Tate McRae's 'So Close To What': A Nostalgic Dive into Club-Pop

Explore Tate McRae's latest album 'So Close To What,' a blend of nostalgic club-pop and modern beats that showcases her evolving artistry.

A Touch of Nostalgia

Tate McRae was just a toddler when the Pussycat Dolls dropped their iconic hit ‘Buttons,’ but that nostalgic vibe fits the now 21-year-old like a glove. After just one listen to her latest single ‘Sports Car,’ it’s clear why fans are pairing it with ‘Buttons’ in mash-ups. Much like Nicole Scherzinger’s crew, the Canadian artist boasts killer dance moves and an undeniable flair for sultry, self-confident club pop. This style is central to her third album, So Close To What, which hones the rhythmic pop-R&B sound we got a taste of in her second album, Think Later, but adds a shiny synth layer that elevates it.

A Fresh Club Sound

On So Close To What, Tate’s team of producers, including OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder and Kylie Minogue collaborator Lostboy, conjure fresh, dancefloor-ready beats that give a nod to those glossy floor fillers from the flip phone era. The slinky track ‘Miss Possessive’ takes us back with hints of Ciara and the Pussycat Dolls, while tunes like ‘I Know Love’ and ‘Means I Care’ channel the dancehall sass reminiscent of early Rihanna. One standout, ‘Revolving Door,’ serves as a swirling rave ballad that explores the tumult of a toxic relationship, echoing the more experimental tracks found on Britney Spears’ 2003 album, In The Zone.

Lyrics That Stick Out

Despite the top-notch production, some lyrics feel a bit clunky, causing them to stand out awkwardly. For instance, the sleek flow of ‘Signs’ hits a bump when McRae sings,

“I know you’re intelligent, just no rocket scientist.”

Additionally, she has shared that the album’s country-tinged closer ‘Nostalgia’ reflects on trying to “follow our true passions” and “be present in the moment.” While that’s a great sentiment, it kicks off with a line that doesn’t quite evoke the emotion intended:

“Daddy went to law school and could have been an architect / Now he’s turning 60 and wonders where the big dream went.”

Let's face it, middle-class regret rarely hits hard in a pop song.

Shining Moments in Pop

Fortunately, these missteps are overshadowed by moments where McRae truly shines, bringing a sharper lyrical edge than we’ve seen in the past. ‘2 Hands’ cleverly combines a sense of urgency with a cheeky twist:

“We don’t gotta live out of hotels / We could do it in my room all day.”

Meanwhile, ‘Like I Do’ tells a story of female jealousy reminiscent of a Gen Z take on All About Eve, culminating in a dramatic spoken word piece where McRae confesses:

“I can’t tell if you wanna kill me or if you wanna kiss me.”

The wistful track ‘Greenlight’ captures the emotional nuances of moving on from a painful relationship, with McRae singing,

“I can’t unhear shit I’ve been told / Guess I never healed right,”

all set to deceptively light beats.

Album Details

• Record Label: RCA
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

Conclusion

In summary, So Close To What presents a rock-solid collection of bops that gives Tate McRae the space to grow artistically. While she excels in sultry and self-assured moments, this album reveals that she has so many more colors to explore in her musical palette.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What genre is 'So Close To What'? The album blends pop and R&B with nostalgic club influences.
• Who produced the album? Notable producers include Ryan Tedder and Lostboy.
• When was 'So Close To What' released? The album was released on February 21, 2025.
• What are some standout tracks on the album? Highlights include ‘Miss Possessive,’ ‘I Know Love,’ and ‘Greenlight.’
• How does this album compare to her previous work? It refines her sound with a more synth-driven approach while showcasing her lyrical growth.

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