Tate McRae Gets ‘So Close’ to Alt-Pop

Pop singer Tate McRae released her third album, “So Close to What,” Feb 21. The release showcases the many qualities to relish about McRae — from her sensual lyricism to her vocal variability.  

McRae’s career originally blossomed from self-posted YouTube videos of her singing original songs on the piano. Once discovered by RCA records, McRae shot to pop stardom, releasing two albums in the lead up to “So Close to What.” 

The newest record explores themes of possession, hypersexualization of women artists and breaking toxic habits. “So Close to What” employs dynamic drum beats and soft guitar chords to create a blend of emotions that shifts from one track to the next. 

“Miss Possessive” kicks off the album with a high-tempo rhythm and synthesizer to enhance McRae’s vocals. The track opens with a sample of Sydney Sweeney warning listeners to keep their hands off of her man.

In “2 Hands,” McRae stresses the importance of relationships built on actions instead of materialistic desires. The sultry song conveys McRae’s longing to have her partner’s hands on her to keep her feeling alive. 

“Revolving door” uses the titular metaphor to explore roundabout feelings regarding a man whose bad habits simultaneously drive her away and pull her back to their relationship. 

The track contributes a unique sound to the album, with a pulsating tempo intensified by background keyboards played by McRae and Ryan Tedder. 

“bloodonmyhands” features a rap verse by Flo Milli that complements McRae’s gentle vocals throughout the chorus. The track’s fiery lyrics target a past lover for seeming to be committed to the relationship before leaving out of the blue.

In “Dear God,” McRae speaks desperately to God as she openly expresses her sins. The pop singer begs for salvation from lingering memories with a past partner. 

“Purple Lace Bra” is a cinematic composition featuring insightful lyricism. McRae expresses her frustration at how the meaning of her work is lost when listeners only perceive her sexually. 

“I’m losin’ my mind, I’m losin’ my head / You only listen when I’m undressed / Hear what you like and none of the rest,” McRae sings. 

“Sports Car” is a sensual track filled with lustful lyricism. McRae laments her desire for a sexually gratifying relationship, devoid of romantic attachment.

The track fuses a distinguished kick-drum with breathy vocals from McRae that shifts into a whisper during the chorus. 

McRae expresses further frustration in “Signs,” chastising a partner who doesn’t take the time to truly get to know her. She describes her wish for others to listen instead of assuming they know what she wants. 

“I know love” features McRae’s boyfriend, The Kid Laroi. The two thoughtfully trace the growth of their relationship over a steady percussion arrangement. 

McRae returns to the theme of possession in “Like I do,” where an ominous and foreboding beat adds to her apprehensive tone. She describes losing trust due to an unclear boundary between love and obsession.   

“I can’t tell if you wanna kill me or if you wanna kiss me / And sometimes I’m flattered / But also, fuck you,” McRae sings. 

In “It’s ok I’m ok,” McRae makes use of repetition to try and convince listeners she isn’t troubled by jealousy in her relationship. A reverberating bass and crisp guitar chords form a captivating melody that sets up the ensuing track’s passionate tone. 

“No I’m not in love” shifts the compelling persuasion from McRae’s audience to her partner. She woefully attempts to convince her former lover she doesn’t still hold romantic feelings. 

“Means I care” describes McRae’s habit of cutting people off when she begins to catch romantic feelings. The self-reflective track underlines the introspection within “So Close to What,” and McRae’s conflicted feelings about change. 

In “Greenlight,” McRae provides imagery of sitting at a traffic light but being unable to drive forward. The subdued guitar chords and stagnant lyrics describe McRae’s reluctance to move ahead after a breakup. 

The final track “Nostalgia’s” acoustic guitar provides a serene end to the album as McRae explores the passage of time. She sings about her past regrets, mistakes and her realization time is only spent properly by living in the present. 

At only 21 years old, McRae’s newest release is a testament to her raw musical talent and ability to draw listeners in. Her exploration of complex issues mix with an alternative pop sound to command listener attention.

“So Close to What” is available on all major streaming platforms.