is…interesting. It seems her team tried to have Rae harmonize with herself, but instead of layering her singing in different keys, they recorded her singing one note, pitched it up higher and higher and stacked those instead. It sounds off.
The ever so viral song “2 die 4” is the next song on the track. Unlike the leaked demo, the official track includes a feature from bona fide singer-songwriter Charli XCX. This song is undoubtedly catchy. The club ready instrumental and sassy tongue and cheek lyrics makes it the perfect pop package. Charlie XCX adds a nice dynamic in contrast with Rae’s vocals and they sound quite nice together.
Now onto the more controversial track, “Nothing On (But The Radio).” This track was originally a Lady Gaga demo intended to be on her 2012 “Born This Way” album, many even saying it is one of her best unreleased tracks. When Rae’s demo of the track resurfaced, fans were not happy with her rendition.
Production wise, this song is fine. The mix of her vocals sound off during parts, especially when they minorly add a vocoder over her vocals. Lyrically, this track doesn’t make much sense. The pre-chorus line, “I could make you some food,” in the middle of her singing about wanting to hook up with a boy makes little to no sense. She attempts to show off a broader vocal moment in the bridge, but it just doesn’t sound good.
The final track on the project, titled “it could have been u,” is the best one on the album in all aspects; the production is so different from the others. This track features a nice baseline and what might be actual instruments.
Lyrically it is fun and one of the few songs that actually makes sense. Rae sings about a past romance and how she’s moved on from that relationship and found happiness in someone else. It’s a fun song and the only track that is explicit.
Does this project hold lyrical genius? No. Absolutely not. That is what makes it good though. This EP does not take itself too seriously. Rae doesn’t try to give you Ariana Grande type vocals or Taylor Swift lyricism, and that’s perfect. She delivers what suits her best: nostalgic, bubblegum pop.