Is Tate McRae’s new album worth the while?
On Feb. 21, Tate McRae released her third studio album titled “So Close to What.” The genre of her new album is pop and contemporary R&B. It was preceded by her single “It’s ok I’m ok,” which hit number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 back in Sept. This sparked her career and led to her new album.
Miss possessive: 7/10
“Miss possessive” was a good first track to kick off McRae’s new album and era. Sydney Sweeney’s voice makes an appearance in the intro with the words “No seriously, get your hands off my man.” This song has a good repeating beat that works well with Tate McRae’s voice. This song perfectly captures what it’s like to be possessive over a guy.
2 Hands: `6/10
“2 Hands” is a very up-beat song with lyrics about keeping physical contact with your lover. This song’s theme is about how crazy love can make you. This song sticks out as the most pop-like song on the album.
Revolving door: 8/10
“Revolving door” is a perfect song to represent McRae’s music style. This song is contemporary R&B and showcases McRae’s angelic vocal abilities. The song is about a guy you keep bringing back into your life because you still want him.
Bloodonmyhands (FT. Flo Milli): 5/10
“Bloodonmyhands” features rapper Flo Milli for a contemporary rap song. However, this song has a recurring beat that gets lost among the other songs in the album.
Dear god: 6/10
“Dear god” is a R&B song centered mostly on the lyrics rather than the beat. The chorus has a good beat but it gets lost in the verses. It’s a good song to vibe to but it isn’t as memorable as the other songs.
Purple lace bra: 9/10
“Purple lace bra” is perfection when it comes to a good vibe. This song stands out as the most rhythmic and angelic song on the album. The beat hits hard and doesn’t fade in the verses. The chorus shows McRae’s talent in her range.
Sports car: 9/10
“Sports car” is a hot song for hot times. The beat is memorable and sticks out in the album. The lyrics hit hard and go well when the beat drops. When listening to McRae’s album this song is a must. Emerson Voshell ‘25 said, “My favorite song is definitely sports car. I love the pre chorus into the whisper chorus, I think it’s really fun and different.”
Signs: 5/10
“Signs” is a pretty song but the beat gets lost. The lyrics are hard to understand and the chorus is plain compared to other songs on this album.
I know I love (Ft. The Kid LAROI): 8/10
“I know I love” features McRae’s boyfriend The Kid LAROI. This song sounds like a classic Tate McRae song in her normal style. McRae’s vocals mash well with The Kid LAROI’s. This song is a good feel for when you’re in love.
Like I do: 7/10
“Like I do” has really good vibes and vocals. The lyrics are presented well with the beat. While this song isn’t as unique as others, it’s a good song that is worth listening to.
It’s ok I’m ok: 8/10
“It’s ok I’m ok” started this album and serves as a classic pop song. The best part of the song is the verses. Darby Mussehl ‘26 said, “When the song first came out in September I thought it was really good and up beat. I really like Tate McRae’s style of music and I liked this album too.”
No I’m not in love: 5/10
“No I’m not in love” has a unique beat but it gets repetitive. This song repeats the words “I’m not in love” about 30 times. At least the point gets across to the listener.
Means I care: 6/10
“Means I care” is a slower, more R&B style song. The lyrics are more heartfelt compared to other songs. However, the song is not memorable when it comes to “So Close to What.”
Greenlight: 5/10
“Greenlight” is a song with a slow rhythmic beat throughout the song. While pretty, this song loses its uniqueness in the verses.
Nostalgia: 7/10
“Nostalgia” is a unique song in the album for having a country-like feel. Instead of an electric beat this song has a guitar in the background. The lyrics fit well with the vocals and background instruments.
Siren Sounds: 6/10 (Bonus Song):
“Siren Sounds” sounds like a classic contemporary pop song. The verses sound really unique but the chorus doesn’t stick out and the lyrics are hard to understand.
In all, there are some really good hits on this album. “So Close to What” is the perfect thing to listen to for people in love or wanting love. Tate McRae put a lot of effort into creating this album and it paid off.
