Tate McRae’s ‘So Close to What’ is her best yet

Tate McRae’s new album “So Close to What” features a mix of emotional lyrics and a seamless pop production. The record showcases her growth both as a vocalist and song writer, making a blend of introspective storytelling with hooks that highlight her signature style. 

The first track, “Miss Possessive,” sets the tone for the entire album. It opens with Sydney Sweeney’s voice introducing the idea of being threatened by another person who is trying to steal her partner. It is intense, emotional, and at times a little bit toxic. There is an undeniable energy that goes through the track, fueled by the helplessness and tension in Tate McRae’s voice.  The aggressive beat adds a sense of urgency, increasing the feelings of possessiveness and jealousy the lyrics explore.  

“No seriously, get your hands off my man,” the song begins, and then unfolds taking a dive deep into the complexities of feeling territorial in a relationship.  It captures the sense of wanting someone so badly it becomes absorbing. It is not just about love, it is the fear of losing someone, and the internal conflict that often comes with those emotions. The song does not shy away from portraying those feelings with real and unfiltered emotion, stated plainly and directly with lines like, “Yeah, I’ll be nice, up until I’m not.” “Miss Possessive” is a perfect introduction to Tate McRae’s ability to capture both the passion and toxicity that can exist in relationships.  

Tate McRae has spoken about the pressure the media brings her while navigating through social media and how it affects her mental health. “Purple Lace Bra” is a definite expression of this relationship. She asks, “Would you hear me more if I whispered in your ear?” She reflects on how women, especially in the media, are often pressured to adopt more flirtatious or unconventional roles. “Did my purple lace bra catch your attention?” she asks with acid sarcasm.  This situation can be a dehumanising experience, she seems to imply when she sings, “I’m losing my mind, I’m losing my head/You only listen when I’m undressed/ Hear what you like and none of the rest” The song touches on how the media often objectifies women, judging them by their physical attributes rather than recognizing their talents or voices.  Tate McRae challenges this notion by pointing out how her worth and visibility seems to be linked to a stereotypical image. It is a powerful reflection on the double standards and expectations women face, and it sheds light on the frustration of being unheard unless you conform to certain social expectations. 
 
Tate McRae had gotten inspiration for her last song on the album “Nostalgia” from a conversation with her father during her Think Later world tour. They had talked about how people always live in fear. “Nostalgia”, stands out as a deeply emotional exploration of memories that linger long after time has passed. It is the perfect closer song to an album that captures both the highs and lows of navigating love, loss, and self-discovery.  With its delicate blend of vulnerability and longing, Tate McRae’s haunting vocals asking “Oh, where does the time go? / You never really know” creates an emotional depth that invites listeners to self-reflect on their past.   

During a recent album listening party, she spoke to the attendees about this track. “I remember thinking “Wow, we really can go through our lives and miss out on the moments we’re in or make decisions we think is the right thing to do and never really follow our true passions or be present in the moment.”  The track captures the listener, echoing the feeling of something cherished but out of reach, a touching reminder sometimes the past is all we have left.  “Nostalgia” strikes hard being the only sad song, a heavy contrast to the upbeat tracks, creating a moment of quiet vulnerability on the album. 

Tate McRae’s ability to balance the light and dark emotions on her album keep listeners engaged with her evolving journey of life experiences. She has mentioned how in her career, it often felt like a never-ending journey, wondering when she would finally feel content or reach her goal. But McRae can be proud of her achievement here. The album is raw, personal, and unapologetic confrontation of the complexities of love, jealousy and everything in between.