We’ve been in a period of peak pop, where women have largely ruled the genre. It’s been consistent for at least 25 years, as we’ve seen iconic names like Madonna and Mariah Carey give way to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who gave way to artists like Demi Lovato, and have now moved to the side for Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Tate McRae. McRae is proving she’s more than ready to take the spotlight. With her sharp pop instincts and undeniable star power, she’s not just carving out her space—she’s taking over.
McRae’s latest album, So Close To What, is a lush, intoxicating ride through love, desire, and self-discovery. It pulses with early-aughts nostalgia—slinky synths, deep basslines, and breathy harmonies, weaving together a sound that feels fresh and familiar. Each track is infused with raw emotion and a magnetic allure, inviting listeners into McRae’s world—where heartbreak smolders, confidence drips, and every beat is designed to make you move. It’s sleek, sultry, and brimming with the energy that turns an artist into an icon.
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From the opening notes, McRae sets the stage for an album that thrives on emotion and movement. Miss Possessive exudes fearless energy, a track that pulses with confidence as she takes control, her voice slipping effortlessly between sultry lows and shimmering highs. This commanding presence flows into tracks like 2 Hands, Sports Car, and It’s Ok I’m Ok, where McRae plays with the contrasts of intimacy, independence, desire, and detachment. Each song feels like a different facet of modern love—tantalizing, consuming, and always leaving you wanting more.
Even when she projects strength, McRae isn’t afraid to reveal her vulnerabilities. Revolving Door encapsulates the emotional whiplash of a love that never quite ends, its hypnotic beat masking the ache in her lyrics. She moves effortlessly between resignation and longing, her voice dripping with frustration and desire. “I confess, I’m not that versatile / Say I’m good, but I might be in denial,” she croons, caught in the gravity of a connection she just can’t break. The song pulsates with tension, capturing the thrill and torment of an attachment that refuses to let go.
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Instead of leaning into the heavy ballads of i used to think i could fly and THINK LATER, Tate McRae refines her approach with a sleek, Y2K-inspired sound. Some tracks in the middle of the album may blur together, momentarily losing the high-voltage charm of the standouts, but when she taps into the core of her emotions, the results are magnetic. Means I Care is a shining moment, layering tender introspection over a heartbeat-like rhythm. The song unfolds with aching honesty, revealing how shutting someone out can sometimes be an act of self-preservation rather than indifference. “If I cut you off, it just means I care,” she confesses, a simple yet devastating sentiment long after the final note.
One of just two collaborations on the album, bloodonmyhands sees McRae team up with Flo Milli for an effortlessly cool, revenge-fueled anthem. The track pulses with an early ‘90s freestyle vibe reminiscent of My Boo by Ghost Town DJs, its shimmering synths and deep bass hits creating a hypnotic groove. McRae is at her most savage here, embracing her inner femme fatale as she sings, “Dance like I can’t be bothered, know it kills you / Bounced back and found another, and he hates you.” Just when the energy peaks, Flo Milli slides in with her signature Dirty South bravado, her laid-back yet cutting delivery adding even more bite. Together, they revel in the thrill of moving on, unapologetic and untouchable. “I move as fast as I can / And I know it fucks you up so hard,” they declare, making it clear they have no regrets.
Tate McRae understands that the pop world moves fast, and she’s making all the right moves to stay ahead. She’s sharpening her sound, refining her image (and looking stunning while doing it), and leaning into what makes her unique. So Close To What isn’t just another album—it’s a declaration that she’s here to stay. With each release, McRae is proving that she’s not just chasing trends—she’s setting them. She’s stepping into her power, embracing the moment, and ensuring her presence is felt. Her mix of undeniable talent, impeccable style, and emotional depth ensures she won’t just be a passing trend—she’s building a legacy. If this album is any indication, McRae is poised to be a dominant force in pop for years to come, and the world is ready for it.
