Addison Rae, the 24-year-old TikTok star-turned-pop singer, has officially entered the world of mainstream music with her debut album, Addison, released on June 6, 2025. The album has made an immediate impact, breaking streaming records within its first 24 hours of release. As one of the most followed influencers in the world, Rae’s transition to pop music has generated massive anticipation. Fans and critics alike have been eager to see if her online popularity could translate into a long-lasting music career.
Her debut album Addison is a blend of pop, R&B, and electronic music, with Rae’s vocals taking center stage. The album’s tracks explore themes of love, self-doubt, confidence, and the complexities of modern relationships. With catchy melodies, slick production, and Rae’s distinctive voice, the album has hit the top of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
However, while Addison’s commercial success cannot be denied, the album’s reception has been decidedly mixed. Some critics are lauding Rae’s growth as a musician and her willingness to step outside of her social media persona, while others have questioned the authenticity and depth of her music.
The Success of Streaming Records and Initial Reception
Upon its release, Addison debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and quickly climbed the charts. The first single, “Faded Memories,” set a new record for the most-streamed song by a new pop artist on Spotify within its first 24 hours. The song, which is about nostalgia and lost love, has resonated deeply with Rae’s largely young, social-media-savvy fanbase.
Rae’s following on TikTok, where she has over 150 million followers, has undoubtedly contributed to the album’s success. She used her platform to promote the album in an organic way, posting behind-the-scenes content, snippets of unreleased tracks, and personal stories that connected her with her audience. In fact, the marketing strategy on TikTok proved to be a game-changer for the album’s launch, as it generated buzz even before the full project dropped.
However, despite the album’s commercial success, the critical response has been more lukewarm. Publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone have praised Rae’s growth as an artist and recognized her ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly pop songs. Billboard noted that “Faded Memories” was “a promising debut single that showcased Rae’s ability to transition from influencer to serious artist.” Still, Rolling Stone was more critical, stating that “while Rae’s album is filled with potential, it often relies on a formulaic pop production style that fails to offer anything new to the genre.”
A key point of critique has been the album’s lack of cohesion. While some tracks are clear standouts, others feel repetitive, relying too heavily on commercial trends rather than Rae’s unique voice or storytelling ability. Songs like “Take My Time” and “Lipstick & Lies” have been accused of following similar pop tropes that dominate the charts but don’t allow Rae to fully shine as an individual artist. Critics from Pitchfork argue that these songs “sound like they could belong to anyone in the top 40,” but don’t showcase Rae’s individuality.
However, for Rae’s loyal fans, this album represents a significant achievement. The commercial success of Addison is a testament to her immense popularity and influence, even if some of the songs may fall short in terms of artistic depth.
Musical Exploration and Style
One of the highlights of the album is the track “Wasted Years,” which brings an emotional depth that some of the other tracks lack. Rae’s vocals are strong and vulnerable, and the song feels like a personal reflection on her rapid rise to fame. It’s a stark contrast to some of the more upbeat pop numbers on the album, offering a more intimate side of Rae that resonates with listeners who may have grown up with her through TikTok.
Songs like “Tomorrow’s Sunrise” and “Don’t Waste Your Time” blend Rae’s love for electronic production with more organic instrumentation, creating a refreshing fusion of genres that sets her apart from some of her contemporaries. These songs have the potential to resonate beyond her usual fanbase, showing a more versatile side to her artistry.
However, it’s clear that Rae is still finding her footing in the music industry. Her debut album represents an important first step, but it’s not without its missteps. While the songs are catchy and have chart potential, there’s a lack of experimentation and depth that could have elevated Addison to the next level. The album’s reliance on safe pop formulas and familiar production choices could prevent Rae from becoming a long-term player in the music industry unless she takes risks in future projects.
Fans’ Reaction: The Rae-bbies Rally Behind Her
Rae’s dedicated fanbase, known as the “Rae-bbies,” has been incredibly supportive of the album, and they have contributed significantly to its success. The “Rae-bbies” are some of the most passionate fan groups on social media, and their loyalty to Rae has translated into significant streaming numbers. On platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, the fanbase has shared their favorite tracks, posted videos of themselves dancing to Rae’s songs, and created content surrounding the album’s release. This has led to Addison being one of the most talked-about pop releases of the year.
The support from her fans on social media has kept the album trending on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where Addison continues to dominate in streams and playlist placements. This loyalty is a testament to Rae’s connection with her audience, and it shows that she has built a strong foundation of support as she moves forward in her music career.
What’s Next for Addison Rae?
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Rae has the potential to grow as an artist, but it will require further experimentation with her sound and more thoughtful songwriting. While Addison showcases her ability to create catchy pop songs, it doesn’t yet demonstrate the depth or range needed to make her a staple in the pop music world for years to come. However, with her influence on social media and her growing popularity in the music scene, Rae is well-positioned for future success.
Her next album could very well be the one that pushes her past the constraints of commercial pop and into the realm of respected musical artists. To achieve this, she will need to embrace a more unique, personal sound that transcends the mainstream formula.
Ultimately, Addison is a promising debut for Rae, but the journey is just beginning. If she can build on this album and refine her craft, she may just have the longevity needed to continue making waves in the pop industry.