Arizona Teen's Debut Album Titled 'Honestly, It's Just Embarrassing'

Young artist Frankie Rae wrote all songs and music at age 14

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:18pm

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Born in Tempe, Arizona, 16-year-old Frankie Rae recently released her debut album titled 'Honestly, it's just embarrassing.' The young artist wrote all the songs and music on the album when she was just 14 years old, and she says she was a bit nervous about her peers listening to it now.

Why it matters

Frankie Rae's debut album at such a young age is an unexpected feat, showcasing her musical talent and maturity beyond her years. Her honest and relatable approach to the album title and songwriting process resonates with her target audience of young women.

The details

Frankie Rae says music has been the single strongest inspiration in her life. She explains that she tends to write songs when she's going through an emotion or experience that she needs to get off her chest, viewing the songwriting process as a 'puzzle' that allows her to escape and not overthink what she's feeling. While she's already moved past some of the songs on 'Honestly, it's just embarrassing,' Frankie Rae has continued writing and performing new music on her Instagram.

  • Frankie Rae wrote the songs on the album when she was 14 years old.
  • Frankie Rae's debut album 'Honestly, it's just embarrassing' was just released.

The players

Frankie Rae

A 16-year-old Arizona native who now lives in Mountain View, California. She wrote and recorded her debut album 'Honestly, it's just embarrassing' when she was 14 years old.

Paul Peterson

A longtime Arizona radio personality who worked in the music industry for 35 years, including as a radio air talent, program director, and music director. He offered insights on Frankie Rae's debut album.

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What they’re saying

“So, like a lot of the songs that I wrote on the album, I wrote when I was like 14, so releasing an album and having my peers listen to it now, I was a little nervous— and this was kind of a goofy way to be like, yeah—this is what I've been doing.”

— Frankie Rae, Artist

“I just used my ear. That's how I would find and pick out the new gems or what I knew the audience already craved. If it was an artist they really liked, of course I would pay attention, although many times if I wasn't in love with the same music that the record companies were pushing, I just wouldn't play it, and that did not go over well especially in LA.”

— Paul Peterson, Longtime Arizona radio personality

“Age isn't discriminatory when it comes to recognizing talent and amazing music. I'm always looking for something that sounds like—well, do I want to hear this again?”

— Paul Peterson, Longtime Arizona radio personality

What’s next

Frankie Rae plans to continue writing and performing new music, and is unsure if she will pursue a music degree in college, as she wants to ensure music remains an outlet rather than just a job.

The takeaway

Frankie Rae's debut album at just 16 years old showcases her musical talent and maturity, resonating with young women through her honest, relatable songwriting process. Her unique sound and acoustic guitar skills have the potential to appeal to a wide audience, proving that age is no barrier to creating meaningful, impactful music.