Tate McRae released her third studio album “So Close To What” on Feb. 21 and it did not disappoint. The album is currently number one in the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart, and for good reason. With 15 tracks, four music videos and three bonus tracks it is loaded with new content for fans to enjoy.
The songs “It’s ok i’m ok”, “2 hands” and “Sports car” were all pre released to draw attention to her new album and “It’s ok i’m ok” peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Sports car” is currently at number 16 and “2 hands” is at number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
I have had this album on repeat, so let’s review my top five songs that you might not have had a chance to listen to yet.
Nostalgia:
A calmer song on the album, “Nostalgia” is a retrospective song that tells about the fears of not living enough in the moment and focusing too much on the past and the future. The lyrics, “It’s a truckload of regret and stupid mistakes/ And, man, lately I wake up feelin’ like/ Oh, where does the time go?/ You never really know” convey this relatable message for anyone listening. According to McRae at her Spotify album listening party she got the idea for the song after a conversation with her dad while on her Think Later World Tour last year. “Daddy went to law school and could’ve been an architect/ Now he’s turnin’ sixty and wonders where the big dream went” perfectly captures the common dilemma of “would’ve could’ve should’ve”.
Greenlight:
This upbeat song has a classic Tate McRae sound to it with a consistent beat and nice mix of sounds in the background throughout the whole track. McRae sings about being stuck after a relationship. Even when she thinks she has moved on she still feels held back. The lyrics “I’m still waitin’ at the green light/ Guess I never healed right” and “Maybe it’s a green light, but I can’t go” express this through the metaphor and imagery of sitting at a green light but not being able to hit the gas. The song also focuses on the aspect of trying to almost be a different person in a relationship to live up to expectations. McRae sings, “You know, I tried to be what he thought I was, I wasn’t/ I tried to be everythin’ I thought he wanted /And truthfully, I’m so over but stuck on it” to communicate this constant feeling of striving to be someone else.
Siren Sounds (Bonus Track):
In my opinion “Siren Sounds” radiates 2016 pop in the best possible way with its upbeat and chorus that almost comes rushing into the song. The impactful and strong chorus talks about an experience staying in a relationship that is on the verge of blowing up and one she knows is close to demolition. There is some sort of draw for them living on the edge of disaster. The lyrics, “Oh, one more minute it all burns down/ They’re all telling us to get out/ But you and I, and I/ We’d keep living in a burning house/ Might be crazy to stick this out/ But we cant see all the flames around. You and I, and I/ We’re just dancing to the siren sounds” show exactly the point that this relationship is at.
Dear God:
This song emanates “cool girl” energy and as it sits at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart I know I am not the only one who is obsessed with this song. McRae manages to give the lyrics such power even though she sings them in a light, whispery and even whiny way. The song describes needing to move on and get rid of a relationship so bad that you ask God to get it out of your head. “All the memories, babe, I play ‘em all, I play ‘em all, I play ‘em all, I play ‘em all back/To erase his name, I’d give it all, give it all, give everything that I have”.
Revolving door:
With its own music video and rising popularity, this track seems to be becoming a top song for fans. The heartbeat soundtrack in the background of the song that keeps increasing in frequency until the beat drops helps get the song started off on a high note. The lyrics convey a message similar to that of “Dear God” where someone can’t stay away from a partner in a previous relationship. “Tried to call you/ Off like a bad habit/ But I keep comin’ back like a revolvin’ door/ Say I couldn’t want you less, but I just want you more”. This song keeps coming up on my Spotify like a revolving food and I don’t blame myself as it is at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This album fits in cohesively with the rest of McRaes work and continues to build her “it girl” persona. I think that this album also really helped set her off on a trajectory toward major stardom similar to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo in previous years. At only 21 years old there is hopefully a lot more music coming our way from McRae, and for now you can see her in Chicago on August 15th and October 21st during her upcoming “Miss Possessive” Tour.
