By Alexandra Oliveira – Staff Reporter

Tate McRae released her third studio album, “So Close To What,” in February. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. There are 15 songs on the album and the lead single “It’s OK I’m OK” debuted at #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, which was a new high for McRae at the time. The album consists of both upbeat songs like “Miss Possessive” and “Revolving Door” as well as slower songs like “Nostolgia”. The album has a variety of songs which makes it easy for anyone to resonate with them.

“So Close To What” explores themes of self-discovery and love from a more mature perspective. It’s an upbeat dance-pop record that shows the complexities of growing up, relationships, and finding one’s identity. While the album has fun beats it also contains vulnerable lyrics about love, jealousy, and navigating fame. The album title, as McRae explained, captures the feeling of driving without a clear destination, representing the constant pursuit of purpose in her career and life. There are three music videos for songs on the album including “Revolving Door”, “Sports Car”, and “2 Hands”. The album marks a transition from her earlier work, balancing her deep lyrics with a more pop sound.

McRae’s song, “Siren Sounds” is about being in a toxic, self-destructive relationship that everyone can see is failing, but the couple chooses to stay together, “dancing to the siren sounds” of the chaos. The song uses the metaphor “burning house” to represent their relationship, and the title refers to the “siren song”- an alluring but dangerous call that pulls them in despite the danger.

McRae’s song, “Revolving Door” uses the metaphor of a revolving door to describe the longing and frustration of a toxic, back-and-forth relationship. A powerful line from the song is “I keep coming back like a revolving door / Say I couldn’t want you less, but I just want you more”.

With the many popular female pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams McRae did an amazing job finding her own style. The only weak point is that since the songs are so popular like “Sports Car” they are played everywhere which could get boring. Overall the album has catchy lyrics and fun beats that make listeners want to get up and dance. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars