Addison Rae is back, and this time, she's got a darker, sultrier sound. A nod to the block-letter branding that Rae has made her own, the aesthetic is all sugar and sparkle. With the release of "Diet Pepsi" and its attractive "Diet Cola" counterpart, Rae leaves the sugary gloss of her AR EP behind in favor of something more intoxicating, proving she's here to own it.
"Diet Pepsi" is a glittery, synth-hued excursion through Rae's creative growth that hits just as sweet as its name might suggest but comes with a sobering side of edge. On a bright and thumping but ultimately understated beat, Rae's velvety lower register comes to the forefront and pulls you into a dreamy, intoxicating soundscape. "Diet Pepsi" evocative lyrics, "cherries on cheeks, lipstick on bare chests," paint a picture of youthful temptation, flirting with lost innocence.
This is a statement. Rae leans into her pop lineage, channeling everyone from Madonna to Lana Del Rey as she finds her own spot. Her evolution from viral highlight to fully realized pop powerhouse is more apparent than ever, and "Diet Pepsi" confirms that she's more than ready to slake the industry's thirst for fresh, dynamic talent.
The 21-year-old TikTok star's new single is not just a step into the spotlight. It's a command of it. Let "Diet Pepsi" be your first taste of what's promising to be a daring and invigorating new moment.