Tate McRae, the Canadian pop sensation, released her highly anticipated album, So Close to What, on February 21, 2025, and it's already making waves across the music industry. With 16 tracks, including 13 new offerings and three previous singles, the album showcases her evolution as both an artist and a person.
McRae, who shot to fame after her early breakout hits and her second studio album, Think Later, which peaked within the top five of various charts, continues to capture the audience with her commanding stage presence and catchy lyrics. The new album, as discussed during her interview with Bazaar Australia, finds her not only embracing the upbeat and danceable tracks she is known for but also delving deep with more vulnerable lyrics.
Reflecting on the themes intertwined throughout So Close to What, McRae mentions how her experiences during her rigorous touring schedule influenced the writing process: "I was literally on tour all year last year, and honestly, I think the only thing saving me was writing. It was keeping me sane." This introspective approach has led to songs where McRae confronts difficult subjects like love, breakups, and even the public perception of her as both musician and dancer.
The lead single, "it’s ok i’m ok," is emblematic of her growth, with confident lyrics boasting about overcoming past relationships and moving forward — “I don’t want him anyway, girl, take him.” This confident exterior is laced with vulnerability, evident across tracks like "Nostalgia," where McRae reflects on the passage of time and family ties.
Critics have lauded So Close to What for its diversity and depth, with one review pointing out, "So Close To What is both a provocative and rigorous collection... hiding the introspective side lurking beneath." The album currently holds a Metascore of 77, showcasing the positive reception from various music outlets. Despite some opinions doubting its originality compared to past works, McRae is unrelenting in her push for authenticity.
McRae's music encapsulates her experiences as she transitions from dancer to prominent pop star — all within the public eye. Reflecting on this, she states, "It’s cool to just watch girls speak up, and watch girls be baller and speak their minds." This sentiment captures the supportive and empowering environment among her peers, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the pop music industry.
The album’s standout tracks, such as "Revolving door," which dives deep with its lyrics about toxic relationships, and "Sports car," which is gaining traction with its catchy hooks, both underline her unique sound. The presence of features, like Flo Milli on "bloodonmyhands," adds dynamism to her discography, inviting others to stand alongside her claim to pop stardom.
Despite putting forth incredibly hard-hitting tracks, McRae maintains her identity through relatable ballads too. She acknowledged this duality by claiming, "I think music is constantly just you EVOLVING as a PERSON... it’s just interesting as you get older." This perspective offers insight not just on her music but her personal growth as well.
Upcoming, McRae will kick off her "Miss Possessive" world tour starting March and extending through November, where fans will experience her dynamic performances firsthand, continuing the narrative of growth and discovery she has explored on this album. Discussions around So Close to What reveal multiple layers to her artistry: catchy tunes, thought-provoking lyrics, and the palpable energy she brings to the stage.
While some critics suggest the album might showcase too much of the same, McRae’s ability to challenge norms through personal storytelling solidifies her position as one of pop’s most exciting voices. From exploring themes of sexuality to the emotional turmoil inherent to young adulthood, McRae manages to weave elements of her life experiences seamlessly throughout her album, creating relatable content for her audience.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how So Close to What evolves over time, and they await how Tate McRae will continue to redefine her narratives amid the fast-changing pop culture landscapes.