# AR (EP)

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***AR*** is the debut extended play by American singer [Addison Rae](/source/Addison_Rae). It was released on August 18, 2023, through Sandlot Records. *AR* is a [bubblegum pop](/source/Bubblegum_music) record which *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)* described as "plasticky, pristine pop that online audiences ironically, and then unironically, eat up." It consists of four songs, while Rae's debut single "[Obsessed](/source/Obsessed_(Addison_Rae_song))" appears as a bonus track on [Spotify](/source/Spotify).[2]

The EP was met with positive reviews for its earworms, catchy hooks, and Rae's ability to channel the nostalgia of the 2000s and 2010s pop era.[3][4][5] On Spotify, the project was ranked among the top 10 biggest opening weeks for a female EP in Spotify history with 6.6 million streams. The EP also debuted at number 19 on the US *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_charts)* [Heatseekers Albums](/source/Heatseekers_charts) chart.[6]

## Background

In March 2021, Rae released her debut single "[Obsessed](/source/Obsessed_(Addison_Rae_song))".[7] Two months later, she began teasing the release of a debut album.[8] She revealed that album would be about "experiences that [she's] gone through or feelings that [she's] had and just different mindsets that [she's] kind of been in over the past year".[8] In June 2021, It was revealed that Rae was working on an extended play (EP) with artists such as [Charli XCX](/source/Charli_XCX) and [Benny Blanco](/source/Benny_Blanco), and that she had four songs ready to be released.[9] In September 2021, Rae was supposed to perform live at [iHeartRadio Music Festival](/source/IHeartRadio_Music_Festival) but she later announced that she isn't ready to perform yet.[10] Despite its supposed release in 2021, the project was shelved after the reception of Rae's debut single, and she considered giving up on music entirely.[11][12][13]

In January 2022, snippets of Rae's unreleased tracks went viral online and garnered positive reactions. The song "[I Got It Bad](/source/I_Got_It_Bad_(Addison_Rae_song))", which was teased in 2021, got leaked alongside "[Nothing On (But the Radio)](/source/Nothing_On_(But_the_Radio))" which was originally an unreleased song recorded by [Lady Gaga](/source/Lady_Gaga).[14] Throughout the year, more unreleased demos from Rae were leaked online.[15] She quickly built a [cult following](/source/Cult_following) among "[queer](/source/Queer) [pop-culture](/source/Pop-culture) obsessives"[16] after they noticed via her [Spotify](/source/Spotify) that her music taste "spans recent [avant-garde](/source/Avant-garde_music) [hip-hop](/source/Hip_hop_music) to the cream of ['00s](/source/2000s_in_music) [Timbaland](/source/Timbaland)-produced [R&B](/source/Contemporary_R%26B)." After Rae saw fans' enthusiasm over the leaked material, she regained the confidence to release more music.[11][12][13]

In February 2023, Rae began teasing new music again after she changed her Spotify bio to "Addison Rae 2023".[17] On August 14, 2023, Rae announced that she would be releasing an EP made up of some unreleased songs which were intended to be a part of her "lost album".[18] She stated she "wanted this EP to be the end note to the past few years, and a stepping stone forward in [her] career."[11][12]

## Reception

*AR* received favorable reviews from critics. Jason Lipshutz from *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))* wrote that the EP "does not sound like a collection of odds and ends: instead, the five songs engross the listener with fresh melodies and bursts of personality, showcasing the 22-year-old as a quick study within this brand of pop," adding that "the whole project is worth bookmarking as the potential start of something big."[19] Cat Zhang of *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_Media)* stated that Rae "delivers the kind of plasticky, pristine pop that online audiences ironically, and then unironically, eat up," reviewing the track "I Got It Bad" by describing it as "a bedazzled turn-of-the-millennium pop song" and assessing that "there's an immediate reward in the song's blingy flourishes and bass-heavy breakdown."[16] Liam Hess of *[Vogue](/source/Vogue_(magazine))* also highlighted "I Got It Bad" calling it "a *[bona fide](/source/Bona_fide)* pop masterpiece with a welcome dose of weirdness," continuing that it "recalls [Britney](/source/Britney_Spears) at her peak, with an irresistible, swooping chorus and a juggernaut of a bridge."[11]

*[Nylon](/source/Nylon_(magazine))'*s Steffanee Wang wrote that "the music is worth it. [*AR*]'s brand of pop is the kind you can't look too closely at because there really isn't anything much deeper to gleam. Everything it is and will be is already on display on its gleaming, shiny outside."[20] Larisha Paul of *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone_(magazine))* commented that the EP "digs up some of the most anticipated songs she has teased with snippets and sneak peeks in the time since she made her musical debut," calling "[2 Die 4](/source/2_Die_4_(song))" a standout "collaboration with pop maestro Charli XCX."[21] Writing for [Ones to Watch](/source/Ones_to_Watch), Alessandra Rincon said that Rae "can finally add verified pop star to her ever-growing résumé," claiming that "I Got It Bad" is the song that "arguably benefitted the most from the reworked mix, introing the body of work with a new, refreshing energy," calling it "an undeniably catchy track to the point that even her cynics will likely have difficulty finding fault in this flawless pop song."[22]

## Commercial performance

*AR* debuted at number 19 on the US [*Billboard*](/source/Billboard_charts) [Heatseekers Albums](/source/Heatseekers_charts) and reached number forty-five on the [Top Current Album Sales](/source/Top_Current_Album_Sales) chart in October 2023.[23]

## Track listing

Credits adapted from the liner notes of *AR*.[24]

**Notes**

- "I Got It Bad" is stylized in [sentence case](/source/Sentence_case).
- "2 Die 4" and "It Could've Been U" are stylized in [all lowercase](/source/All_lowercase).

## Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of *AR*.[24]

### Performers

- [Addison Rae](/source/Addison_Rae) – vocals (all tracks); background vocals (3)
- [Charli XCX](/source/Charli_XCX) – vocals (2)
- [Andrew Goldstein](/source/Andrew_Goldstein_(musician)) – keyboards, [programming](/source/Programming_(music)) (2)
- [Madison Love](/source/Madison_Love) – background vocals (3); executive producer
- [Jakob Hazell](/source/Jakob_Hazell) – bass guitar, drums, keyboards, percussion, programming (3)
- [Josh Alexander](/source/Josh_Alexander_(songwriter)) – bass guitar, drums, keyboards, percussion, programming (3)
- [Svante Halldin](/source/Svante_Halldin) – bass guitar, drums, keyboards, percussion, programming (3)
- [Alexander 23](/source/Alexander_23) – bass guitar, drums, guitar, programming, synthesizer (4)

### Production and recording

- [Chris Gehringer](/source/Chris_Gehringer) – [mastering](/source/Mastering_(audio))
- [Serban Ghenea](/source/Serban_Ghenea) – [mixing](/source/Audio_mixing_(recorded_music)) (1–3)
- John Hanes – mixing (4)
- Bryce Bordone – mixing assistant
- Bart Schoudel – [engineering](/source/Audio_engineer) (2)
- Bianca Minniti-Bean – A&R, production coordination
- Jerry Edouard – A&R, production coordination

## Charts

Chart (2023) Peak position US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[25] 19 US Top Current Album Sales (Billboard)[23] 45

## Release history

Release dates and formats for AR Region Date Format(s) Label Ref. Various August 18, 2023 Digital download · streaming Sandlot [2] United States October 13, 2023 CD [26] December 1, 2023 LP [27]

## References

1. Spanos, Brittany (2024-08-09). ["Addison Rae Is Sweet Like 'Diet Pepsi' on Major Label Debut"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/addison-rae-diet-pepsi-major-label-debut-1235076547/). *Rolling Stone*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240809044121/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/addison-rae-diet-pepsi-major-label-debut-1235076547/) August 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-08-19.

1. ["AR - EP by Addison Rae on Spotify"](https://open.spotify.com/album/4HFL8GJomswlqQwqJGwKDt). [Spotify](/source/Spotify). August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.

1. Zhang, by: Cat (2023-08-18). ["Addison Rae - Albums, Songs, and News"](https://pitchfork.com/artists/addison-rae/). *Pitchfork*. Retrieved 2024-03-28.

1. ["Ones To Watch"](http://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/addison-rae-ar-listen). *Ones to Watch*. Retrieved 2024-03-28.

1. Johnson, Cassidy (2023-09-20). ["Addison Rae is bringing back Y2K pop"](https://advancetitan.com/arts-and-culture/2023/09/20/addison-rae-is-bringing-back-y2k-pop). *The Advance-Titan*. Retrieved 2024-08-18.

1. devops (2013-01-02). ["Heatseekers Albums"](https://www.billboard.com/charts/heatseekers-albums/). *Billboard*. Retrieved 2024-03-28.

1. Mamo, Heran (2021-03-19). ["Addison Rae Gets Fans "Obsessed" With Surprise Debut Single & Music Video"](https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/addison-rae-obsessed-debut-single-music-video-9543722/). *Billboard*. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["How Addison Rae's Relationship With Ex Bryce Hall Inspired Her New Music"](https://www.eonline.com/news/1271111/how-addison-raes-relationship-with-ex-bryce-hall-inspired-her-new-music). *E! Online*. 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. Shanfeld, Ethan (2021-07-21). ["Addison Rae Reveals She's Working on Upcoming EP with Charli XCX, Benny Blanco"](https://variety.com/2021/music/news/addison-rae-upcoming-ep-charli-xcx-benny-blanco-1235024897/). *Variety*. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["Addison Rae Explains Why She Won't Be Performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival"](https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/a37633920/addison-rae-pulls-out-iheartradio-music-festival/). *Seventeen*. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["'I Think I'm Just a Curious Person': Addison Rae on Her Quest for Pop Perfection"](https://www.vogue.com/article/addison-rae-ar-ep-interview). *[Vogue](/source/Vogue_(magazine))*. August 21, 2023. Retrieved 2023-08-21.

1. ["Addison Rae is working with Charli XCX on New Music"](https://www.papermag.com/addison-rae-charli-xcx#rebelltitem12). *Paper Magazine*. Tray Alston. Retrieved 22 July 2021.

1. [""I Think I'm Just A Curious Person". Addison Rae On Her Quest For Pop Perfection"](https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/addison-rae-interview). Liam Hess. August 26, 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

1. Rao, Karishma (2022-01-22). ["Addison Rae's version of Lady Gaga's "Nothing On But the Radio" sends fans into a frenzy"](https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/addison-rae-s-version-lady-gaga-s-nothing-on-but-radio-sends-fans-frenzy). *[Sportskeeda](/source/Sportskeeda)*. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["Addison Rae responds as her old music leaks on SoundCloud"](https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/addison-rae-responds-as-her-old-music-leaks-on-soundcloud-1900865/). *Dexerto*. August 11, 2022. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["Addison Rae: "I Got It Bad" Track Review"](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/addison-rae-i-got-it-bad/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_Media)*. Retrieved 2023-08-18.

1. Williams, Written in Partnership with Maria (2023-02-07). ["Addison Rae and Her 2023 Music Release Plans, Oregon Artist NORD Collaboration"](https://www.laweekly.com/addison-rae-and-her-2023-music-release-plans-oregon-artist-nord-collaboration/). *LA Weekly*. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["Addison Rae finally releasing leaked "lost album" songs"](https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/fans-think-addison-rae-is-releasing-new-music-after-countdown-appears-on-website-2248885/). *Dexerto*. August 14, 2023. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

1. ["Friday Music Guide: New Music From Quavo, Hozier, Doechii, Addison Rae and More"](https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/friday-music-guide-quavo-hozier-doechii-addison-rae-1235395072/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved 2023-08-18.

1. ["Addison Rae's 'AR' EP Review: A Proper Pop Star Debut"](https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/addison-rae-leaks-2-die-4-review). *[Nylon](/source/Nylon_(magazine))*. August 18, 2023. Retrieved 2023-08-18.

1. ["Addison Rae Re-Enters Her Pop Girl Era With Lost Album Releases"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/addison-rae-ar-ep-lost-debut-album-1234808433/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.

1. ["Addison Rae Embraces Her Pop Star Persona in Lost and Found 'AR' EP"](https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/addison-rae-ar-listen). *[Ones to Watch](/source/Ones_to_Watch)*. Retrieved 2023-08-18.

1. Zellner, Xander. ["Hot 100 First-Timers: Addison Rae Debuts With Breakthrough Single 'Diet Pepsi'"](https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/addison-rae-diet-pepsi-hot-100-first-timers-1235776920/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved September 16, 2024.

1. *AR* (CD liner notes). Sandlot Records. 2023. 075678613135.

1. ["Heatseekers Albums Chart: Week of September 2, 2023"](https://www.billboard.com/charts/heatseekers-albums/2023-09-02/). *Billboard*. Retrieved August 29, 2023.

1. ["AR Signed CD (Limited Edition) - Warner Music Official Store"](https://store.warnermusic.com/en/warner-music-store/atlantic-records/addison-rae/ar-signed-cd-limited-edition/075678613135.html). *[Warner Music Group](/source/Warner_Music_Group)*. Retrieved August 25, 2023.

1. ["Addison Rae - AR Limited LP - Urban Outfitters"](https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/addison-rae-ar-limited-lp?color=066&type=REGULAR&size=ONE%20SIZE&quantity=1). *[Urban Outfitters](/source/Urban_Outfitters)*. Retrieved November 3, 2023.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [AR (EP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR_(EP)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR_(EP)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.