When considering legendary pop stars, names like Britney Spears often come to mind. Her influence on the music industry is irrefutable — she was unlike anyone else. She epitomized a generation, merging catchy melodies, striking visuals, and authentic vulnerability that secured her status as a household name. Now, as a new generation emerges, Tate McRae seems to be drawing inspiration from those who paved the way for her. With her appealing pop style and undeniable charisma, McRae is making her mark in the pop scene, taking it by storm.
Her recent album, ‘So Close To What,’ is described as “an introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and nostalgia,” signifying an important development in her musical path. The tracks prominently feature early 2000s beats, incorporating electronic drums, synthesizers, danceable basslines, layered vocals, and head voice harmonies that give the album a unique blend of energy and innovation.
From the opening track, McRae sets the album's tone: reflective yet undeniably catchy. She displays her confidence in ‘Miss possessive,’ where she asserts her value and unapologetically shares her viewpoints, commanding attention with every line. This self-assurance continues in singles ‘2 hands,’ ‘Sports car,’ and ‘It’s ok I’m ok,’ as McRae navigates the intricacies of relationships, alternating between physical intimacy, the vulnerability of giving too much, and the freedom of independence.
Although McRae presents a strong front overall, ‘Revolving door’ encapsulates the sensation of being trapped in a toxic relationship cycle. The song’s somber melody pairs with its upbeat tempo, reflecting the emotional turbulence of a relationship that feels inescapable, with McRae’s vocals expressing both frustration and desire as she narrates the tumultuous dynamic. “I confess, I’m not that versatile / Say I’m good, but I might be in denial / Takes one call and that undoes the dial,” she admits in the first verse. “Baby, I tried to call you / Off like a bad habit… But I keep coming back like a revolving door / Say I couldn’t want you less, but I just want you more.”
In shifting her focus from cheesy ballads — showcased in 2022’s ‘i used to think i could fly’ and 2023’s ‘THINK LATER’ — to a refreshed Y2K vibe, some songs on ‘So Close To What’ don’t maintain the same impact. The middle section especially tends to blend together, featuring beats that feel somewhat redundant, which diminishes the emotional intensity and dynamic energy that characterizes other tracks. Still, this doesn’t mean the album lacks standout moments; when McRae truly shines, she offers songs that are both memorable and emotionally impactful (‘Means I care’).
Delivering an introspective and sincere examination of how love can be both soothing and complicated, ‘Means I care’ navigates the fragile yet painful emotions involved in distancing oneself from someone before they can hurt you, driven by the fear of intimacy, even when it’s what you desire most. The slower production pace, reminiscent of a heartbeat, enhances McRae’s intimate vocals, fostering a sense of closeness and vulnerability. Through her lyrics, McRae reveals that actions, while sometimes misconstrued, can be a means of self-protection when words fail, particularly when the fear of emotional pain lurks. “If I cut you off, it just means I care / Downright shut you out / Must mean that it’s going somewhere,” she sings in the chorus. “It’s not what I want, it’s just all I know.”
With its dance-ready beats inviting listeners to the dance floor, ‘So Close To What’ enriches Tate McRae’s discography. It not only highlights her skill in merging introspective vulnerability with catchy pop elements, but it also showcases McRae discovering her most confident sound, leaving fans eager to see where she will head next.
8/10
Words: Shannon Garner
When considering legendary pop stars, names such as Britney Spears immediately spring to mind. Her influence on the music industry is unmistakable — she was truly one of a kind.
