Album Overview

The cover of Tate McRae’s upcoming third album, titled So Close To What, presents a captivating image of the young artist. In this artwork, McRae is depicted sitting on a floor, her back turned as she contemplates a large portrait of herself, which captures an intense and introspective moment. This theme of self-examination resonates deeply with the 21-year-old singer, who recently expressed to Rolling Stone her ongoing reflections on her identity, success, and personal fulfillment.

Rising Success in Pop Music

Tate McRae first gained widespread recognition in 2020 with her breakout single, “you broke me first.” This track, characterized by its emotive storytelling and vivid imagery, offered a powerful message to a former partner while showcasing McRae’s distinctive vocal style. Over the years, she has continued to evolve musically, exploring new sounds and themes. Her second album, THINK LATER, features hit tracks like “greedy,” which integrates celebratory elements of pop, and “we’re not alike,” where she deftly balances vulnerability with a confident edge.

Exploring New Themes in ‘So Close To What’

Following the success of THINK LATER, McRae has been diligently working on So Close To What, which promises to further her artistic journey. This new album navigates through the complexities of modern pop music while maintaining a cohesive sound. For instance, the track “Sports car” employs engaging synth elements and rhythm, while “Revolving door” features a driving beat that complements McRae’s ardent lyrics.

McRae continues to sharpen her lyrical prowess. For example, “bloodonmyhands,” featuring Flo Milli, intertwines a brisk UK garage beat with introspective lines like “Yeah I move as fast as I can / And I know it fucks you up so hard.” In another standout track, “Purple lace bra,” she modernizes the themes explored by Madonna in “Bad Girl,” delivering lines that combine depth and pain with resonance.

Incorporating New Elements

One of the notable developments in So Close To What is its exploration of happiness. McRae’s relationship with Australian artist The Kid LAROI is highlighted in the track “I know love,” which tenderly recounts their experiences. The song “2 hands” boldly challenges the notion that material possessions can replace emotional connections. Reflecting on this, McRae stated, “it’s kind of like my first ever love song I guess I’ve ever written, which is crazy.”

Her lyrical depth often reflects a blend of introspection and complexity. A prime example is the track “Means I care,” where she sings, “If I cut you off / It just means I care.” McRae’s ability to transform her introspections into contagious pop anthems makes So Close To What a compelling addition to her growing discography.