that one girl who reviews

TikTok sensation Addison Rae released her EP, “AR” on Friday, granting her audience the pleasure of listening to five songs, four of which were unreleased and three which had unfortunately been leaked last year. 

Her EP is camp in a way that transcends the meaning. Starting strong with “I got it bad,” Rae delves into the all consuming feeling you get when you really want someone. The track, which is the longest out of all the songs, features an infectious hook that you will not be able to get out of your head no matter how hard you try.

Rae then explores a uniquely fun beat in “2 Die 4” featuring Charli XCX. The track is an open invitation for someone who can acknowledge her worth and who thinks she’s “2 die 4.” 

She follows this up with “Nothing on (But the radio),” which is one of the standout tracks of the EP, its chorus reminiscent of the 2010’s pop music that plagued night clubs and retail stores. 

The lyrics share a sense of literalness that is what makes the EP borderline iconic. “I’m calling just to tell you/Get here, I’ll make it all worth your while/I can make you some food,” is just an all around hilarious verse that you can’t help unironically singing at the top of your lungs. 

The incentive of food to get someone she likes to come over is just perfection.

“it could’ve been you,” is perhaps the best track of the EP, a song that could easily become a radio hit if it wanted to. The chorus starts with “’Cause every time we break up, I break down/Now I don’t wanna make up, I’ll make out/With somebody new, it could’ve been you,” which is an amazing way to let someone know that you’re getting over them.

The song is upbeat and the lyricism is actually on par with the production, something the rest of the EP doesn’t exactly account for. “it could’ve been you” is a confident anthem that reassures the listener of their own worth in relationships.

Similarly, “Obsessed” which launched Rae’s music career in 2021, closes out the EP perfectly, once more reminding the listener that these songs are fun, confident and sexy. 

The track, which wasn’t received popularly when it first released, deserves more credit when it’s given. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a great piece of advice for TikTok stars who are thinking about dipping their toes into the music industry. 

Rae’s EP is a sign that we don’t need the same bland melancholy ballad or pop song about missing your ex or being depressed. Dixie D’amelio can take care of that for us. 

Her songs can be compared to the fictional star “Jocelyn” from Sam Levinson’s The Idol, which may be true but discredits the actual likability of Rae and the art she is creating. While it may sound similar to the music created by the show, Rae’s songs are a little less raunchier and much easier on the ears.

Rae is running circles around her “TikTokker-turned-musician” peers because she is unapologetically confident in herself and her sexuality. 

While her music may never touch what Taylor Swift or Beyoncé are creating, her mediocre vocals, fun production and camp lyricism is exactly what her young audiences need to stay entertained and hooked on her art. Perhaps with a little more practice and vocal work, Rae could establish herself as a young force in the industry.