This week, Addison Rae made her main label debut with the discharge of her new single, “Weight loss program Pepsi.” As soon as primarily acknowledged as a TikTok megastar, Rae has spent the previous few years rebranding herself from a social media sensation right into a bona fide “It Lady.”
Her transformation is underscored by appearances on stage alongside Charli XCX and photoshoots by Tumblr-favorite Petra Collins—vital collaborators within the ongoing resurgence of 2013 web tradition beforehand championed by icons similar to Lana Del Rey, Marina & The Diamonds, and Lorde.
The tune delivers precisely what you’d count on: pulsing synths, siren-like pop vocals, and easy lyrics about hooking up at the back of a automobile. However what makes this observe compelling isn’t its sonic complexity—or lack thereof—however the context surrounding it.
In some ways, “Weight loss program Pepsi” is a becoming metaphor for Rae’s evolving profession. Pepsi, typically perceived because the much less cool, considerably disappointing various to Coca-Cola, parallels the general public notion of Rae as cringeworthy or untalented. With this tune, she’s not simply making an attempt to make Weight loss program Pepsi cool; she’s attempting to reinvent herself, absolutely committing to a bolder, extra subtle aesthetic to show she’s deserving of It-Lady standing.
The issue with creating music that lacks substance—particularly when she doesn’t have an distinctive voice or any standout musical qualities—is that its success hinges solely on sustaining an aesthetic somewhat than on expertise. This locations her in a precarious place, the place any deviation from the rigorously curated picture might undermine her complete profession, decreasing her artistry to a mere accent of her visible branding. In consequence, the entire endeavor dangers feeling inauthentic and insincere.
That’s to not say that each one music wants to hold a deeper which means—there’s actually a demographic that enjoys Pepsi over Coke—nevertheless it does place Addison Rae in a unique class from different pop stars on the charts, similar to Taylor Swift and even Chappell Roan.
Nonetheless, there’s one thing inexplicably nice about this tune. I’ve to confess, it’s catchy, and very like Pepsi, it’s not all the time the primary selection, nevertheless it undoubtedly hits the spot.
