Why Anthony Fantano Has No Business Reviewing Addison Rae 

If you haven’t been keeping up, Addison Rae has recently released singles: “Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine,” “High Fashion” and “Headphones On.” With an album coming out on June 6. As each single has been released, I’ve seen men like Anthony Fantano, Steven In Stereo, Will Talks Music, JUKE JAMS, Charlie Harding and others review these tracks across social media platforms. These reviews have been overall negative, claiming that Rae’s music isn’t interesting and lacks lyrical depth. 

In his YouTube video Fantano REACTION to ‘High Fashion’ by Addison Rae, Fantano said, “For the fourth or fifth time, someone write this woman’s lyrics, please.” In an Instagram reel reviewing the track “Headphones On,” Will Talks Music said, “Yeah, that was not it for me. Addison–I’ve been saying from the get-go–she needs some new writers on her team because lyrically, that’s where she’s really been lacking.” While I think these male music critics are valid reviewing music like Cameron Winter and Radiohead, here’s why I think they have no business talking about Addison Rae.

Some music is good because of poetic lyrics, interesting time signatures or chord progressions, clever instrumentation and creative production. This is the kind of music that I think critics such as Fantano should be critiquing: music that is objectively good (or not) based on these factors. However, while I’m not necessarily saying that Addison Rae’s music lacks these qualities, I think it exists on a different scale. The reason it’s good isn’t because of especially clever lyricism, impressive vocals or creative songwriting; the reason is because of the feeling each song captures and the way that they relate to the feminine experience. 

I really think that Addison Rae’s music is intended to be perceived by people who experience the world through a feminine lens. 

It’s meant to be listened to on full volume in a college girls’ house with four other roommates while you all get ready for a party together. It’s meant to be listened to in sparkly outfits, and glittery makeup. It’s meant to be listened to when you have a new crush. To fully resonate with Rae’s music, a perspective is required that Anthony Fantano and similar male music critics clearly lack.

I’m not saying that every girl is going to love Addison Rae’s music or that every man is going to hate it, but I do think that having that perspective is a prerequisite for getting it. Fantano and Will Talks Music should keep on discussing and sharing their opinions on music that emphasizes poetic lyrics, interesting time signatures or chord progressions, clever instrumentation and creative production because that music is meant for them but when they’re reviewing Addison Rae’s music they’re talking about something they just don’t understand and can’t relate to because it’s simply not meant for them. 

I’m really looking forward to hearing Rae’s new album, but I’m dreading the content by male critics that I know will be released in response to it.