| Aquamarine | |
| Cover: | Addison Rae - Aquamarine.png |
| Border: | yes |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Addison Rae |
| B-Side: | "Arcamarine"[1] |
| Length: | 2:42 |
| Chronology: | Addison Rae |
| Prev Title: | Diet Pepsi |
| Prev Year: | 2024 |
"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.
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.[2] [3] 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."[4] The song is about self-discovery.[5]
The song received positive reviews from both critics and listeners, who praised the song, calling it "her boldest release yet".[6] 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.[7] Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone stated Rae "is on a pop hot streak" with the single's release, calling it "dreamy" and "entrancing",[8] while Billboards 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."[9] 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."[10] 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".[11]
English singer-songwriter Charli XCX praised the song online, calling Rae a "musical genius".[12]
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.[13] 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.[14] 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.[4]
| Arcamarine | |
| Cover: | Arca Addison Rae Aquamarine remix cover.jpg |
| Border: | yes |
| Type: | remix single |
| Artist: | Addison Rae and Arca |
| A-Side: | "Aquamarine"[18] |
| Genre: |
|
| Length: | 3:14 |
| Producer: | Arca |
| Prev Year: | 2024 |
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.[20] 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.[21] [22]
| Peak position | ||
| Greece International (IFPI)[23] | 70 | |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[24] | 8 | |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[25] | 10 |
| Date | Format | Version | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | October 25, 2024 | Original | [26] | ||
| November 15, 2024 | "Arcamarine" | [27] | |||
| 7" vinyl |