Tate McRae–the 21-year-old Canadian pop artist–released her highly anticipated third studio album on February 21, 2025, and has quickly gone viral on many social media platforms. So Close To What is comprised of 16 catchy songs that detail the complexities of toxic-relationships and the emotions that come with it.

McRae debuted So Close To What with three hit songs that have all ranked on the Billboard’s Hot 100. “Sports Car” hit No. 21 on the Hot 100; “2 Hands” hit No. 41; and “It’s Ok I’m Ok,” hit No. 20. Additionally, there are features such as Flo Milli titled “bloodonmyhands,” and McRae’s boyfriend, The Kid LAROI, on “I Know Love.”

So Close To What spans forty-three minutes and thirty seconds and showcases the unbelievable talent and versatility of McRae. Most of the songs have an early 2000’’s feel with elements of R&B and pop combined, ultimately highlighting the similarities between McRae and artists like Britney Spears and Rihanna.

However, its not just her vocal abilities that strike these uncanny similarities. McRae–an award-winning dancer–combines insane sensual choreography and a fresh take on sporty bedazzled outfits, solidifying her being the modern-day Britney Spears.

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Although younger audiences are admiring this up-and-coming artist, there are parts on this album that serve McRae as a typical mainstream artist. The lyricism isn’t entirely unique, although it’s without a doubt relatable.

Throughout the album, she unpacks the raw emotions of toxic relationships and how actions speak louder than words. All the while capturing the emotional rollercoaster of unrequited love and the difficulty of leaving the relationship. In “2 hands,” she sings, “They’re just words, they don’t mean much,” which portrays the statement as true. Additionally, in her bonus song, “Siren sounds,” she sings, “I wanna kiss you when I hate you and then leave instead/ I wanna kill you, then I call you and say, “Get in my bed”/ Been a full year now, and we both know that it’s bound to end.”

Tate McRae – Revolving door (Official Video)

As a whole, So Close To What offers an introspection on how relationships can be both nostalgic and bittersweet at times. This album, with absolute certainty, meets fans’ expectations and connects the listeners. Compared to McRae’s first album, i used to think i could fly, it presents the development she has gone through not just as an artist, but as a person. If you desire an album that is catchy, relatable and encapsulates the authenticity of the early 2000’s, give So Close To What a listen.

Ranking of So Close To What Tracks

This list is curated based on originality, creativity, and the overall enjoyment each song delivers.

1. Miss Possessive
2. Dear god
3. Revolving Door
4. Signs
5. Like I do
6. Sports Car
7. Purple lace bra
8. Its ok I’m ok
9. Nostalgia
10. Siren sounds (bonus)
11. Means I care
12. No I’m not in love
13. 2 hands
14. Green light
15. I know love (ft. The Kid LAROI)
16. bloodonmyhands (ft. Flo Milli)