Tate McRae has struck again with the release of her third album, “So Close to What.” What started as silly little singing videos on YouTube has become a media sensation. McRae is climbing her way to the top of the music industry, slowly earning the title of “our generation’s Britney Spears.”
McRae has been releasing music for eight years, starting with the release of her first single, “One Day,” in 2017, followed by her debut album, “i used to think i could fly,” in 2022. 2024 has proven to be a breakthrough year for the pop queen.
McRae began promoting “So Close to What” in 2024 by releasing three singles: “It’s Ok, I’m Ok” on Sept. 12, 2024, “2 Hands” on Nov. 14, 2025, and “Sports Car” on Jan. 24, 2025. These tracks gained traction following McRae’s popular tours and high-profile relationship with popular artist The Kid Laroi that began in 2024.
The couple first sparked dating rumors after being spotted together and holding hands multiple times. LAROI gave fans the confirmation they were waiting for during one of his The First Time tour stops. Since then, the cute couple moments have not stopped and their relationship has gained lots of support online.
All three songs reached the Billboard 100 Chart. “It’s Ok, I’m Ok” reached No. 20, “2 Hands” reached No. 41, and “Sports Car” reached No. 21.
“So Close to What” dropped on Feb. 21 and is already making waves on the charts. Just how close to success are these tracks?
The album consists of 16 tracks, blending early 2000s nostalgic pop with modern production. Lyrically, McRae touches on themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery and emotional contradictions. Each song delivers a unique experience, mixing sultry, upbeat bangers and slower ballads.
‘Miss Possessive’
This song sets the tone for the album with its take on jealousy and control in a relationship. McRae portrays herself as a protective and assertive girlfriend, calling out another woman who she believes is overstepping boundaries with her partner. The lyrics are direct, balancing playful sass and genuine frustration with the situation.
Although the narrative is strong and the song can seem empowering, some may not resonate with the possessive theme.
With percussion, layered vocal ad-libs, and a catchy chorus, the song has a slight Y2K pop influence, reminiscent of early Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. It has become modernized with its crisp production.
‘Revolving Door’
This track explores the frustration of a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship. The lyrics describe the exhausting cycle of breaking up and getting back together. McRae quite literally refers to herself as a revolving door because she keeps going back. She sings about the emotional fatigue of being stuck in a loop, unsure whether to stay or finally walk away for good.
This song has already become a fan favorite, as its theme is, unfortunately, very relatable to many young women, McRae’s primary audience.
The production mimics this repetition by using echoing vocal effects and a cyclical beat. The chorus layers vocals, giving it a desperate, almost pleading tone.
‘bloodonmyhands (feat. Flo Milli)’
As one of the album’s boldest tracks, this song displays confidence and rebellion. The lyrics play with the idea of taking control and not feeling guilty about it, whether it’s in a relationship, career or personal choices.
Flo Milli’s verse adds an extra layer of attitude, providing a sharp contrast to McRae’s breathy delivery. McRae has had limited rap verses incorporated into her work, so this song was a step out of her comfort zone. The verse flowed well, and McRae was able to keep her vibe in the song as well.
‘Dear God’
In this track, McRae questions her purpose and struggles with self-doubt. She reflects on loneliness, the pressures of success and the search for meaning in a relationship. She explains the desire to get memories of a past partner out of her mind, especially when the memories were good, yet the partner was a bad person.
Throughout the song, she plays with the idea of praying to God, asking to erase her memories and stop missing someone who is not worth her time.
As the song progresses, subtle harmonies and atmospheric elements build up, creating a powerful emotional crescendo toward the end.
‘Purple Lace Bra’
This song’s underlying meaning is quite upsetting as it reflects the reality of being a woman and being sexualized. McRae expressed to Rolling Stone that “Sometimes, as a girl, there’s a lot of opinions about how you dress, how you act, how you walk into a room.”
The song touches upon this theme as McRae questions why a partner only listens to her when she is undressed or sexualizing herself.
‘Sports Car’
This metaphor-driven track demonstrates a fast-paced romance. The song follows McRae’s reluctance to commit to a romantic relationship, using vehicular language to convey her wish to live her romantic life on the edge of sexuality.
The production is upbeat and high-energy, with pulsating synths, electronic beats and a bass-driven chorus that makes it feel like a late-night drive anthem. McRae’s theme of reckless love strikes again.
‘Signs’
This dreamy song explores the confusion of mixed signals in a relationship. The lyrics capture the emotional toll of uncertainty, questioning whether to trust feelings or walk away. McRae explains that her partner should see all the signs she gives and understand how to read her mind, which is unrealistic yet a common theme in many relationships.
McRae’s airy vocals create an almost hypnotic effect, blending soft synths and echo, making it one of the more ethereal tracks on the album.
‘I Know Love (feat. The Kid LAROI)’
McRae’s boyfriend, popular artist The Kid LAROI, created this duet, which reflects love’s highs and lows. The lyrics depict the push-and-pull dynamic of relationships, specifically one that stems from a friendship.
Fans have anticipated a duet ever since the pair sang together publicly for the very first time together during one of McRae’s Think Later Tour shows in Madison Square Garden. The two sang an acoustic version of LAROI’s 2021 hit, “Without You.” Fans are very happy to have finally gotten a duet, as the two’s voices flow together extremely nicely.
“It was a really funny process, because me and Laroi have never really, like, taken each other seriously,” McRae said, per Billboard. “You know when you’re in a relationship and you sing around each other, but you don’t really, like, sing? So it was a little stressful being in the studio singing and writing in front of him, but it was a cool experience to watch him in his process.”
‘Like I Do’
This emotionally charged song references feelings misunderstood in a relationship. It explains how it feels not to be seen by a partner. The chorus features frustration and an intense instrumental build.
The song distinguishes itself from others on the album as it is more repetitive.
‘It’s ok I’m ok’
This upbeat song talks about masking pain with confidence. The lyrics contrast vulnerability with an “I’m fine” facade, making it a relatable track. McRae highlights a relationship that ended, and someone new is going after her past partner. She repeats that she is okay with it, yet there is room to say she may not be okay with it after all.
The production features energetic pop beats that contrast with its deeper lyrical themes, much like Ariana Grande’s signature mix of danceable yet emotional pop. Before rising to fame as a pop star, McRae began her journey as a dancer at just six years old, making this song resonate with her dancer roots. The accompanying choreography quickly became a trend on social media.
‘No I’m Not in Love’
This song is a playful, ironic take on emotional denial. Its upbeat tempo and sassy lyrics create a lighthearted contrast to its underlying theme of self-deception. Through sarcastic phrasing and rhetorical questions, McRae captures the universal experience of denying feelings for someone when they’re obvious to everyone (including herself).
This approach makes the track relatable, especially for those who have ever tried to downplay their emotions despite clear signs of attachment. While the song is undeniably catchy, it lacks the emotional depth of McRae’s more introspective tracks. However, that seems intentional, as the charm of the song lies in its playful self-deception rather than raw vulnerability.
‘Means I Care’
McRae explores the idea that love is expressed through actions rather than words. However, she states that if she cuts her partner off or leads them on, it just means she cares. Some may see this as contradictory. Yet, many relationships nowadays deal with these issues.
The lyrics focus on unconventional expressions of love, challenging the traditional idea that feelings must always be verbalized. While it may not be as immediately catchy as her more upbeat songs, its emotional resonance ensures a lasting impact.
‘Greenlight’
This track highlights waiting for someone to finally give you the go-ahead to love them and express your feelings. The song perfectly encapsulates the frustration and longing that come with being stuck in limbo, waiting for someone else’s decision. The lyrics paint a picture of impatience and vulnerability. This theme of waiting on edge, desperate for a signal, is something many listeners can relate to.
The song was leaked before its official release, fueling anticipation among fans. However, it was released with more bass and musical layers. Despite this, the song maintained its impact, proving its infectious energy.
‘2 Hands’
This track leans into seduction and physical intimacy, both lyrically and sonically. The lyrics suggest a sense of desire, reflecting the intoxicating nature of deep attraction. To capture the tension of wanting someone both emotionally and physically, McRae uses sensual imagery.
The production mirrors the push-and-pull of temptation with deep basslines and a hypnotic rhythm. McRae’s breathy vocals are a standout factor in this song, adding to its sultry tone.This makes the song lyrically less complex than her other tracks, as it relies more on the song’s sound and the mood it creates.
‘Siren Sounds’
This track was leaked on Dec. 25, 2024, and has had nonstop buzz surrounding it ever since. Fans have been anticipating this emotional track that captures the chaos and destruction of a relationship that is spiraling out of control. The song uses the metaphor of sirens, typically associated with danger, warning and urgency, to symbolize the red flags and emotional alarms that McRae ignored until it was too late.
The production likely leans into a moody soundscape, with echoing synths, distant siren-like effects and a slow-building intensity. McRae starts soft, almost hesitant, before escalating into a more desperate, powerful chorus.
‘Nostalgia’
To close the album, McRae used a slow song. This melancholic ending reflects on past love and personal growth. McRae expresses how she looks back at the good times, the moments that once felt perfect but now exist only as memories. Musically, “Nostalgia” features a soft production that mirrors the lyrics and her vocals are tender.
With “So Close to What,” McRae has solidified her place as a rising star in the music industry. As she climbs higher in her career, it’s clear that her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment will keep her on the radar for years to come. This album is just the beginning of her journey.