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Tate McRae’s So Close To What is Pure Pop Perfection

Tate McRae’s anticipated third album has arrived, and fans of the Canadian singer are storming social media to listen.

Despite the album leaking days before its official release, that didn’t stop McRae from maintaining excitement and momentum. As she mentioned during her Spotify album listening party interview, the leak motivated her to return to the studio and write more songs for the album, leading to new additions like Like I Do and Blood On My Hands.

Tate McRae has always had a gift for transforming raw emotion into pop gold, and So Close to What is a shining example of this. This album is a kaleidoscope of heartbreak, desire, new love and self-reflection that doesn’t just ask to be heard; it demands to be felt.

From the very first track, Miss Possessive, McRae makes it clear that she’s done playing it safe. The song’s pulsating beat and sharp lyrics set the stage for an album that dives deep into the complexity of relationships, ones that pull you in even when you know they’ll break you. The track even features a voiceover interlude that fans of Euphoria will recognise Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie in her iconic line, “No, seriously, get your hands off my man.” This clever touch perfectly complements the song’s possessive, fiery theme.

The second track, Revolving Door,  delivers an emotional punch with lyrics about struggling to let go despite knowing you should. Then comes Blood On My Hands, featuring Flo Milli, which is truly a standout moment on the album. Flo Milli comes in hot, getting things off her chest with lines like, “Falling for you is a disease”. The track feels like a late-night vent session between best friends, with Flo Milli bringing in an empowering energy as she raps, “I’m pretty and worth it.”

The album takes a vulnerable turn with Dear God. This track is McRae at her most raw, pouring out emotions in a desperate plea to move on. “Dear God, take his kiss right out of my brain,” she sings – a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who’s tried to erase the memory of someone they once loved.

Then comes Purple Lace Bra,  which starts with a mesmerising orchestral sound before transitioning into a hypnotic beat. The lyrics “Did my purple lace bra get your attention?” signify a flirty, sexy energy. The transition from Purple Lace Bra into Sports Car is masterfully genius, blending seamlessly into a seductive, fast-paced anthem. Sports Car even interpolates the iconic Pussycat Dolls pop-hit Buttons, adding to its sultry, high-energy appeal. McRae’s vocals on this track are particularly enticing, carrying a sense of reckless allure.

One of the album’s most anticipated tracks, I Know Love, sees McRae teaming up with The Kid Laroi. Their collaboration feels effortless, blending McRae’s emotive vocals with The Kid Laroi’s signature melodic rap style. The song explores falling in love as friends and turning into lovers.

For those craving a classic McRae heartbreak anthem, Like I Do delivers. Its lyrics cut deep, detailing the pain of being replaced and the lingering emotions that come with it. It’s OK, I’m OK, and No, I’m Not in Love feels like companion pieces, as both explore the feelings of dealing with heartache and pretending to move on while still holding onto the past.

As the album nears its end, McRae brings her rawest emotions to the forefront. Means I Care strips things down to delicate piano chords, allowing her voice to take centre stage as she grapples with the idea that indifference is sometimes the hardest thing to fake.

Green Light serves as an anthem of rebirth. The production builds from a soft whisper to a full-fledged explosion of sound, symbolising the moment of finally letting go and moving forward. It’s the perfect lead-up to the album’s grand finale, Nostalgia, a song encapsulating the entire journey of  So Close to What? It’s bittersweet, reflective, and filled with the aching realisation that sometimes, we hold onto memories more than people. This album’s ability to inspire and uplift is a testament to its power.

So Close To What sees Tate McRae embracing both vulnerability and power across its 15 tracks. With only two features, Flo Milli and The Kid LAROI, the album remains focused on her artistry rather than being overshadowed by collaborations. The album is an emotional rollercoaster, a collection of personal stories filled with breakups, heartbreak, new love, and exes – it’s a multiverse of emotions wrapped into a pop masterpiece.

So Close to What cements McRae as a dominant force in the pop world, one whose star power is only growing. McRae isn’t just another pop act, oh no. It’s clear that with this release, she’s here to stay. Tate McRae has crafted a collection of songs that resonate deeply, whether you’re healing from heartbreak, finding yourself, or simply looking for a new anthem to belt in the car.

This album is a defining moment in her career, and fans will undoubtedly have it on repeat for months to come.

Listen to So Close To What 👇🏼

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