On Friday the 21st, Tate McRae released her highly anticipated third studio album, “So Close to What”. I’ve been becoming a huge fan of the rising pop star, so I was anxiously awaiting this drop and was ready to hit play as soon as it went live on streaming services.
McRae first gained popularity from her success on the American TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”, where she was the first Canadian finalist. She also had several songs go viral on YouTube and TikTok, which led to her releasing several E.P.s. She released her first full-length album, “I Used to Think I Could Fly”, in 2022, followed by “Think Later” in 2023.
Prior to the release of the full album, McRae released three singles- “It’s ok I’m ok,” “2 hands,” and “Sports car.” All of these tunes achieved instant success-debuting in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100- generating even more hype for the full tracklist. Each one aligns with the singer’s well-known dance-pop genre, with catchy beats that allowed online creators to choreograph their own dances to them.
It’s not always a great thing when an artist is hesitant to stray from a certain genre. Their music can gain a reputation as repetitive and lacking originality. However, I think that McRae has mastered her pop-girl persona, so I was more than pleased to see that “So Close to What” was categorized as pop with contemporary R&B influences. I think that this genre of music suits her unique vocals very well, and I’m curious to see if she branches out more in future work.
The second I heard actress Sydney Sweeney’s voice in the opening line of the first track, “Miss Possessive”, I knew I was in for an incredible album. McRae’s upcoming tour is named after this song, and for good reason- this was a phenomenal opener. This song sets the tone for the whole album, highlighting themes of love, jealousy, heartbreak and empowerment.
I was also pleased to see a couple of collaborations on the album. The track “bloodonmyhands” features Flo Milli, a rapper known for hits such as “Never Lose Me” and “Conceited”. I’m not super familiar with much of her work and was surprised at this pairing, but I think the two singers worked phenomenally together. This song is energetic and has a cool rhythm. McRae’s other collaboration on this album is “I know love” featuring The Kid LAROI. These two artists are currently in a relationship, and their chemistry is evident in this track. Their styles blend seamlessly, and I would love to hear more collaborations from these two in the future.
I would have to say that my favorite track on the album is “Signs”. I’m a sucker for a fun, catchy pop hit, and this one delivers. The key change at the end is also phenomenal and truly adds to the song. My first listen was while I was running, and this song made me want to keep going with its upbeat vibe and catchy lyrics.
Despite most of the songs having your stereotypical “radio pop” vibe, there are a few that offer a different approach. “Means I care” has a more steady beat and lyrics that pack a punch if you analyze them closely enough. It deals with letting someone go, even if you care about them deeply. The closing track, “Nostalgia”, is probably the slowest and most sullen on the album. It touches upon growing up and reflecting on not only your past but your loved ones’ as well. Ending the album with this song was an excellent choice on McRae’s part.
“So Close to What” has already achieved outstanding success. The album remains at number one on the global Apple Music chart for the sixth day in a row as of February 27th, and a majority of tracks are ranking in the top 100 of Apple Music and Spotify charts. McRae added a bonus track, “Siren Sounds”, which is now available on streaming services, and bonus songs “Better Than I Was” and “Call My Bluff” are featured on certain CD and vinyl variants.
It’s possible that the newness hasn’t quite worn off, but I’m leaning towards crowning “So Close to What” as my favorite Tate Mcrae album of the three. I can confidently say that there are no skips for me, and I’ve been streaming nonstop. I will be attending McRae’s “Miss Possessive” tour this August, and cannot wait to hear these songs performed live. Tate McRae’s “So Close to What” is going to be a strong contender for my favorite release this year, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.
