5 Hidden Meanings Behind Addison Rae's Emotional Anthem "Times Like These" And Her 2025 Tour
Addison Rae's transition from a colossal TikTok presence to a legitimate pop star has been one of the most fascinating celebrity narratives of the decade, culminating in the release of her self-titled debut album, Addison, in 2025. The sixth single from the project, "Times Like These," has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, offering a rare, unvarnished look into the emotional life of a global influencer. This track, more than any other on the album, serves as a reflective and tender number, addressing the daily struggles and self-doubt that come with her unique level of fame.
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Addison Rae Easterling: Full Biography and Career Profile
Addison Rae Easterling is an American singer, songwriter, actress, social media personality, and dancer who first rose to prominence on the video-sharing platform TikTok.
- Full Name: Addison Rae Easterling
- Born: October 6, 2000
- Age: 25 (as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S.
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Social Media Personality (Influencer), Dancer.
- Career Milestones:
- 2019: Rose to prominence on TikTok, amassing over 88 million followers.
- 2020: Signed with WME and released her first single, "Obsessed."
- 2021: Starred in the Netflix film *He's All That*.
- 2025: Released her highly anticipated self-titled debut album, *Addison*, through Columbia Records and As Long As I'm Dancing.
- 2025: Launched *The Addison Tour*, featuring "Times Like These" prominently in the setlist.
The Emotional Core: Decoding "Times Like These"
"Times Like These" is the tenth track on Addison Rae's debut album, *Addison*, and serves as the sixth single. Unlike the more upbeat, confident tracks like "Diet Pepsi" or "Aquamarine," this song strips back the bravado to reveal a deep sense of emotional turbulence and self-doubt. The track is a powerful piece of songwriting that tackles the unique pressures of navigating early adulthood and immense fame simultaneously.
The song is a poignant exploration of uncertainty. It delves into the moments when the spotlight feels too bright, and the constant scrutiny of the public eye becomes overwhelming. This theme of vulnerability is what makes the song so relatable, even to those who aren't global celebrities. It's a universal feeling of questioning one's path during moments of crisis.
The lyrics themselves are full of raw, reflective questions. One notable line, "If I dye my hair bleach blonde, Maybe then I'll turn you on," hints at the external pressure to constantly change and conform to public expectations, a struggle many young artists face. It suggests a yearning for validation that goes beyond her massive social media following.
5 Key Interpretations of the Song's Message
Critics and fans have dissected the track, finding multiple layers of meaning in its tender production (helmed by producers like Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser) and introspective lyrics. Here are five of the most compelling interpretations:
- The Anti-Fame Anthem: The song serves as an antidote to the glossy, curated image of influencer culture. It’s a moment of honesty where Addison admits the struggle is real, even with all the success and "High Fashion" surrounding her.
- A Nod to 90s Pop Nostalgia: Musically, the comparison to 1990s artists like Frou Frou suggests a deliberate move toward a more sophisticated, atmospheric pop sound. This choice positions her as an artist serious about musical depth, not just commercial hits.
- The Struggle for Identity: The lyrics often focus on external appearance and validation ("I know you like when I wear this dress, I feel best when I'm wearin' less"). This highlights her internal conflict between the person she is and the persona she is expected to be.
- A Letter to Doubters: The entire album, *Addison*, is a statement, but "Times Like These" is a direct, emotional response to critics who doubted her transition from TikTok dancer to serious singer. It’s her way of saying, "I'm working through this, and I'm here to stay."
- Therapy Through Music: The song’s reflective nature suggests it was a form of catharsis for Addison Rae Easterling. By laying bare her emotional state, she transforms her personal "Lost & Found" moments into a piece of art that connects with a global audience.
"Times Like These" on The Addison Tour 2025
The song has become a standout moment during her debut concert series, *The Addison Tour 2025*. Live performances of "Times Like These" are often stripped down, allowing Addison's vocal delivery and the song's emotional weight to take center stage.
The track was featured prominently in the setlist for her major tour stops, including a memorable performance in Houston, Texas, and a highly praised live rendition in Dublin, Ireland, at the 3Arena in August 2025. These performances showcase her commitment to improving her live vocal skills, a factor critics are increasingly noting.
Furthermore, her performance of the song at the GRAMMY Museum’s "A New York Evening With..." event in October 2025 solidified its critical importance. This platform, often reserved for established artists, indicated that the music industry views "Times Like These" not just as a single, but as a significant piece of her artistic portfolio.
The Critical Consensus and Topical Authority
The critical reception for "Times Like These" and the *Addison* album overall has been surprisingly positive, especially for an artist transitioning from social media fame. Critics have praised the record for its sleek production and Addison Rae's ability to craft a "confident claim to pop territory."
The song specifically is cited for resisting the impulse of overly commercial 2020s pop, opting instead for a sound that is both tender and emotionally resonant. This commitment to genuine, reflective songwriting, even on a debut album, has helped Addison Rae build significant topical authority in the pop music space.
Her work with experienced collaborators and her willingness to be vulnerable about her "Summer Forever" dreams and "In the Rain" struggles have cemented her as a pop sensation to watch. The success of "Times Like These" proves that her career trajectory is about more than just viral fame; it's about a genuine artistic journey.
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