Aquamarine (song)#Arca remix
{{Short description|2024 single by Addison Rae}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{About|the song by Addison Rae|other songs|Aquamarine (disambiguation)#Arts and entertainment}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Aquamarine
| cover = Addison Rae - Aquamarine.png
| border = yes
| caption =
| type = single
| artist = Addison Rae
| album = Addison
| B-side = "Arcamarine"{{Cite web |title=Addison Rae Official Store |url=https://shop.addisonrae.com/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Addison Rae Official Store |url-status=live|archive-date=November 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113194236/https://shop.addisonrae.com/|language=en}}
| written =
| released = {{start date|2024|10|25}}
| genre = {{hlist|Deep house|dance-pop}}
| length = 2:42
| label = {{hlist|Columbia|ARXOXO}}
| lyricist = {{hlist|Addison Rae Easterling|Elvira Anderfjärd|Luka Kloser}}
| producer = {{hlist|Luka Kloser|Elvira Anderfjärd}}
| chronology = Addison Rae
| prev_title = Diet Pepsi
| prev_year = 2024
| next_title = High Fashion
| next_year = 2025
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Qt6YiVZLhG0|"Aquamarine"}}}}
}}
"Aquamarine" is a song by American singer Addison Rae. It was released on October 25, 2024, through Columbia Records, as the second single from Rae's upcoming debut studio album Addison. Just like its predecessor, the song received widespread critical acclaim from critics and wider audiences. The deep house and dance-pop song with strong Eurodance influences' lyrics speak about self-discovery. The song was co-written by Addison Rae, Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser.
Background
Rae shared first hints of new music in June 2024 through her social media. While guest appearing at Charli XCX's Brat Live tour (2024) at her Los Angeles show, she posted a video of herself in a bikini and stilettos walking underwater in a pool as a snippet of "Aquamarine" played over it, which quickly gained traction online and was also teased in the intro to her "Diet Pepsi" music video.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=We Can Already Tell Addison Rae's New Song Is Going To Be A Banger |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/addison-rae-new-music |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Nylon}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-16 |title=Charli XCX Brings Out Addison Rae For 'Von Dutch' Remix In LA |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2268258/watch-charli-xcx-bring-out-addison-rae-for-von-dutch-remix-in-la/news/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Stereogum}} 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."{{Cite magazine |last=Calfee |first=Joel |date=2024-10-25 |title=How Addison Rae Crafted a High Fashion Fever Dream for the "Aquamarine" Music Video |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a62710779/addison-rae-aquamarine-music-video-interview/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |language=en-US}} The song is about self-discovery,{{Cite web |last=Kickham |first=Dylan |date=2024-10-25 |title=Addison Rae's "Aquamarine" Lyrics, Explained |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/addison-rae-aquamarine-lyrics-meaning |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Nylon |language=en-US}} with Rae stating: "The word is so beautiful and the color is so gorgeous that I was like, 'How can I make a song that contextualizes that feeling?'"
Reception
The song received critical acclaim from both critics and listeners, who praised the song, calling it "her boldest release yet".{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Notion |date=2024-10-25 |title=NOTION NOW #218: Tyler, The Creator, Addison Rae & Lady Gaga |url=https://notion.online/notion-now-218-tyler-the-creator-addison-rae-lady-gaga/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Notion |language=en-GB}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Addison Rae Unleashes Her Siren Call With "Aquamarine" |url=https://graziamagazine.com/articles/addison-rae-aquamarine/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Grazia |language=en-US}} Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone stated Rae "is on a pop hot streak" with the single's release, calling it "dreamy" and "entrancing",{{Cite web |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=2024-10-25 |title=The World Is Addison Rae's Oyster on 'Aquamarine' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/addison-rae-aquamarine-single-1235142687/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |work=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} while Billboard{{'}}s 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."{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=2024-10-25 |title=Friday Music Guide: New Music From Lady Gaga, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and More |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/friday-music-guide-lady-gaga-halsey-megan-thee-stallion-1235811234/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} 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 (1998) and "rightfully" solidifies "her status as a rising figure in today's pop landscape."{{Cite web |last=Saulog |first=Gabriel |date=2024-10-22 |title=Addison Rae Drops Dreamy New Single "Aquamarine" – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/addison-rae-announces-new-single-aquamarine-diet-pepsi-2024/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Billboard Philippines |language=en-US}} 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" (1999) and Spears' "Breathe on Me" (2003).{{Cite web |last=Kearney |first=Michael |date=2024-10-28 |title=How "Aquamarine" realigns Addison Rae's path to pop stardom |url=https://earmilk.com/2024/10/28/how-aquamarine-realigns-addison-raes-path-to-pop-stardom/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Earmilk |language=en-US}}
Spanos described "Aquamarine" as "dazzling and hypnotic" while commenting on Rae's reinvention as an artist: "She aligned herself with the music and fashion world's most beloved avant-gardists — Charli, Arca, Rosalía, Petra Collins, Interview Magazine{{'}}s Mel Ottenberg and Dara Allen — who helped bring her vision to life everywhere from music videos to remixes to surprise performances at Madison Square Garden."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/addison-rae-tiktok-debut-album-1235231878/ |title=Addison Rae Goes Deep on TikTok Stardom, Her Debut Album, and More |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=2025-01-21 |access-date=2025-01-21 |last=Spanos |first=Brittany}} English singer-songwriter Charli XCX praised the song online, calling Rae a "musical genius".{{Cite web |last=Kylene |first=Jazmin |date=2024-10-25 |title=Addison Rae Being Hailed a 'Musical Genius' for New Single 'Aquamarine' |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/105967/20241025/addison-rae-being-hailed-musical-genius-new-single-aquamarine.htm |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Music Times |language=en-US}} It polled at number 132 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2024.{{Cite web |title=Triple J's Hottest 100 2024 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/countdown/hottest100/101-200|access-date=January 27, 2025|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127143942/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/countdown/hottest100/101-200}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Critics' year-end rankings of "Aquamarine" ! scope="col"| Publication ! scope="col"| List ! scope="col"| Rank ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" |The Independent
| The 20 best songs of 2024 | style="text-align: center;" |16 | style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/best-songs-2024-charli-xcx-chappell-roan-b2647140.html|title=The 20 best songs of 2024, ranked|date=November 18, 2024|work=The Independent|access-date=November 29, 2024}} |
|---|
| scope="row" |Slant
| The 50 Best Songs Of 2024 | style="text-align: center;" |50 | style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2024|title=The 50 Best Songs of 2024 |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/the-50-best-songs-of-2024/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=Slant |language=en-US}} |
Music video
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.{{Cite web |last=Reichard |first=Ryan |date=2024-10-23 |title=Addison Rae Crowned the New 'Queen of Pop' as Anticipation Soars for 'Aquamarine' Single Drop |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/105911/20241023/addison-rae-crowned-new-queen-pop-anticipation-soars-aquamarine-single-drop.htm |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Music Times}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-25 |title=Addison Rae Releases Highly Antcipated Single 'Aquamarine' With Dazzling Music Video |url=https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/addison-rae-releases-highly-anticipated-single-aquamarine-with-dazzling-new-video |access-date=2024-10-25 |publisher=Sony Music Canada}} 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.
The video, filmed in Paris, opens with Rae dancing in a room and in a bathtub. The video progresses with her dancing with a chair on the street, interspersed with clips of Rae, wearing a sparkly dress, atop a bridge. Towards the end, she is wearing a skin-colored outfit and dances in the street at night. According to Rae, the fact she becomes increasingly bare as the video progresses "represents the journey to complete abandon of worry and fear of judgement."
Arca remix
{{Infobox song
| name = Aquamarine / Arcamarine
| cover = Arca Addison Rae Aquamarine remix cover.jpg
| border = yes
| caption =
| type = remix
| artist = Addison Rae and Arca
| B-side =
| written =
| released = {{start date|2024|11|15}}
| genre = * Reggaeton{{Cite web |title=Arca and Addison Rae Confirm Release Date for the Highly Anticipated "Aquamarine" Remix|url=https://www.them.us/story/arca-addison-rae-dropping-aquamarine-remix-release-date-arcamarine/|access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Them |date=November 13, 2024 }}
| length = 3:14
| label = {{hlist|Columbia|ARXOXO}}
| lyricist = {{hlist|Addison Rae Easterling|Elvira Anderfjärd|Luka Kloser}}
| producer = Arca
| chronology =
| prev_title =
| prev_year = 2024
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc ={{External music video|{{YouTube|9fsPeSWO6BE|"Arcamarine"}}}}
}}
The idea of collaborating with Venezuelan producer Arca came after a 2023 Vogue interview with Rae, where she stated that she would love to work with Arca and is a huge fan of her music.{{Cite web |last=Hess |first=Liam |date=August 21, 2024 |title='I Think I'm Just a Curious Person': Addison Rae on Her Quest for Pop Perfection |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/addison-rae-ar-ep-interview |access-date=November 13, 2024 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Addison Rae Announces "Aquamarine" Remix Featuring Arca |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/addison-rae-aquamarine-remix-arca |access-date=November 13, 2024 |website=Nylon |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Walden |date=November 15, 2024 |title=Arca Remixes Addison Rae's "Aquamarine": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/arca-remixes-addison-raes-aquamarine-listen/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=Pitchfork |language=en}}
Rae also shared an accompanying video for the track shot in a tropical setting and directed by her friend Lexee Smith. She stated: "Thank you again, Arca, for being an essential part of an electrically special moment in time. [...] I feel sexy and free when I listen to this. You create magic," continuining, "This song/video is profoundly special to me in more ways than one. There is something deeply moving and soul baring about seeing yourself through the lens of your best friend."{{Cite web |last=Wickes |first=Hannah |date=November 15, 2024 |title=Obsessed: The World Is Her Oyster! Addison Rae Shows Off Her Bikini Body for 'Arcamarine' Music Video |url=https://www.j-14.com/posts/addison-rae-shows-off-bikini-bod-for-arcamarine-music-video/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=J-14 |language=en}}
Live performances
During Arca's Coachella 2025 set on April 14, Rae appeared as a guest and performed "Arcamarine", and teased the release date for her then-untitled debut studio album.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Julyssa |date=April 14, 2025 |title=Addison Rae Announces Her Album's Release Date (on Her Booty) During Arca's Coachella Set |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/addison-rae-album-release-date-announcement-arca-1235316751/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en}}
Track listing
{{Col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- Digital download{{Cite web|date=October 25, 2024|title=Aquamarine - Single by Addison Rae on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/aquamarine-single/1773307677|website=Apple Music|publisher=Apple Inc.|location=US}}
- "Aquamarine" – 2:42
- Digital download{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2024|title=Aquamarine / Arcamarine - Single by Addison Rae & Arca on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/aquamarine-arcamarine-single/1778498972|website=Apple Music|publisher=Apple Inc.|location=US}}
- "Aquamarine / Arcamarine" (with Arca) – 3:14
{{col-2}}
;Side A
- "Aquamarine" – 2:42
;Side B
- "Arcamarine" – 3:14
{{Col-end}}
Charts
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release history for "Aquamarine" ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Version ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | {{Reference heading}} |
| rowspan="3" |Various
| October 25, 2024 | rowspan="2" | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Original | rowspan="3" | {{hlist|Columbia|ARXOXO}} | style="text-align:center" | {{Cite web |title=Addison Rae - Aquamarine - Pre-Add/Pre-Save |url=https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/ARAquamarine/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Sony Music Fans}} |
|---|
| November 15, 2024
| "Arcamarine" | style="text-align:center" | {{Cite web |title=Addison Rae Announces "Aquamarine" Remix Featuring Arca|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/addison-rae-aquamarine-remix-arca |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Nylon|date=November 13, 2024 }} |
| February 28, 2025
| 7" vinyl | {{hlist|Original|"Arcamarine"}} |