"Aquamarine" is a song by American singer and songwriter Addison Rae. It was released on October 25, 2024, through Columbia Records as the follow-up to Rae's breakthrough single "Diet Pepsi". Just like its predecessor, the song received positive reviews from critics and wider audiences. The electro, synth-pop and dance-pop song with strong Eurodance influences' lyrics speak about self-discovery.

"Aquamarine"
Single by Addison Rae
B-side"Arcamarine"[1]
ReleasedOctober 25, 2024 (2024-10-25)
Genre
Length2:42
Label
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)
  • Luka Kloser
  • Elvira Anderfjärd
Addison Rae singles chronology
"Diet Pepsi"
(2024)
"Aquamarine"
(2024)
Music video
"Aquamarine" on YouTube

Background

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Rae shared first hints of new music in June 2024 through her social media. While guest appearing at English singers Charli XCX's and Troye Sivan's Sweat Tour (2024) at her Los Angeles show, she posted a video of herself walking underwater again with a snippet to "Aquamarine" in the background, which quickly gained traction online and was also teased in the intro to her "Diet Pepsi" music video.[6][7] Rae said: "'Diet Pepsi' was always going to be the first thing I dropped, this one only felt right to follow up... I think it's very different, but also in the same universe. And I think that was really essential—that it felt very cohesive and it can exist in the same world."[8] The song is about self-discovery.[9]

Reception

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The song received positive reviews from both critics and listeners, who praised the song, calling it "her boldest release yet".[10] Grazia described the song as "enshrining her place" as a musical force to be reckoned with and taken seriously. The song was also compared to the works of Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Britney Spears.[11][10] Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone stated Rae "is on a pop hot streak" with the single's release, calling it "dreamy" and "entrancing",[12] while Billboard's Jason Lipshutz wrote Rae's "pop aesthetic is coming into focus" describing it as "dextracting the breathy flirtations from previous single "Diet Pepsi" and applying them to a sleek, futuristic dance-pop sheen."[13] Gabriel Saulog of Billboard Philippines wrote that the song embraces and breathes new life into its "'90s Eurodance influences –– complete with twinkling synth elements, steady club beats, and Rae's soft yet dreamy vocals that evoke a sensual (if provocative) nature" noting that its reminiscent of Madonna's Ray of Light and "rightfully" solidifies "her status as a rising figure in today's pop landscape."[14] Michael Kearney of Earmilk praised Rae's "refreshing and bold" sound, writing that "Aquamarine" is a "sparkling, dance-driven track that blends sensual, aquatic themes over a sweeping four-on-the-floor beat," comparing its "nostalgic 90s-inspired synths" specifically to Madonna's "Nothing Really Matters" and Spears' "Breathe on Me".[15]

English singer-songwriter Charli XCX praised the song online, calling Rae a "musical genius".[16]

Music video

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On October 23, 2024, Rae released a teaser for the music video on her social media platforms. In the clip, Rae can be seen smoking multiple cigarettes before getting up and walking down a dimly lit street in Paris, France.[17] The official video was then released on October 25, with Sean Price Williams returning as director and Mel Ottenberg as creative director following their previous work with Rae on "Diet Pepsi". It was choreographed by Danielle Polanco and styled by model and stylist Dara Allen.[18] Allen explained: "I feel like it was so much about creating a language for the Aqua character that was about being free in that kind of space. It's sort of like, you're unafraid to make others uncomfortable because you're so comfortable in what you're doing... you take the mask off and you're free." The styling was also inspired by "fashion legends" from the '60s and '70s, such as Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot.[8]

Track listing

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Arca remix

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"Arcamarine"
 
Remix by Addison Rae and Arca
A-side"Aquamarine"[22]
ReleasedNovember 15, 2024 (2024-11-15)
Genre
Length3:14
Label
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)Arca
Music video
"Arcamarine" on YouTube

The idea of collaborating with Venezuelan producer Arca came after a 2023 Vogue interview with Rae, saying that she would love to work with her and is a huge fan of her music.[24] Later in early November 2024, Arca teased the remix, titled "Arcamarine", while performing live. The remix, a "slowed-down, reggaeton-inflected song", was officially released on November 15, 2024.[25][26]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Aquamarine"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Greece International (IFPI)[27] 70
Ireland (IRMA)[28] 47
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[29] 8
UK Singles (OCC)[30] 45
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[31] 10

Release history

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Release history for "Aquamarine"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various October 25, 2024 Original
[32]
November 15, 2024 "Arcamarine" [33]
TBA 7" vinyl
  • Original
  • "Arcamarine"
[21]

References

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  1. ^ "Addison Rae Official Store". Addison Rae Official Store. Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  2. ^ Calfee, Joel (October 25, 2024). "How Addison Rae Crafted a High Fashion Fever Dream for the 'Aquamarine' Music Video". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  3. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (October 25, 2024). "Friday Music Guide: New Music From Lady Gaga, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and More". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  4. ^ Smith, Carl (October 24, 2024). "New Music Friday Releases: Lady Gaga, Addison Rae, Bastille and more". Official Charts. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  5. ^ Jones, Abby (June 16, 2024). "Watch Charli XCX Bring Out Addison Rae For 'Von Dutch' Remix In LA". Stereogum. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  6. ^ "We Can Already Tell Addison Rae's New Song Is Going To Be A Banger". Nylon. June 17, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  7. ^ "Charli XCX Brings Out Addison Rae For 'Von Dutch' Remix In LA". Stereogum. June 16, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Calfee, Joel (October 25, 2024). "How Addison Rae Crafted a High Fashion Fever Dream for the "Aquamarine" Music Video". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  9. ^ Kickham, Dylan (October 25, 2024). "Addison Rae's "Aquamarine" Lyrics, Explained". Nylon. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Staff, Notion (October 25, 2024). "NOTION NOW #218: Tyler, The Creator, Addison Rae & Lady Gaga". Notion. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  11. ^ "Addison Rae Unleashes Her Siren Call With "Aquamarine"". Grazia. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  12. ^ Spanos, Brittany (October 25, 2024). "The World Is Addison Rae's Oyster on 'Aquamarine'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  13. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (October 25, 2024). "Friday Music Guide: New Music From Lady Gaga, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and More". Billboard. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  14. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (October 22, 2024). "Addison Rae Drops Dreamy New Single "Aquamarine" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Kearney, Michael (October 28, 2024). "How "Aquamarine" realigns Addison Rae's path to pop stardom". Earmilk. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  16. ^ Kylene, Jazmin (October 25, 2024). "Addison Rae Being Hailed a 'Musical Genius' for New Single 'Aquamarine'". Music Times. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  17. ^ Reichard, Ryan (October 23, 2024). "Addison Rae Crowned the New 'Queen of Pop' as Anticipation Soars for 'Aquamarine' Single Drop". Music Times. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  18. ^ "Addison Rae Releases Highly Antcipated Single 'Aquamarine' With Dazzling Music Video". Sony Music Canada. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  19. ^ "Aquamarine - Single by Addison Rae on Apple Music". Apple Music. US: Apple Inc. October 25, 2024.
  20. ^ "Aquamarine / Arcamarine - Single by Addison Rae & Arca on Apple Music". Apple Music. US: Apple Inc. November 15, 2024.
  21. ^ a b "Aquamarine 7" Limited Edition Vinyl - Addison Rae Official Store". Addisonrae.com. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  22. ^ "Addison Rae Official Store". Addison Rae Official Store. Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  23. ^ "Arca and Addison Rae Confirm Release Date for the Highly Anticipated "Aquamarine" Remix". Them. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  24. ^ Hess, Liam (August 21, 2023). "'I Think I'm Just a Curious Person': Addison Rae on Her Quest for Pop Perfection". Vogue. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  25. ^ "Addison Rae Announces "Aquamarine" Remix Featuring Arca". Nylon. November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  26. ^ Green, Walden (November 15, 2024). "Arca Remixes Addison Rae's "Aquamarine": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  27. ^ "Official IFPI Charts − Digital Singles Chart (International) − Εβδομάδα: 41/2024" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  28. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  29. ^ "Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  30. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  31. ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100 Chart: November 9, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  32. ^ "Addison Rae - Aquamarine - Pre-Add/Pre-Save". Sony Music Fans. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  33. ^ "Addison Rae Announces "Aquamarine" Remix Featuring Arca". Nylon. Retrieved November 13, 2024.