Addison Rae’s Newest Siren Song: "Aquamarine"

Graphic by Maddie Cohen

by lily suckow ziemer

It’s been a little over a year since Addison Rae initiated her comeback to the music industry with her debut EP, AR. Critics and fans alike originally met the EP with contempt, unable to view her as more than a TikToker. However, public opinion has begun to come around, especially following the release of her single “Diet Pepsi” in August of this year. The catchy single about “young lust” has an alt-pop sound that appealed to many, now accumulating an ever-increasing fanbase. Rae has been teasing her newest single, “Aquamarine,” for months. A beautiful and mysterious sound bite accompanied by a clip of Rae walking underwater in high heels was posted to her Instagram in June 2024, and a snippet of the song even plays at the beginning of her “Diet Pepsi” music video. After months of easter eggs and previews, the release date was announced as October 25th.

“Aquamarine” is a siren song. There’s a dream-like quality to the listening experience. Rae’s vocals soar over layered house beats, creating the illusion of an ethereal twinkling ocean. The title is split up by syllable to create an addictingly catchy chorus. The sound is mature, yet remains playful, inviting imagination. Blast this iconic pop hit in your headphones and feel your world take a new shape. 

The song’s underwater theme is deeply ingrained, but not tacky. The title refers to the 2006 movie Aquamarine, a classic teen romantic comedy starring a sassy mermaid after the heart of a lifeguard. Clearly channeling this early 2000s sass, Rae uses the classic line “The world is my oyster…” before opening herself up, saying “...Come touch the pearl.” She later references pop culture again, describing the “Heart of the Ocean around my neck,” simultaneously alluding to the necklace from the movie Titanic (1997), and pop icon Britney Spears’ “Oops…I Did It Again” music video.

Thronged with dreamy harmonics and perfected cultural references, “Aquamarine” is unlike anything Rae has released before. After gaining the spotlight this summer, she’s making sure she’s not pinholed into one kind of sound. Rae has emphasized her respect and love for pop music and truly represents the drive necessary to keep the industry moving forward. The final lyric, “I’m not hiding anymore, I’m free,” spotlights this outlook. Rae will not hold herself back because of the mountains of people who love to hate her. She has freed herself to make the music she wants for the people who want it, foretelling her inspired and unafraid future in the pop music world.