Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer Tate McRae released her third studio album So Close To What, Feb. 21. Consisting of 15 tracks, the album explores the many difficulties in relationships like lack of attention, imbalance, and poor communication.
McRae rose to fame after appearing on So You Think You Can Dance at 13, but her singing-songwriting career launched when she released her hit song “One Day,” in 2017. Although McRae’s music style is catchy, her commitment to the same sound across her discography makes the album repetitive.
Her first single of the album, “2 hands,” starts with a clip of her iconic baby voice before fading away and echoing throughout the rest of the song. She dives into the idea that relationships don’t need big gestures or excessive gifts, but physical touch. “You ain’t gonna win with the jewelry,” and “I want your two hands, don’t ever let me go.” This song has catchy and easy-to-remember lyrics because of the repetitive factor and is very on theme for her music.
A symphonic beat starts off the sixth track “Purple lace bra.” There is a noticeable difference in the electro-pop beat and in the lyrics, expressing how the media doesn’t listen and can twist your words, “Would you hear me more if I whispered in your ear?” This song was also a clapback on the criticism she received on her hit single “It’s ok I’m ok” because of the purple lace bra she was wearing in the official music video. “Purple lace bra” is a standout on the album because of the electric chorus, giving the album variety.
The ninth track “I know love” (feat. The Kid LAROI) features her current boyfriend and hints at their relationship dynamic, “We started off friends, how we end here?” The blend of McRae and The Kid LAROI’s contrasting vocals creates a smooth pop song, which gives the song more dimension, and leaves fans eager for a future feature.
The last song, track 15 “Nostalgia” is a slower-paced sappy song compared to the rest of the upbeat and electric album. In this song McRae expresses how people dwell on the past, hence the name. “Now he’s turned sixty and wonders where the big dream went,” “Where’s the time go? You never really know.” The calming chorus is breathtaking but the rest of the song doesn’t quite live up to it.
So Close To What is similar to McRae’s earlier album THINK LATER while still showing her vocal growth and maturity. Her alter ego “Tatiana,” a feisty version of herself made multiple appearances in this album as mentioned in previous interviews, elevating her electric style. Her music is reminiscent of the 2000s pop era, although this album lacked stylistic variety, earning it a four out of five feathers.
