Tate McRae unveiled her third studio album, “So Close to What,” released on Feb. 21. This latest work showcases McRae’s evolution as an artist, blending early 2000s pop influences with other sounds.
The album has been met with commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking McRae’s first chart-topping album. The lead single, “It’s Okay, I’m OK,” has also made an impact, peaking at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 14 on the UK Singles Chart.
Each song on “So Close to What” is relatable and catchy. There are more laid-back tracks like “Dear God” and “Stay Done” where McRae opens up about feeling unsure and growing up, while songs like “Run for the Hills” and “Miss Possessive” bring those fun, high energy vibes. The lyrics in “Hurt My Feelings” and “We’re Not Alike” dive into the messy side of relationships in a way that feels real. Overall, the album mixes deep emotions with upbeat tunes in a way that makes individuals feel like every track is speaking directly to their own experiences.
“I love her new album so much. It’s one of my favorite albums I’ve listened to. I think that it’s really, really, good. I think the fact that she added bonus songs was super good, ‘Siren Sounds’ was going viral on TikTok and then, she made it a song and I love it. I’m obsessed with it,” junior Hallie Brennan said.
In support of the album, McRae delivered notable performances on platforms like “Saturday Night Live,” where she performed tracks such as “Sports Car” and “Dear God.” Additionally, she has announced the “Miss Possessive Tour,” which is set to travel in North America and Europe throughout 2025.
“I’ve seen [McRae] before in concert and it was in Philly, and it was super, super good. It took her awhile to come out, but other than that, it was really good. Probably one of the best nights of my life. Her stage presence is really good too,” Brennan said. “Her dancing is so good. She lip sings a little bit because she kind of focuses on the dancing while she’s performing, but it’s fine, because other people in the audience scream, like me, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Critical reception of “So Close to What” has been mixed. While some reviewers commend McRae’s exploration of new sounds and attempt to create a unique identity, others feel the album lacks originality, drawing too heavily from past pop icons. Pitchfork noted that the album “feels like an unoriginal rehash of more successful pop precedents,” suggesting that McRae’s artistic voice is still developing.
“I think it’s really good…It’s probably one of my top five favorite albums. I would say ‘Miss Possessive’ or ‘Revolving Door’ are my favorite songs. I’m not going to the Miss Possessive Tour, but I really want to see her. I think it would be really fun,” junior Lily Friberg said.
Despite these critiques, McRae’s dedication to her music and willingness to experiment with different styles are evident throughout the album. As she continues to grow as an artist, “So Close to What” represents a significant step in her musical journey, reflecting both her strengths and areas for future growth.
