Pop culture has watched Addison Rae grow from viral sensation to style icon—but with “Times Like These,” the multihyphenate star proves she’s ready for something much bigger: musical longevity. The official video, released alongside her debut album Addison on June 6, 2025, marks a confident and emotionally charged evolution in her artistry.
A Soundtrack for Self-Reflection
Co-written with Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, “Times Like These” steps away from bubblegum pop and dives into a rich, trip-hop-inspired atmosphere. It’s moody without being melancholy, and danceable without chasing escape. The lyrics cut deep, exploring the gray areas of early adulthood. Rae doesn’t shy away from heavy lines—“Am I too old to blame my dad?”—offering a surprisingly raw perspective on confusion, family wounds, and growth.
It’s a sound that feels both nostalgic and progressive, drawing comparisons to ‘90s Madonna with a modern, lo-fi polish.
A Visual Story of Identity and Vulnerability
Directed by photographer-turned-filmmaker Ethan James Green, the “Times Like These” video is as visually thoughtful as the song is introspective. Viewers are taken on a journey through behind-the-scenes moments, staged performances, and choreographed sequences that feel like a window into Rae’s psyche as much as her world.
Set in New York, the video closes with a tender ferry ride, where Rae is seen sharing a moment with her love interest—played by trans TikTok star Gio. The casting choice isn’t just inclusive—it’s powerful, honest, and intentional, giving the video a deeper resonance in today’s pop landscape.
Beauty lovers will also notice the soft glam moment: Rae sports frosted eyeshadow and a dewy Armani blush that reflect the same emotional contrast woven into the song—dreamy yet grounded.
Not Just a Pop Star—An Artist Arrives
“Times Like These” is a departure from Rae’s earlier, flirtier visuals like “2 Die 4” and “I Got It Bad.” It swaps high-gloss fantasy for emotional nuance, suggesting a real shift in how Rae wants to be seen: not as a social media star dabbling in music, but as a credible pop artist with something to say.
Critics seem to agree. The album Addison has been called one of the most surprising and successful pop reinventions of the year, with “Times Like These” acting as its emotional core. It’s a song about growing pains—but also about power, presence, and transformation.
Final Thoughts
In a time when viral fame can be fleeting, Addison Rae’s “Times Like These” is proof she’s in it for the long haul. Honest, artful, and unafraid, it’s the kind of release that doesn’t just make headlines—it makes an impact.
