Put Your Headphones On: Ten Songs You'll Enjoy if You Loved Addison Rae's Debut Album

Izzie Claudio
11 minutes ago
5 min read

Former TikTok star turned pop diva, Addison Rae, released her much-anticipated debut album at the beginning of June. Since its release, I have been obsessing over every track. With every listen, I have found the musical and lyrical tone of Addison to be a melting pot of influence. Over the past twenty years, we have observed a rapidly changing pop music landscape. And from the gritty, thoughtful beats of trip-hop to glittery hyper pop, Rae harnesses the magic of the past and present, culminating in a sound entirely her own.

If you’ve been enjoying Rae’s new album, like I have, there’s some fun music discovery to embark on! Here are ten songs I think you would enjoy if you can’t get enough of Addison.

"Supersoaker" - Eartheater

Eartheater makes great use of her vocal chops in her music, especially in "Supersoaker." The song, like Rae’s album opener, begins with an intriguing melody devoid of any beats. An atmospheric introduction makes for a more meaningful beat drop; the tune gains a full body. Eartheater also uses an echo on her breathy vocals; it’s as if there is a chorus of voices filling the space. Traveling up and down the vocal scale, from a rich chest voice to ethereal high notes, Eartheater presents a tune that is constantly in motion. Our ears don’t know what to expect next.

"Let Go" - Frou Frou

Frou Frou is an electronic duo made up of producer Guy Sigsworth and Imogen Heap, a pioneer in electronic music. “Let Go” contains the iconic vocoder vocals of Heap and sweeping orchestral elements. Strings are seamlessly blended into a light drum n’ bass beat, all cradled by Heap's commanding voice. Throughout “Let Go,” Heap's vocals move alongside the beat, taking on geometric shapes as opposed to flowing lines of sound. Imogen Heap is an important figure in the development of electronic music since the early 2000s, and her influence can be heard throughout Addison.

6 Underground - Sneaker Pimps

When Addison Rae isn’t leaning into the glittery pop of it all, there are clear elements of trip-hop in tracks like "Times Like These." The laid-back drum beats, the gloomy melodies, and the brooding lyrics can be traced back to the 90s electronic genre of trip-hop. “6 Underground” is a classic track found in most trip-hop compilations. The distinct echo-y rattle of the snare roots transports you right back to the ambient sound of the 90s when electronic music was blossoming into a multitude of subgenres. The intriguing monotone of Kelli Ali sets the tone: a grounded darkness that you can’t help but dive into.

"Immaterial" - SOPHIE

Let’s get into the hyperpop of it all! SOPHIE changed the game for experimental pop, reaching heights in the music sphere that are increasingly heard in the pop music of today. SOPHIE and Charli xcx were close friends, and Charli has cited SOPHIE as a major influence and an important collaborator. The brat sound, which is inherently a child of SOPHIE’s innovations, is a sound that is now incredibly sought after. Brat introduced audiences to the masterful delights of hyperpop, and experimental electronic beats are now more commonplace in pop, which gave Rae an even larger space to play! It's important to acknowledge the musical genius of SOPHIE and her influence on the current pop atmosphere.

"Porcelain" - Moby

When I first heard “Headphones On,” I was immediately reminded of Moby’s most popular hit, “Porcelain.” A simple yet memorable piano melody brings this song to another level, especially since a strong beat holds it up. It’s as if the piano is singing alongside Moby, adding to the expansive atmosphere. “Porcelain” reveals the importance of musical elements working together most effectively. There are so many minute details Moby pumps into his instrumentation, and while they might not be recognized on first listen, the song would not be complete without them. Complete with echo-y vocals, “Porcelain” is a thoughtful, ethereal masterpiece.

"Gorgeous International Really Lucky" - Coco & Clair Clair

Coco and Clair are a diva duo that have been combining delicate vocals with addictive beats since 2017. They lean heavily into their feminine power, laying down tracks that immediately get you dancing. “Gorgeous International Really Lucky” is from their most recent album, and they let loose with lyrics that we can all relate to. Their iconic nonchalant singing style is becoming more prevalent in the pop world, and we can hear that powerful yet laissez-faire tone perfectly placed among the glittery instrumentations.

"mr useless" - Shygirl, SG Lewis, Club Shy

Shygirl knows how to do dance music. There are so many synthetic sounds to play with in the electronic music realm, and Shygirl isn't afraid to play! She creates so many shapes with her dance beats, and she sings with unrivaled confidence. "So, don't waste your time or your energy," she says, "I'm the best I've ever been and I'll ever be." Girls don't always have to be heartbroken; we can sing about living our best lives!

"Pretty In Possible" - Caroline Polacheck

I've lost count of the number of divas mentioned in this list. Caroline Polacheck has also been paving the way in the experimental music sphere with her unique mix of sounds. "Pretty In Possible" has a beat straight out of the '90s, devoid of the heavy beat of the bass drum. Her vocal gymnastics and incredibly satisfying harmonies leave us wanting more; her voice is truly a marvel. A simple beat and siren-like vocals go a long way, and to top it off, this track is sandwiched with a hypnotic melody. Ms. Polacheck, your voice has got me wrapped around your finger.

"Butterfly" - Grimes

Grimes is another icon who walked so the pop artists of today could run. "Butterfly" is a balance of whimsy and an addictive dance beat. A grimey bass reverberates throughout the track, enhancing the sonic texture. Grimes' vocals, like most of the artists mentioned above, live in a higher register, which gives her music a powerful feminine flair. She echoes into the air, flying high like the butterflies she sings about.

"Death & Romance" - Magdalena Bay

Magdelena Bay is a pop band that has been gaining plenty of recognition after the release of their newest album, Imaginal Disk. They lay in the crossroads between electronic and pop, landing in a sweet spot of pure fun! “Death and Romance” is a bright track with a catchy piano riff that’ll leave you with an earworm for days. Swirling instrumentals and unique vocals give this tune a dome of sound, and our ears are constantly surprised by new elements. Magdalena Bay and Addison Rae successfully hypnotize us with their melodies.