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Headphones On

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"Headphones On"
Single by Addison Rae
from the album Addison
ReleasedApril 18, 2025 (2025-04-18)
Genre
Length
  • 4:00 (album version)
  • 3:26 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Luka Kloser
  • Elvira Anderfjärd
Addison Rae singles chronology
"High Fashion"
(2025) 		"Headphones On"
(2025) 		"Fame Is a Gun"
(2025)
Music video
"Headphones On" on YouTube

"Headphones On" is a song by American singer Addison Rae. The song was released on April 18, 2025, through Columbia Records, as the fourth single from Rae's debut studio album Addison. The R&B and new jack swing influenced trip hop song speaks about how music is an escape for her and her personal struggles.

The song was met with praise from critics, who favorably compared it to the music of Madonna. "Headphones On" became Rae's second song to reach the top forty of the charts in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as her second entry on the Billboard Hot 100 following her 2024 single "Diet Pepsi".

Background and release

[edit]

Rae teased "Headphones On" in March 2025 by posting pictures on Instagram from the set of the music video. In early April, she teased lyrics from the song, and later teased the music video through Spotify. Rae shared a snippet from the song in a TikTok. She released the official teaser on April 14, which announced the release date, and released the official cover on April 15, 2025.[2][3] It marked the first track released under Rae's publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.[4] Rae was sick at the time she recorded the song in Stockholm.[5]

Composition

[edit]
"Headphones On"
A trip hop-inspired song, "Headphones On" has been likened to the 1990s sound of acts including Madonna, Moby, Björk and Cibo Matto.[6]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

According to Pitchfork's Eric Torres, "Headphones On" is Rae's "most R&B-inspired track yet", with a "swell of pitch-shifted, ululating vocals" and "vaporous, jewel-toned chimes and a hip-swaying bassline."[7] He also compared her vocals to "Janet at her breathiest" as Rae "coos over an aerodynamic beat."[7] Danielle Chelosky of Stereogum noted the trip hop influence of the track.[8] Writing for Jenesaispop, Jordi Bardají felt that the song is "based on the sound of that commercial pop that drew from trip-hop and was led by artists like Madonna or, above all, Moby between the mid and late years of [the 1990s]. The beat of 'Headphones On' recalls Bedtime Stories (1994), the strings are more akin to Björk's Post (1995), who already dedicated a track to her 'headphones', those that 'saved her life'; the overall vibe is very Cibo Matto, especially the vocal melody; but it also brings to mind the Spice Girls' 'Last Time Lover'."[6] Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine stated the track boasts a "smooth, new jack swing bounce straight out of 1994."[9] Rae's lyricism was described as "confessional" and diving into deeper topics than her previous releases. She sings about her struggles with identity, escaping into music and how the hardships and pain she feels are a part of life, also addressing her parents' divorce.[10][11][12] Cosmopolitan's Samantha Olson noted that Rae continues "the watery references that she first leaned into on 'Aquamarine'" as well.[13] Rae described "Headphones On" as one of her most "emotional songs" to date and "cathartic to make."[14] In the song, Rae acknowledges being called an "it girl" while questioning her place in pop music: "It is obviously very complimentary. What does that even mean, really, to be the pop girl? Let's see if the songs get more popular, then they can call me a pop girl. This is my shot. I've got to go big."[5]

Critical reception

[edit]

In a review for Pitchfork, Eric Torres described "Headphones On" as a "new wrinkle to the Addison Rae formula, infusing her cotton-candy music with the kind of vulnerability that can make it feel like the outside world's on mute."[7] He also felt that Rae's take on electropop suits the current "shaky cultural moment", as her "featherlight music doubles as a smooth-brain release from the anhedonia of day-to-day life in America."[7] Likewise, Joel Calfee wrote for Harper's Bazaar that Rae is "providing us with the perfect soundtrack for when we need to escape the troubles of the real world."[10] Cosmopolitan's Samantha Olson stated Rae is "four for four right now" after dropping "back-to-back bangers"[13] while Uproxx's Josh Kurp echoed that the track "continues Rae's hot streak."[15] Nathan Merchadier of Numéro claimed the single cemented Rae's status as "one of the defining it-girls of the moment."[16] Robin Murray reviewed the song for Clash, praising that it "feels special [...] this is pop at its most care-free and transformative," continuing that Rae is "stamping out her own identity" and "there’s a real gift for world-building at the centre of 'Headphones On' that feels unique to her," and, "Piece by piece, Addison Rae is chipping away at the veneer of cynicism that some have placed around her music; effortlessly stylish, 'Headphones On' should serve as the tipping point, the moment of inflection."[17]

Jason Lipshutz of Billboard commented that a "song like 'Headphones On' goes a long way towards dismissing the notion that Addison Rae's pop artistry is superficial in the slightest" as the "single not only synthesizes '90s rhythmic pop with passion and scholarship, but she tucks revealing admissions [...] in between sumptuous refrains."[18] Julia Koscelnik of V drew comparisons to Madonna and Britney Spears, with Rae adding a "more reflective lyrical element to her repertoire of addictive pop hits."[19] Paste named it one of the best new songs of the week, with Matt Mitchell writing that "it keeps her streak of great pop hardware," and while "a sugary, Y2K gloss burns at the heart" of the song, it is "shockingly full of hurt." Mitchell declares it "should be in the conversation for Song of the Summer," calling it "well-done Madonna worship for the doom-scrolling generation."[20] In May, Time Out named it the second best song of 2025 so far: "With nonchalant lyrics dosed in nostalgia, breathy vocals reminiscent of early days Kylie Minogue and soft, effortless percussion, 'Headphones On' is nothing short of irresistible."[21] In June, Rolling Stone and Consequence also listed it among the best songs of the year, with Paolo Ragusa blurbing for the latter: "On a song so serene it genuinely feels like medicine, Rae casually unearths a universal truth: Sometimes you've got to accept the pain, feel your feelings, and put those goddamn headphones on."[22][23] Paste ranked it the tenth best song of 2025,[24] while Billboard ranked it the eighth, with Lipshutz referring to it as "the skeleton key" of her debut album as well as "of her entire pop aesthetic."[25] Spotify's team of editors picked it as one of the best songs of the year so far that same month.[26]

Music video

[edit]

The official video for "Headphones On" was released alongside the song on April 18, 2025, with Mitch Ryan returning as director following his previous work with Rae on "High Fashion".[27] Dara Allen also styled the visuals after collaborating with Rae on her previous three music videos. Filmed in Reykjavík, Iceland, the visual opens with Rae daydreaming during a break from her shift at the eponymous supermarket. As she listens to music on her headphones, she imagines herself wandering through the Icelandic countryside where she is seen riding a white horse and has neon pink hair.[28][29] L'Officiel's Danielle Jaculewicz complimented that Rae "knows how to build a new universe in her music videos"[30] and The Cut's Julia Reinstein said the video is evocative of the late 2000s.[31] Rae described filming it as "a really transformative experience."[12] The intro of the video features a portion of its album interlude, "Life's No Fun Through Clear Waters", which is titled after one of the song's lyrics.[32]

Live performances

[edit]

Rae performed the song for the first time at The Box sister venues in New York City and London during special live shows to celebrate the release of her debut album on June 5 and June 10, 2025, respectively.[33][34] In April 2025, Katie Gavin performed a cover of "Headphones On" at Radio City Music Hall.[35] Haim also recorded a cover of the song at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in June 2025.[36]

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Release history for "Headphones On"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various April 18, 2025
[52]
Italy April 25, 2025 Radio airplay Sony Italy [53]

References

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  1. ^ https://theface.com/music/addison-rae-headpones-on-review-joviale-bxks-heavy-lungs-playlist
  2. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (April 15, 2025). "Addison Rae To Release New Single "Headphones On," Debut Album Soon". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  3. ^ Mendéz, Chris Malone (April 15, 2025). "Addison Rae Wants You To Put Your 'Headphones On'". Forbes. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  4. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae releases new track, "Headphones On"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  5. ^ a b DeNicola, Tiana (June 1, 2025). "Addison Rae on the All-Woman Team Behind Her Self-Titled Debut and Being Pop's Next 'It' Girl: 'This Is My Shot. I've Got to Go Big'". Variety. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Bardají, Jordi (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae borda el pop de los 90 en 'Headphones On'". Jenesaispop (in Spanish). Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d Torres, Eric (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae: "Headphones On" Track Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  8. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae – "Headphones On"". Stereogum. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  9. ^ Camp, Alexa (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Drops "Headphones On," Latest Single from Upcoming Debut Album". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  10. ^ a b Calfee, Joel (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Wants to Drown Out the Noise With New Single "Headphones On"". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  11. ^ Kickham, Dylan (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae's "Headphones On" Lyrics, Explained". Nylon. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Avila, Daniela (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Takes Fans on an Icelandic Daydream in the New 'Headphones On' Music Video — Watch". People. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Olson, Samantha (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Turns the Rest of the World off With Her "Headphones On" Lyrics". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  14. ^ Mier, Tomás (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Wants You to Listen With Your 'Headphones On'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  15. ^ Kurp, Josh (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Enjoys Iceland In The Trippy And Seductive 'Headphones On' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  16. ^ Merchadier, Nathan (April 18, 2025). "How Addison Rae became pop music's brightest rising star". Numéro. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  17. ^ Murray, Robin (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae – Headphones On". Clash. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  18. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (April 18, 2025). "Friday Music Guide: New Music From Morgan Wallen & Post Malone, Addison Rae, Lana Del Rey & More". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  19. ^ Koscelnik, Julia (April 18, 2025). "V's New Music Roundup: Addison Rae, Dom Dolla, and more". V. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  20. ^ "Paste Magazine's Best New Songs of the Week (April 24, 2025)". Paste. April 24, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  21. ^ "The best songs of 2025 so far". Time Out. May 2, 2025. Archived from the original on June 21, 2025. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  22. ^ "The Best Songs of 2025 So Far". Rolling Stone. June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  23. ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2025 So Far". Consequence. June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  24. ^ "The 60 Best Songs of 2025 So Far". Paste. June 13, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  25. ^ "The 50 Best Songs of 2025 So Far (Staff Picks)". Billboard. June 25, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  26. ^ "Spotify's Editors Pick Their Best Songs of the Year (So Far)". Spotify. June 30, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  27. ^ Strauss, Matthew (April 18, 2025). "Watch Addison Rae's Video for New Song "Headphones On"". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  28. ^ Garcia, Thani (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Releases 'Headphones On,' the Fourth Single Off Her Upcoming Debut Album". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  29. ^ Renshaw, David (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae's "Headphones On" video is pure Scandi escapism". The Fader. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  30. ^ Danielle, Danielle (April 18, 2025). "Addison Rae Becomes a Pink-Haired Horse Girl in 'Headphones On' Video". L'Officiel. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  31. ^ Reinstein, Julia (April 18, 2025). "Escape to 2008 With Addison Rae". The Cut. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  32. ^ Havens, Lyndsey; Glicksman, Josh (June 6, 2025). "Addison Rae's 'Addison' Album: All 12 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  33. ^ Dodson, P. Claire (June 6, 2025). "Addison Rae Became a Full-Blown Pop Star at The Box in New York City". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  34. ^ Giandurco, Jillian (June 6, 2025). "Addison Rae Went Full Burlesque For Her First London Show". Nylon. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  35. ^ Tyler Damara, Kelly (April 28, 2025). "Katie Gavin covers "Headphones On" by Addison Rae". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  36. ^ Breihan, Tom (June 23, 2025). "Watch Haim Mash Addison Rae's Banger "Headphones On" Up With Janet Jackson & Joni Mitchell In BBC Live Lounge". Stereogum. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  37. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 28 April 2025". The ARIA Report. No. 1834. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 28, 2025. p. 4.
  38. ^ "Addison Rae Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  39. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: Jun 5, 2025" (in Russian and English). TopHit. June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  40. ^ "Addison Rae Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  41. ^ "Official IFPI Charts − Digital Singles Chart (International) − Εβδομάδα: 17/2025" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on April 30, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  42. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  43. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of June 18, 2025". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  44. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: May 8, 2025". TopHit. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  45. ^ "Official Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  46. ^ "Singel 2025 uke 17" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norge. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  47. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 17" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  48. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  49. ^ "Addison Rae Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  50. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Monthly Chart: May 2025" (in Russian and English). TopHit. June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  51. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: May 2025" (in Russian and English). TopHit. June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  52. ^ "Addison Rae - Headphones On (Pre-Add / Pre-Save)". Sony Music Fans. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  53. ^ Attanasi, Claudia (April 18, 2025). "Headphones On - Addison Rae". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved April 21, 2025.
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